How to find the perfect preowned engagement ring

November 25, 2021

Planning the perfect proposal is a time filled with love and romance, but, for many of us, it’s also a time blurred by unrivalled stress.

As well as deciding on the right time and setting, we’re also faced with other palm-sweating obstacles, like will they say yes (of course they will), and, more importantly, what ring to buy?

Well, take it from us, there’s no need to worry. If you’re here reading our post, you’re clearly someone who takes the time to make the right decisions.

And with that in mind, let us share with you how to find the perfect preowned engagement ring for your partner.

Why should you buy a preowned engagement ring?

As well as saving some cash to put towards your big day, a preowned engagement ring is an excellent opportunity to choose something truly unique for your partner.

Unlike a jewellery store that mainly stocks your typical modern rings, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a range of styles from vintage and mid-century, through to retro and art deco.

Of course, our stores across Sussex also stock every type of traditional engagement ring, but it’s nice to explore all your options before making that big decision, right?

How much should you spend on an engagement ring?

Traditionally, most brides or husbands-to-be will spend roughly three months’ salary on their partner’s engagement ring, which, according to the National Wedding Survey, equates to a nationwide average spend of £2,419.

If you want our advice, we suggest you set a budget that feels right for you. And remember, there’s potentially a lot more expense to follow once your partner says yes, so it’s best not to blow your bank balance just yet!

What are the four Cs?

Established in the 1940s, the four Cs – cut, colour, clarity and carat – are globally accepted standards for assessing the quality of a diamond.

Here’s a rundown on what each C means:

Cut – often confused as the shape, the cut focuses on the diamond’s proportions, symmetry and polish.

Colour – measures the rarity and purity of a diamond by its lack of colour. The clearer the diamond, the higher the price tag.

Clarity – checks for any markings or inclusions that devalue the diamond.

Carat – measure of the diamond’s weight, not necessarily its size.

What’s the best diamond shape for an engagement ring?

There is no correct answer here – choose what you like, or, more specifically, what your partner will like.

That’s easy for us to say, right? How on earth are you supposed to know what your partner might prefer?

Well, you could start by studying the shape and design of jewellery they already own, or, failing that, you could ask a BFF or a family member for their advice (as long as they can keep a secret, of course).

If your covert efforts still leave you a little unsure, you can always explore your options with one of our pawnbrokers. We’d be glad to help in any way we can.

What are the different types of diamond shapes for engagement rings?

Diamond cut styles with names: radiant, heart, princess, cushion, asscher, round, pear, emerald, oval, marquise

Round Brilliant cut

Accounting for over 50% of all diamond purchases, the Round Brilliant offers optimum reflection and refraction of light with 58 perfectly cut facets.

Princess cut

Also known as Square cut, the Princess diamond is usually cut with 57 facets, providing bucketloads of sparkle for your big day.

Emerald cut

Originally used for gemstones, the Emerald cut is the perfect way to showcase the clarity and purity of a stone.

Marquise cut

Commissioned in the 1700s by Louis XIV, the Marquise is a variation of the Round Brilliant cut, featuring two pointed ends at the top and bottom of the stone.

Pear Shape cut

Featuring 56 to 58 facets, the Pear Shape (or Teardrop) cut is typically shallower than a Brilliant Round or Princess Cut, which means you’ll get bigger measurements for your money.

Asscher cut

Developed by Joseph Asscher in 1902, Asscher cut diamonds feature a distinctive facet structure that sparkled to fame during the art deco era.

Oval cut

The Oval cut is an elongated version of the Brilliant cut family, offering a generous spread of style and sparkle with its 58 beautifully cut facets.

Cushion cut

Resembling the shape of a pillow, the Cushion cut diamond’s 58 facets and rounded corners have made it a popular engagement ring choice for many lovestruck proposers.

Heart Shape cut

Simply put, what could better say ‘love’ than a heart-shaped diamond engagement ring? You could say it’s the ultimate gesture of devotion.

Should you take out insurance for a preowned engagement ring?

Okay, so it might not be the most romantic topic to discuss once you decide to get hitched, but getting your engagement ring insured is a wise move in case the worst should happen.

Depending on the cost of your jewellery, most home insurance policies will cover losses up to the value of £2,000 per item.

However, it might be the case you need to set up a ‘personal possessions’ add-on to your policy which covers any losses outside of your home. This is usually a one-off fee of around £30 a year.

It’s also advisable to have your ring valued every three years and update your insurer with any value change.