Table of Contents

• Decoding the Engagement Ring Hunt
• Selecting the Perfect Diamond Shape
• Choosing Your Band Metal Wisely
• Carat Size Matters: A Comprehensive Guide
• Getting Your Ring Size Right
• Pairing Your Engagement Ring with a Wedding Band
• Ensuring Quality with Certified Diamonds
• Shopping for Engagement Rings Online
• Finding Inspiration on Social Media
• Summary
• FAQs
• References

Decoding the Engagement Ring Hunt

Start your ring search by defining a clear budget. Your budget will help narrow down your options in terms of diamond size, metal quality, and design complexity.

Determine Preferences Early

Before heading to stores, take time to explore ring styles, metal colours, and gemstone options. Knowing whether you prefer a minimalist, vintage, or modern aesthetic will streamline your search.

Popular Ring Styles in Canada

Solitaire: A timeless single-stone setting.

Vintage: Characterized by ornate, historical-inspired details.

Minimalist: Clean, contemporary, and understated.

Alternative Gemstones

While natural diamonds have been traditional for engagement rings, more couples—especially younger ones, are exploring lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, natural sapphires, and lab-grown sapphires. Technology has opened up options that are both ethical and cost-effective, and the quality is better than it's ever been.

Selecting the Perfect Diamond Shape

The shape of a diamond affects both how it looks and what it costs. There's no perfect shape. it's personal, but here's what different cuts offer.

Round Cut: The classic. Maximum brilliance. In traditional stores, rounds are typically the most expensive due to cutting waste.

Oval, Pear, and Marquise: Elongated shapes that look larger for their carat weight and flatter many hand shapes.

Princess and Cushion Cuts: Geometric sparkle. Cushion cuts especially offer a range of formations, from vintage to modern.

At Vero Diamonds, every diamond is chosen specifically for you. We discuss ratio, proportions, and what works for your hand. And because we price lab-grown diamonds per carat across all shapes, you're not paying a premium for one cut over another—you choose the shape you want without compromising on quality or budget.

Choosing Your Band Metal Wisely

Your ring's metal determines its tone, durability, and upkeep requirements.

Platinum: Naturally white, hypoallergenic, and durable—a premium choice for long-term wear.

Yellow Gold: Classic and warm, available in 10k, 14k, and 18k. At Vero, we work with both 14k and 18k yellow gold, but we recommend 18-karat. We alloy our 18k in-house to make it lighter in weight while keeping the warm color and the material properties that make it ideal for everyday wear.

Rose Gold: Romantic and trendy, offering a soft blush tone. Alloyed in-house for the right balance of color and durability.

White Gold: Sleek and affordable, though it requires periodic rhodium re-plating to maintain shine. At Vero, that's covered under our lifetime wear and tear warranty.

Choose your band metal based on lifestyle, skin tone, and maintenance preferences.

Carat Size Matters: A Comprehensive Guide

Carat measures a diamond's weight, but cut quality and shape also affect how large it appears. A well-cut 1-carat round can look bigger than a poorly cut 1-carat round because of how the diamond is proportioned, specifically, its diameter.

Smart Buying Tips

Choose just under popular milestones. A 0.9-carat diamond offers better value than a 1.0-carat, often without a visible size difference.

Never compromise on cut. A well-cut smaller diamond will sparkle more than a larger, poorly cut one. At Vero, we prioritize cut quality above carat weight.

Consider the setting style. Halos or thinner bands create contrast that can make the center stone appear larger.

Getting Your Ring Size Right

Fit matters as much as style. A ring that's too tight or loose risks discomfort or loss.

Sizing Methods

At-home paper or string method: A quick starting point, but not always accurate.

Plastic ring sizer tools: Available online or from jewellers, better than paper.

Professional sizing at a local jewellery store: Recommended for accuracy.

At Vero Diamonds, we professionally size you in person, or if you're working with us virtually, we recommend using a sizing tool first.

Here's what matters: all hands fluctuate, and how a ring fits can depend on the setting style. A cathedral setting might feel looser than a classic solitaire, even at the same size. Many of our clients come back after wearing their custom ring for about a month, and we adjust the fit while you wait at no charge.

Tips for Accurate Sizing

Avoid measuring early in the morning or after physical activity, when fingers may swell. In colder climates like Ottawa, finger size can fluctuate with temperature, so consider sizing during a typical day.

Pairing Your Engagement Ring with a Wedding Band

This is one of the most common questions we get at Vero. Your wedding band should complement your engagement ring both visually and structurally, but it's also subjective. Matching and beauty are in the eye of the beholder, so enjoy this part.

Pairing Tips

Match metals to prevent uneven wear. Platinum with platinum, or gold with gold. You don't have to match metals exactly, platinum and 18k gold can be worn together, but we recommend matching the purity of the alloy when possible.

Plan for a flush-fitting band from the start. Many clients want their wedding band to sit flush against the engagement ring. At Vero, we consider this when designing your engagement ring, looking at the profile and height so the bands pair seamlessly later.

Contoured or custom-fitted wedding bands are another option. A contoured band fits around the engagement ring's profile and also looks great when worn by itself.

Simple solitaires pair well with clean bands. For a cohesive look, a classic solitaire pairs beautifully with a straight, understated band.

Wearing your wedding band by itself is a great option. Some clients prefer the simplicity and ease of a solo band for everyday wear. Embrace the style and enjoy the versatility.

Ensuring Quality with Certified Diamonds

Certification ensures your diamond's authenticity and value.

Reputable Diamond Grading Institutions

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) – The industry standard for diamond grading.

IGI (International Gemological Institute) – Trusted for both natural and lab-grown diamonds.

Canadian Diamond Code of Conduct (CDCC) – Ensures traceability and ethical sourcing of diamonds mined in Canada.

At Vero Diamonds

We work exclusively with GIA and IGI certified diamonds, both lab-grown and natural. Certification is non-negotiable, and we only source from ethical suppliers that we personally vet.

Every diamond that comes through our studio is inspected by our GIA Graduate Gemologist on staff. You're not just getting a certificate—you're getting our expertise behind it.

Shopping for Engagement Rings Online

Buying a ring online is now common in Canada, thanks to high-quality visuals and secure delivery services.

Choose a trusted jeweller with transparent certification and return policies.

Review high-resolution photos and 360° videos before purchase.

Confirm shipping insurance and warranty coverage (especially across provinces).

Use secure payment platforms and check customer reviews.

At Vero Diamonds, we offer virtual consultations to guide you through the online shopping experience, from selecting your diamond to reviewing CAD renderings and 3D models before we begin production.

Finding Inspiration on Social Media

Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are great places to find engagement ring inspiration.

Follow hashtags like #CanadianJeweller, #EngagementRingsOttawa, or #LabGrownDiamondsCanada.

Save your favourite looks into mood boards to help refine your vision.

Read comments and reviews for insight into real-world wear and care.

Follow @verodiamonds on Instagram to see our latest designs, client stories, and behind-the-scenes looks at how rings are made in our Ottawa studio.

This helps you envision what you want before visiting your local jeweller or booking a consultation.

Summary

Choosing an engagement ring is both a practical and emotional journey. Start with a clear budget, explore diamond shapes and metal types, ensure a proper fit, and prioritize certified quality.

Our experts make the process stress-free and obligation-free. Whether you're comparing options, understanding certifications, or creating a ring that captures your story, we're here to help.

Give us a shout. Let's chat.

FAQs

1. Are Canadian diamonds more ethical?

Yes. Diamonds mined and certified in Canada follow strict environmental and labour regulations under the Canadian Diamond Code of Conduct, ensuring traceable, conflict-free sourcing.

2. Should I buy a lab-grown diamond in Canada?

Absolutely. Lab-grown diamonds offer identical beauty and durability to mined ones at a lower cost, and many Canadian jewellers specialize in sustainable lab-grown options.

3. What's the best metal for active lifestyles?

Platinum and 18k gold are the best choices for those who work with their hands or live active lifestyles. Their density and malleability work almost like shock absorbers, protecting the diamonds and gemstones in your setting. 18k gold is technically the best.

4. Can I shop for an engagement ring online safely in Canada?

Yes. Choose a reputable Canadian jeweller with insured shipping, GIA/IGI certification, and transparent return policies.

5. How long does a custom engagement ring take in Canada?

Custom rings typically take 4–8 weeks, depending on design complexity and sourcing, though rush orders are often available.