"Are you looking for a gemstone or diamond?"

This is the Lei è Engagement Ring Journal.

Discover how to maximise your budget, decode the diamond industry, and ensure a smooth consultation experience.

Bespoke Consultation Series,
…what you’ll need know at each stage.

Here is the roadmap;

1. Are you looking for a gemstone or diamond?

2. What type of stone are you after?

3. What colour gemstone or diamond?

4. What cut (shape) for the stone?

5. What design style are you interested in?

6. What is your budget range?

QUESTION ONE

“Are you looking for a gemstone or diamond?”

This question kick starts the entire journey. Well, after, ‘do you want a drink?' Where did you drive from today… are you ok with dogs?’, (after Valentina, our Vizsla puppy greets you at the front door).

Do we NEED this to be certain at this stage? Absolutely not. And often, we end up with a completely different choice. However, it’s our best jumping off point. 

The reason why ‘budget’ comes last in this series of questions, is because we don’t like the idea that this should act as any sort of limitation on your perfect ring. What do you really want? That is the best starting point.

So the guidance for this question, ‘are you looking for a gemstone or diamond’, will usually take you down two paths, armed with this directive:

a) You are looking for unique colour hues and colour zoning (such as two colours in the one stone) therefore you are looking for a coloured gemstone.

b) Prestige and tradition of a diamond.

We will also layer on several other reasons to choose one over the other, however this will be the basis for most.

Coloured stones should not be considered a downgrade or a ‘what I can afford’ option. Coloured gemstones provide very specific, unique characteristics that can not be replicated by diamonds.

Gemstones have an amazing broad range of colours and bi-colours to offer. Sapphires and rubies also proudly boast a MOHs hardness of 9 (out of 10), so the durability is very close to a diamond. 

There is often a strong degree of sentimentality when opting for a particular gemstone. It may represent a moment you both share or have generational relevance - such as a gemstone that has been historically used in your family or heritage.

I was maybe a bit too dismissive of budget earlier. It is a significant factor, as diamonds will fetch a far higher cost. However, there are several tactics and approaches that can lengthen your budget to suit a diamond choice. So don’t be derailed early. We can start with a diamond if this was your preference and pivot to the wonderful world of coloured gemstones OR, lab grown (must read our lab grown post here) if needed.

When I say ‘tactics’ to employ, this is in relation to how we approach the design. We will design a piece that you’d never envision you’d be able to sneak into your budget. More on this later. The point being, get out of the mentality of ‘this is all I can afford’. Within every budget, there is a dream-team of diamonds and gemstones that can create your perfect engagment ring.

HOMEWORK

1. Establish if you’re going the traditional diamond route - or something unique and individualistic.

2. Bring up the conversation about Lab Grown Diamonds and gauge their response. Something along the lines of; “Have you seen what they make Lab Grown Diamonds in!? Crazy… Have a look.” This should spark some debate, which will give you a good idea.

Next post, will be tackling;

What type of stone are you after?