Looking for an engagement ring? Here is some timely advice from Diamond Guild chairman Michael Neuman of Mondial Neuman Pink Diamond Atelier which may help you on your way….

“Remember that shopping for your engagement ring should be an enjoyable experience, so try not to let the significance, cost or abundance of choice overwhelm you. This is a special moment in your lives, so take the opportunity to make the most of it and enjoy this once in a lifetime event!

Some people will be shopping for a ring to surprise their partner while others will be looking to choose a ring as a couple. Whichever way, it is important to set a budget which you both feel comfortable with. A good tip, if you’re both involved, is to try to be on the same page before you begin, this allows you to focus on the exciting part of choosing the perfect ring to express the love you share.

The most important point to remember is that the ring is about you…. your style, who you are and where you are in life. Just as your love story is unique, let the ring you choose be something you love on your finger and makes you smile every time you look at it.If you select your ring based on this you will be sure to have made the right choice!

The choice of diamond - the size, shape, colour and clarity should flow from the above, not be the starting point. Find an experienced jeweller you feel comfortable with and they will be more than happy and able to guide you through the process and steer you in the right direction as to the diamond characteristics most suitable for you.

Currently engagement ring design is definitely reflecting a trend towards greater personal expression. While the classic Round Brilliant cut is still the most popular choice, many more couples are choosing “fancy” shapes such as Oval, Pear and Emerald cut, and to a lesser extent, Marquise. We have seen growing interest in Oval diamonds as an alternative to round. Popular styles are the “Solitaire” (a single diamond on its own) and “Halo” (a main diamond is surrounded by a frame of smaller diamonds). These two styles focusing on a single, central diamond represent at least 75-80% of engagements rings sold today, while 3-stone designs would be the next most popular option.

Though the white metals - Platinum and White Gold -have reigned supreme over the past 15 years or so, we are seeing a renewed interest in the warmer tones of Rose and Yellow gold. Rose gold in particular has been a popular choice in recent years and we see no indication of that trend slowing. More people however are also choosing to embellish their rings with some fine engraving, etching or personal motifs to further enhance its unique style.

While pink diamonds are eternally popular, there is a growing interest in other natural coloured diamonds such as yellow, blue and the champagne and cognac hues. Whether these are used as accent stones to highlight a main diamond, or as the centre stone of an engagement ring, really depends on the personal taste and price point. With the imminent closure of the Australian Argyle mine which produces almost all of the world’s pink diamonds, it is apparent that couples are increasingly wanting to have rings featuring Argyle diamonds – pink, white, blue or other – to create something unique but also because of the “time capsule” nature and Australian origin of these gems.

A sure trend is that couples are wanting to know the story behind where their diamonds come from - the provenance of the gems which are going into their special ring. They also like to know that they are natural, sustainable and ethically sourced.”