Did You Know?

Did you know that Canadians buy more diamond engagement rings per capita than any other place in the world? Fully 85% of Canadian brides receive an engagement ring and, as the average engagement is 14 months, those shopping for a ring now will be married within the next year or so.

People know to ask questions about the quality of the stone, but often forget another important consideration. How does the design look on the bride's hand?

Here are some tips:

1. Do consider a marquise or emerald cut that lies across the fingers if you have extra long fingers or a thin hand. The horizontal line will help broaden the look of the hand.

2. Don't choose a ring with soft curves and a flat band if your fingers are broad. The clean, defined lines of an emerald or princess cut with accent baguettes are more flattering to the hand.

3. Don't forget that the traditional round brilliant diamond flatters every hand shape and size. The well-cut round brilliant has the greatest sparkle of all and is the most popular shape.

4. Don't overlook the importance of cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Most of all, do have confidence in your jeweller.

5. Do shop within your budget. Fully 56% of Canadian men who are aware of the two months' salary guideline, say it is a useful tool in deciding how much to spend on an engagement ring.