So, you’re ready to propose—congratulations!
But now comes the tricky part: choosing the perfect proposal ring.
With so many options, it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of diamond cuts, settings, and budgets. Don’t worry—this guide will break down everything you need to know in a quick, no-nonsense way so you can make a confident choice without second-guessing yourself.
Understanding the 4Cs of Diamonds
First, you must know about the 4Cs (Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity), which determine a diamond’s beauty and value. Here’s a quick overview:
1. Carat (Size & Weight)
Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. A larger carat doesn’t always mean a better diamond—cut quality affects sparkle more than size.
📌 Tip: If budget is a concern, consider a slightly lower carat (e.g., 0.9ct instead of 1.0ct) for better value.
2. Cut (The Sparkle Factor)
The cut determines how well the diamond reflects light. A well-cut diamond will sparkle more, even if it has a lower carat size.
3. Color (Whiteness of the Diamond)
Diamonds are graded from D (colorless) to Z (yellow/brownish tint). Colorless diamonds are the most valuable.
📌 Tip: G-H diamonds offer near-colorless brilliance at a better price than D-F.
4. Clarity (Flawlessness)
Clarity measures internal (inclusions) and external (blemishes) imperfections. The fewer the imperfections, the rarer the diamond.
📌 Best Value: VS1-VS2 clarity has minimal flaws that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
Choosing the Right Diamond cut
Diamond cut is in my opinion, the most important facctor of a diamond since it affects style and sparkle.
Its like the idea of a Japanese product, if its not delicate and worksmanship is not good, no matter how big it is, it is only going to reveal its flaw.
So, if budget allows, always go for the better cut than the bigger carat.
Here’s a quick comparison of four stunning options:
Princess Cut: Sharp & Modern
💎 Shape: Square with sharp edges
✨ Best For: A sleek, contemporary look
📌 Pairs Well With: Solitaire or halo settings
Marquise Cut: Elegant & Unique
💎 Shape: Elongated with pointed ends
✨ Best For: Making fingers look longer and more elegant
📌 Pairs Well With: Vintage-inspired designs
Read a detailed breakdown of Princess vs. Marquise Cuts here.
Cushion Cut: Soft & Romantic
💎 Shape: Square with rounded corners
✨ Best For: A timeless, vintage appeal
📌 Pairs Well With: Halo settings for extra sparkle
Radiant Cut: Brilliant & Bold
💎 Shape: Rectangular with dazzling facets
✨ Best For: Maximum sparkle with a structured look
📌 Pairs Well With: Classic or modern settings
Learn more about Cushion vs. Radiant Cuts here.
3. Picking the Right Metal for the Band
The metal you choose for the ring band affects its durability, maintenance, and overall aesthetic.
- Platinum is the most durable and naturally hypoallergenic, making it ideal for everyday wear. It doesn’t tarnish but is more expensive than other metals.
- White gold offers a sleek and modern look similar to platinum but at a lower price. However, it requires periodic rhodium plating to maintain its shine.
- Yellow gold has a warm, classic appearance and works beautifully with vintage-style rings. It doesn’t require plating, but it is softer and more prone to scratches.
- Rose gold is a romantic and trendy choice with a soft pink hue. It’s durable but contains copper, which may not be suitable for those with skin sensitivities.
📌 Pro Tip: If your partner wears silver jewelry, opt for platinum or white gold. If they prefer warmer tones, yellow or rose gold is a better match.
📷 Image suggestion: Different metal bands displayed side by side for comparison.
4. Understanding Ring Settings
The ring setting plays a crucial role in how the diamond is presented and secured.
- Solitaire settings are timeless and feature a single diamond, letting the stone take center stage. This is a great choice for those who love classic and elegant designs.
- Halo settings surround the center diamond with smaller stones, making the main diamond appear larger and more brilliant. It’s a great way to maximize sparkle.
- Pavé settings have tiny diamonds set along the band, adding extra shimmer. This setting works well for those who love glamorous and eye-catching jewelry.
- Three-stone settings feature a main diamond with two smaller side stones, symbolizing the past, present, and future of your relationship.
📌 Pro Tip: A halo setting can make a smaller diamond look bigger without significantly increasing the price.
📷 Image suggestion: Various ring settings to showcase their differences.
5. Setting a Budget
Forget the outdated “three-month salary rule”—your budget should reflect what makes sense for you. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Prioritize cut over carat size. A smaller, well-cut diamond will look more brilliant than a larger, poorly cut one.
- Opt for near-colorless diamonds in the G-H range. These diamonds look almost identical to colorless ones but cost significantly less.
- Consider VS1-VS2 clarity. These diamonds have minor imperfections that are invisible to the naked eye, offering a good balance between quality and price.
- Think about a halo setting. Adding smaller diamonds around the center stone enhances its size and sparkle without the high cost of a larger diamond.
📌 Pro Tip: If you want a bigger-looking diamond on a budget, a radiant or oval cut can give the illusion of more carat weight.
6. Deciding Where to Buy in Singapore
Finding the perfect proposal ring in Singapore comes down to choosing between traditional brick-and-mortar stores and online jewelers. Each has its own advantages, so it depends on what matters most to you—seeing the ring in person or having a wider selection at a better price.
Buying from Physical Stores
If you want to inspect the diamond before purchasing, visiting a physical jeweler is the best option. Singapore has a variety of well-known jewelry brands and independent boutiques where you can get expert guidance and personalized service.
- Luxury Brands: If you’re looking for high-end names like Tiffany & Co. or Cartier, Orchard Road and Marina Bay Sands house some of the most prestigious jewelry stores in the city. These brands are known for exceptional craftsmanship but come with premium pricing.
- Custom & Independent Jewelers: Many Singaporean couples prefer bespoke jewelers like JannPaul, Ling Jewellery, or M&B Private Jewelers for fully customizable rings that suit their preferences and budget. These places offer more flexibility with diamond choices and settings.
- Jewelry Hubs: If you want a variety of options in one place, check out Lucky Plaza, People’s Park Complex, or Tanjong Pagar. These areas are known for competitive pricing and a range of jewelers catering to different budgets.
📌 Pro Tip: If buying from a boutique jeweler, ask about customization options—you can often create a unique ring for the same price as a pre-set one.
Buying Online
For those who value competitive pricing, a wider selection, and convenience, online shopping is a great alternative. Though you have to be aware of credibility and not being able to see the diamond personally.
📌 Pro Tip: If buying online, ensure the diamond is GIA or AGS certified and check for a solid return policy. Some online jewelers also offer virtual consultations if you need expert advice before making a decision.
