The way in which we buy almost everything has evolved greatly over the years and the engagement ring buying process is no exception. 

Whereas the purchase of an engagement ring would have always been performed in a physical store, a huge portion of the market now operates purely online. Buying important, significant and expensive purchases online is no longer seen as the risk that it may have been in the past, and there can be huge advantages in price, convenience and ease for all parties.

When we created MADE Diamonds we decided to operate purely online in order to keep overheads low and create real value in our engagement rings. It's often overlooked just how much the prices of items are inflated by swanky retail premises. When you stop and consider that a significant portion of a product's price exists to pay for the plush retail premises you enter, it begs the question of what you are really paying for. This could never be more prevalent than in the jewellery industry. Us not having the burden of retail premises simply means you're not paying for them!

We realise though that we need to take the risk out of buying something as important and expensive online, which is why we offer a 30 day period with the ring in your hands to make sure it's absolutely perfect for you. Our bespoke pieces on the other hand cannot be returned for obvious reasons but we work with each client individually to ensure that the ring is everything they dreamed of.

The next big change worth noting is that women are often very much part of the buying process. Whereas in the past there would have been no way in hell a woman would have been involved, let a lone in control, of the purchase, this is something we see more and more of. We would estimate that women are involved in the purchase of at least 40% of our rings, and fully in control of the purchase of around 10% of our engagement rings. After all it makes a lot of sense to consult your significant other on a decision regarding a piece of jewellery that will be worn by her for the rest of her life! It's a factor that we feel often benefits our business because it is often the woman in the relationship who may have the stronger concerns regarding the ethical integrity of a natural diamond and seek an alternative. It doesn't have to be the case that this concept takes the romanticism and surprise out of a proposal though, many couples may purchase the ring together, knowing that they will be engaged, but then the gentleman will proceed to plan the proposal for sometime in the future as a surprise.

So whilst the procurement of an engagement ring has evolved, there are some major benefits to be obtained by the changes, and it seems more and more people every day are embracing these new possibilities.

There are lots of opinions about what men should spend on an engagement ring and regardless of what people say it is nearly always a factor in the decision when searching for a ring.

There is obviously a balance that most men attempt to strike in order to achieve the most for their money. For most men it comes down to achieving the best value for the money you have to spend.

An interesting factor is that whilst a lot of women want their man to spend as much as physically possible, there are also a huge number of ladies who would not want their man to spend a fortune on a ring just as you are embarking on the beginning of your new life together.

We are proud that our rings offer savvy couples access to a quality of engagement ring which would possibly never be attainable in a natural diamond. When you consider the comparison of a 1.5 carat MADE Diamonds engagement ring in platinum costs between £1600 and £1700, a similar quality 1.5 carat natural diamond ring of the same specification would cost around £26,000 (twenty six thousand!).

As it happens, we have found that our rings being more cost effective than natural diamonds is not at all the major factor in people making the decision to purchase a MADE Diamonds engagement ring. In fact we have found that most people who purchase our rings could actually afford even the most expensive equivalent natural diamond, but they make the decision to purchase from us for other reasons.

Besides the ethical reasons to purchase one of our rings over a natural diamond engagement ring, most couples are looking for something exclusive and unique. Our rings are all individually hand made to order using traditional methods, they offer something far more special than anything that can be purchased from a shop of any kind. All-in-all we feel that our rings offer superb value for money, real value for couples who care. 

An engagement ring is likely going to be the most important jewellery purchase you ever make. It is an item with so much symbolism and meaning that it's important to get it just right. After all, your partner will be wearing the ring for the rest of her life, and she'll want to show it off to others as a symbol of your love.

In terms of style there are infinite possibilities and knowing your partners taste is imperative. There are some fantastically wonderful designs out there from all kinds of jewellers and designers. Style is such a personal and individual factor that finding a ring that is to your partners taste is the most important factor. The one thing we would suggest though is to steer clear of fashionable or over the top pieces. An engagement ring is not something you can change with the seasons of fashion, so it must be timeless in it's style. Staying close to the classic styles is always the best choice.

The most common reason that people seek out our engagement rings is that they symbolise something more pure and righteous than a natural diamond. The negative connotations of a natural mined diamond can often taint the beauty and purity of the entire engagement if the receiver feels strongly about protecting our precious earth and it's inhabitants. Of course many will overlook this inconvenient factor during such an important moment, but it can leave an underlying sour taste in one's mouth. The entire reason that people seek us out is to ensure that their engagement represents their values and ethics, without having to compromise one bit on luxury.

Having a ring hand made for the individual can make the ring that bit more special. Every one of our rings is made to order especially for the individual. You select the stone size, metal, ring size and design, then we create the ring for you from scratch. It is simply so much more special than a mass produced ring off the high street. 

Getting the ring right is everything, and we are proud to be the perfect solution for an ever growing number of couples who seek out a ring that represents both style and substance.