18ct Gold

Character: For its ability to be moulded into many shapes Gold is the precious metal choices amongst jewellers worldwide. While it is strong, gold in its purest form is too soft for most jewellery uses and must be alloyed with other metals to increase its strength and durability. The colour of gold is affected by the composition of alloys.

Price: Less expensive

18ct White gold is an alloy of 75% gold and 25% other metals like silver and palladium. 18ct yellow gold is comprised of 75% gold and 25% other metals like silver, copper and zinc to give it strength..
White gold is also coated with another white metal called Rhodium to give it a pure white look..

Care: Since it is a softer more malleable metal gold shows up scratches and will wear away quicker over the years. Easy to polish and repair. Yellow gold does not tarnish whilst white gold requires constant rhodium plating to maintain freshness.

Platinum

Character: Platinum is the purist of jewellery metals. Furthermore, whilst it scratches easily, it is extremely durable and long wearing. Since Platinum is white in colour, its natural white lustre enhances a diamond's brilliance.  Unlike white gold it does not need to be constantly rhodium plated.

Price: More expensive

Platinum jewellery is composed of 90-95% pure platinum. In addition to being approximately  40% denser than 18ct gold, it is also a more difficult metal to work with.

Care: With time Platinum jewellery develops a warm satin finish. Won't tarnish. Easy to polish out scratches.

Solitaire Design

This is the most popular of engagement ring designs. The claws or bezel position a centre diamond to catch the most light. Whilst a four-prong setting shows a bit more diamond, a six-prong setting may offer a slight security advantage.

Designs with Sidestones

A design with diamonds on the sides adds additional character and sparkle. The stones may be claw, bead or channel set. Channel settings protect the side stones from abrasions and has a clean streamlined look. The channel setting allows more light to enter the sidestones, and creates a line of brilliance.

Designs with Matching Bands

If you'd like a matching wedding band to wear with your engagement ring, consider styles with wedding bands designed to match.

Three-Stone Ring

A classic and elegant design where all three diamonds of complementary size are set alongside each other. The three-stone design has come to represents a diamond for the past, one for the present, and one for the future; the purest symbol of true love representing the journey you travelled since the moment you met, the experience you are living now, and the unimagined excitement that your future holds.