Let’s be real, buying an engagement ring is a big deal. Emotionally, financially and symbolically, but no one wants to blow their budget unnecessarily, and the good news? You don’t have to.
At Valentina Fine Jewellery, we specialise in bespoke engagement rings made in our wonderful atelier in Hong Kong, and we’re here to show you how to save thousands without sacrificing sparkle. These expert tips will help you cut costs, not corners.
💡 Quick Stat: Did You Know?
Over 60% of Hong Kong couples overspend on engagement rings due to lack of diamond knowledge - don’t be one of them.
1. Ditch the Round Diamond (Unless You Love It)
Round brilliant diamonds come with a 25%–35% premium, not because they sparkle more (spoiler: they don’t), but because they waste more rough during cutting. Fancy shapes like oval, emerald, and cushion cuts not only cost less per carat but often look bigger face-up. Win-win.
Round brilliant diamonds are still the most searched for shape in Hong Kong engagement rings, but savvy buyers know fancy shapes offer better value with no compromise on style.
Oval and emerald cut diamonds are a very popular choice for engagement rings
2. Buy Just Shy of the Magic Mark
A 0.96ct diamond can be 20–25% cheaper than a 1.00ct, with no visible size difference to the naked eye. These “magic” thresholds (0.5ct, 0.75ct, 1ct, etc.) are pricing traps, so shop smart and measure in millimetres.
3. Understand Carat vs. Size
Carat is weight, not size. A deep-cut diamond can weigh more but look smaller than a well-proportioned one. Always check the length and width in mm on the GIA or IGI cert. Bigger spread = better value (but not too shallow, this can reduce the brilliance!).
Hong Kong clients are becoming more educated about the diamond spread, it’s one of the biggest hidden savings most shoppers overlook.
4. Embrace Fluorescence
Diamonds with medium to strong fluorescence can save you 10–15%, simply due to outdated stigma. Bonus: blue fluorescence actually cancels yellow tones in H–K colour diamonds, making them appear whiter.
Diamonds with fluorescence often look even more vibrant under natural light.
5. Go Big on Centre, Skip the Side Stones
Three stone rings are stunning, but those tapered baguettes and trillions add $$$. If budget is tight, focus on your main diamond. You can always redesign later, your centre stone should steal the show.
A bold solitaire is always in style, and perfect for the modern bride in Hong Kong.
6. Keep the Setting Simple
Micropavé and hidden halos are hot, but they’re also labour-intensive and increase the total ring price. A sleek solitaire in 18k gold lets the diamond shine (and your wallet breathe).
18k yellow gold solitaire settings are a huge trend in 2025 among our Hong Kong clients, offering timeless style and savings.
7. Colour & Clarity Combos That Work
Round and oval cuts hide inclusions well so you can save on clarity. Emerald and Asscher cuts highlight flaws, so go cleaner but skimp a bit on colour. We’ll help you find the sweet spot to maximise size per dollar, this is what we do best.
8. Trend-Proof Your Diamond Shape Choice
Whenever a celeb flashes a certain diamond cut (hello, Hailey Bieber’s oval or Megan Fox’s toi et moi), prices spike. Avoid trending shapes and you can save 5–10% easily.
Instead, go for unique and underrated shapes, lozenge, old mine, and shield cuts are rising in popularity in Hong Kong for those who want something bold.
9. Elongated Diamonds Look Bigger
Ovals, pears, and marquise look much larger than rounds at the same carat weight and they elongate the fingers, too. More finger coverage, less cost.
These shapes are also easier to set lower on the finger, making them ultra-comfortable for everyday wear.
Oval and pear cut diamonds not look look the largest versus other shapes, but also elongate the fingers
10. Consider Lab-Grown Diamonds
Want a 2ct+ stunner without selling a kidney? Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical and physical properties as mined ones, but cost up to 70% less. All of ours are GIA-certified and hand-selected for the top 1–2% quality.
We can even custom cut your lab diamond into antique shapes like old European cut, rose cut, or elongated cushion.
🚫 Never Compromise On The Diamond Cut:
At Valentina Fine Jewellery, we never recommend sacrificing cut. We only work with diamonds graded Excellent or Very Good for cut, polish and symmetry, because a badly cut stone just won’t sparkle, no matter how big it is.
One of the only times we look for diamonds with Good, Fair or Poor parameters is when searching for true antique diamonds. In this case, the flaws add to the romance.
💍 What Engagement Rings Hong Kong Couples Are Choosing in 2025
Engagement ring trends in Hong Kong are leaning towards:
- Yellow gold solitaire settings
- Oval and emerald cut diamonds
- Lab-grown stones for bigger looks
- Hidden details like secret birthstones or engraving
Our bespoke clients want individuality, quality, and fast turnaround. We get it and we deliver.
Ready to Save Without Settling?
We handcraft every engagement ring here in Hong Kong, whether you want a natural or lab-grown diamond. Book a chat with us to explore the smartest diamond choices for your budget and discover what bespoke really feels like.
