This guide attempts to cover each traditional event where diamond rings may be given to a partner, the differences between them and a rough price guide. Historically there has been a degree of influence from the jewellery trade, where they attempt to make new opportunities for people to buy diamond wedding rings, when traditionally they may not have otherwise, however jewellery has long been the best way to mark special occasions or communicate appreciation with a long lasting, valuable token. This means that traditions have built up around marriages that have established appropriate times to give a ring to your partner.

Pre-Engagement Rings

The first of these occasions is the pre-engagement wedding ring. This type of ring signifies a commitment to a relationship and implies that it will be followed by a proposal in the future. Typically these rings are made from gold or silver. Some are set with diamonds and commonly carry a heart symbol.

Engagement Rings

The next occasion where a diamond wedding ring may be given is the engagement. Traditionally this is presented to a woman by a man while, or shortly after a proposal is made. These rings are steeped in tradition and would normally contain an arrangement of one or more diamonds. In some cases three diamonds are set into the ring signifying the couples past, present and future. These are known as Trilogy rings. Engagement rings may be purchased as part of a wedding set which also includes a wedding ring.

Wedding Rings

The wedding ring is typically a simple yellow or white gold band with some embellishment and a high carat value. Traditionally the groom would also receive a ring and some jewellers can arrange a matching pair. Wedding rings may also be made from platinum or palladium and include one or more diamonds.

Eternity Rings

Finally eternity rings are sometimes given at a later stage in the relationship, perhaps after the birth of a child to reinforce the bond between the couple. As these wedding rings are given at such significant times they would be made from gold or platinum set with a line of diamonds.

The Costs

White and yellow gold wedding rings for these occasions are available in a range of carat weights from 9 to 24. The prices of each type of ring varies as much as the style but to give you a frame of reference an 18 carat gold ring could cost upwards of £300 depending on the design and carat weight of any diamonds set into it. As an example, a ring which includes a 3 carat diamond could cost upwards of £1000.

A solid platinum wedding band could cost upwards of £500 and diamonds will further increase the price. Palladium wedding bands are an alternative to gold and like platinum, are a white metal. The advantage to these rings over white gold is the fact that they never need to be re-whitened. Palladium wedding bands could cost upwards of £250.