Engagement Ring Buying Guide Hong Kong

So, you’re thinking of proposing. First off, congratulations. That’s a big moment, and if you’re reading this, you’re probably somewhere between nervous, excited, and totally overwhelmed. Let’s be honest: for most men, shopping for an engagement ring is completely unfamiliar territory. You don’t want to mess it up. You want it to be perfect. But where do you start?

Right here.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect engagement ring in Hong Kong, even if you have zero prior experience with diamonds, jewellery, or ring shopping.

Your dream ring starts with the perfect diamond

1. Start with the 4Cs (But Focus on Cut)

Cut (Most Important)
Cut isn’t about the shape of the diamond (that’s coming up later). It’s about how well the diamond has been faceted and how expertly it reflects light - think fire and scintillation. A well-cut diamond will sparkle like crazy. A poorly cut diamond, no matter how big, will look dull.
Always prioritise cut. Look for "Excellent" or "Very Good" cut grades if buying round diamonds, and seek stones that are lively and brilliant.
At Valentina Fine Jewellery, we’ve spent years understanding how each shape behaves under light, and what imperfections are easier to hide depending on the cut. We know how to find beautifully cut stones that perform brilliantly, including in fancy shapes where no cut grade is given on the certificate.
Colour
Most diamonds used in engagement rings fall within the D to J range on the GIA colour scale.
D-F: Colourless (premium)
G-H: Near colourless (great value, still face up very white)
I-J: Slightly warm (wonderful when well cut)
The price jump from D to G can be significant, as much as 20–30%, with no visible difference to the untrained eye. We’ll help you determine whether going for G or H will give you more value without sacrificing visual appeal.
If the setting is yellow or rose gold, you can go lower in colour and it will still look great.
Clarity
Every diamond is unique and has unique internal characteristics called inclusions. This measures how many natural imperfections (called inclusions) the diamond has. Aim for eye-clean, meaning you can’t see flaws without magnification. VS1, VS2 and SI1 can all be eye-clean and allow you to spend more on the carat.
The price difference between a VVS1 and a VS2 of identical size and colour can be up to 40% - and you wouldn’t notice a thing with your naked eye.
But not all diamonds with the same clarity grade are created equal. The type, size, and location of an inclusion all affect how much it impacts sparkle. A small feather at the edge is very different from a black crystal in the centre. Knowing how to read a plot diagram or assess a stone in person is critical, and that’s where we come in.
Carat
Carat is the weight of the diamond, not the face up size.
The term carat weight comes from the carob seeds and has been in use t determine diamond weight since the 1500s. Today, a carat is a standard milligram measurement of weight. A metric Carat is globally used and defined as 200 milligrams.
Two 1ct diamonds can look very different depending on cut and shape and depth of the diamond. A 0.90ct well-cut diamond can look just as big as a 1ct and save you a chunk of money.
Pro tip: If your budget is tight, sacrifice carat weight before cut.

2. Diamond Shapes & What They Say

Shape is the diamond's outline (unlike cut, which is how well it's faceted). Here are the most popular shapes in 2025 with the cushion cut overtaking all others:

Round
Classic, timeless, the most brilliant of all shapes. Perfect if she likes tradition and sparkle.
Oval
Very trendy, elongates the finger, lots of brilliance. A softer, more romantic shape
Emerald
Elegant and architectural. Step cut with less sparkle but very clear and striking.
Cushion
A square shape with rounded corners. It has a softer look and a vintage feel. Very popular in 2025.
Radiant
Combines the outline of emerald with the sparkle of a round. Underrated and very lively.
Pear
Elongated shape which faces up larger than most others, perfectly daring and stylish.

3. Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds

This is a big decision. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and visually identical to natural ones but are grown in a lab environment.

Natural diamonds are rare and earth-made, with romance attached, traditional, and tend to hold value better. Lab-grown diamonds are ethical, sustainable, and ideal if you want a larger, better quality stone for your budget. Either way, make sure the stone is certified (GIA for natural, IGI or GIA for lab).

At Valentina Fine Jewellery, we select only the best diamonds, regardless of how they were made.

Pro tip: don't buy cheap lab grown diamonds online, often they will have horrible grey or brown tints, internal growth strain limiting the sparkle and look dull. We select the top 1-2% of lab-grown diamonds for our brides.

4. The Ring Setting: Style & Precious Metal

The setting is how the diamond is mounted and what the ring looks like overall. Think about:
Solitaire: Just the centre stone. Simple and timeless.
Halo: A ring of small diamonds around the centre. Adds size and sparkle.
Three Stone: Symbolises past, present, future. Classic and meaningful.
Pavé: Small diamonds on the band. Adds sparkle without being too showy.
Modern: Unique bespoke style - think curves and unusual designs.
Cathedral, bezel, split shank, hidden halo: Modern design elements to discuss in a consultation.
Precious Metal Options:
18K Yellow Gold: Warm and traditional
18K White Gold: Sleek and modern
Platinum: Heavier, more durable, doesn’t need rhodium plating
Rose Gold: Romantic and vintage-inspired
Mixed Metals: Typically we recommend setting the centre diamond in platinum so it stays white and bright, and the ring with your choice of gold.

5. Budgeting & Realistic Expectations

There’s no "right" amount to spend. Ignore the outdated “three months’ salary” rule. In Hong Kong, you can get a stunning bespoke ring for 30,000-80,000HKD depending on the diamond and complexity of the design.

Pro tip: Set a budget, then work with a reputable jeweller to maximise it. Don’t just go to a chain store. You’ll get more value, more design flexibility, and better quality through bespoke.

At Valentina Fine Jewellery, we focus on value over mark-ups. While high street retailers often multiply their costs by 2.5x to 3.5x, we don’t. Our pricing is fair, and we believe in giving you the best diamond and craftsmanship your budget can buy.

6. Certification Matters

Always ask for a diamond certificate. It proves what you're buying. For natural diamonds, stick to GIA. For lab-grown, look for IGI or GIA.

A certificate confirms the 4Cs, diamond authenticity and guarantees you're not getting scammed.

With us, once your ring is crafted we will bring a loupe for you to see the unique diamond laser engraving that matches your certificate.

7. The Risks of Buying Online Without an Expert

Websites like James Allen or Blue Nile might seem convenient, but they come with some risks, especially if you're buying without expert guidance.

Cut Quality: Cut grade is only listed for round brilliant diamonds. Fancy shapes like oval, cushion, emerald, and pear often have no cut grade listed at all, meaning you could easily end up with a poorly proportioned, dull-looking diamond.

Unwanted Tints: Many diamonds online, in particular lab-grown shown as "colourless or near colourless," can have brown, grey, or green tints that aren't visible on a computer screen.

Clarity Issues: You might buy a "VS2" or "SI1" stone that looks fine on paper, but has a distracting black inclusion or clouds dulling the sparkle in real life.

Lighting Tricks: Online diamonds are photographed under ideal lighting. What looks sparkly on screen might be lifeless in person.

Unless you know exactly what to look for (and have reviewed diamonds under magnification and proper lighting), you're gambling with your money.

When you work with a trusted jeweller, you get eyes-on, vetted diamonds and guidance tailored to your budget and priorities. It's the difference between buying blind and buying smart.

8. Timeline: Don’t Leave It Too Late

If you’re going bespoke (which we recommend), allow 3–4 weeks for the full process which includes:

Consultation
One to one consultation with our founder Anastasia, a GIA trained diamond expert - in person for our Hong Kong clients or via Call/WhatsApp for our worldwide clients.
Diamond Sourcing
Your jeweller should optimise your budget with the best diamond. We show you a selection of diamonds direct from our cutters overseas, if you are in a rush we limit the search to Hong Kong.
Ring Design
By now you probably have an idea of the type of ring style your other half dreams of, and if not, your jeweller should offer the designs that suits your partner's lifestyle and personality.
Production & Setting
Your ring is crafted - from casting, to polishing, to stone setting and final touches - like hidden birthstones, personal engravings and more. Our rings are made exclusively in Hong Kong.
The Proposal!
The fun part! At Valentina Fine Jewellery we offer help with your engagement, be it a unique Hong Kong proposal or a destination proposal. Read our Where to Propose in Hong Kong article here.

Some urgent jobs can be rushed with the final ring crafted in under a week, but it’s better to plan ahead so you don’t limit your options.

9. Final Thoughts

Don’t overthink it. Choosing an engagement ring should be fun, not stressful. The most important thing is that the ring feels right for her (or you both if you are designing together). You don’t have to know everything, that’s what we're here for.

Anastasia personally meets all Hong Kong clients at the Mandarin Oriental for relaxed, no-pressure consultation and guides each client through the whole process. Whether you're just starting or ready to design the ring, we are happy to guide you every step of the way.

Want help? Book your consultation today via or engagement ring form or WhatsApp on +852 9542 0034.

Valentina Fine Jewellery Hong Kong - award winning jeweller in Hong Kong, featured in Tatler, Expat Living, Little Steps Asia, Sassy, Honeycombers, Around DB, Katerina Perez and Harvey Nichols

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Engagement Ring Buying Guide Hong Kong

Right here.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect engagement ring in Hong Kong, even if you have zero prior experience with diamonds, jewellery, or ring shopping.

Your dream ring starts with the perfect diamond

1. Start with the 4Cs (But Focus on Cut)

Cut (Most Important)

Cut isn’t about the shape of the diamond (that’s coming up later). It’s about how well the diamond has been faceted and how expertly it reflects light - think fire and scintillation. A well-cut diamond will sparkle like crazy. A poorly cut diamond, no matter how big, will look dull.

Always prioritise cut. Look for "Excellent" or "Very Good" cut grades if buying round diamonds, and seek stones that are lively and brilliant.

Colour

Most diamonds used in engagement rings fall within the D to J range on the GIA colour scale.

D-F: Colourless (premium)

G-H: Near colourless (great value, still face up very white)

I-J: Slightly warm (wonderful when well cut)

The price jump from D to G can be significant, as much as 20–30%, with no visible difference to the untrained eye. We’ll help you determine whether going for G or H will give you more value without sacrificing visual appeal.

If the setting is yellow or rose gold, you can go lower in colour and it will still look great.

Clarity

The price difference between a VVS1 and a VS2 of identical size and colour can be up to 40% - and you wouldn’t notice a thing with your naked eye.

Carat

Carat is the weight of the diamond, not the face up size.

The term carat weight comes from the carob seeds and has been in use t determine diamond weight since the 1500s. Today, a carat is a standard milligram measurement of weight. A metric Carat is globally used and defined as 200 milligrams.

Two 1ct diamonds can look very different depending on cut and shape and depth of the diamond. A 0.90ct well-cut diamond can look just as big as a 1ct and save you a chunk of money.

Pro tip: If your budget is tight, sacrifice carat weight before cut.

2. Diamond Shapes & What They Say

Shape is the diamond's outline (unlike cut, which is how well it's faceted). Here are the most popular shapes in 2025 with the cushion cut overtaking all others:

Round

Classic, timeless, the most brilliant of all shapes. Perfect if she likes tradition and sparkle.

Oval

Very trendy, elongates the finger, lots of brilliance. A softer, more romantic shape

Emerald

Elegant and architectural. Step cut with less sparkle but very clear and striking.

Cushion

A square shape with rounded corners. It has a softer look and a vintage feel. Very popular in 2025.

Radiant

Combines the outline of emerald with the sparkle of a round. Underrated and very lively.

Pear

Elongated shape which faces up larger than most others, perfectly daring and stylish.

There are many more diamond shapes out there to choose from, from antique diamonds, to modern step cuts like lozenge, kite and portrait cut diamonds.

Ask yourself what suits her personality - classic, modern, edgy, vintage? Unsure? Speak to us, we can help here.

Need ideas? Explore our engagement ring collection here.

3. Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds

This is a big decision. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and visually identical to natural ones but are grown in a lab environment.

At Valentina Fine Jewellery, we select only the best diamonds, regardless of how they were made.

Pro tip: don't buy cheap lab grown diamonds online, often they will have horrible grey or brown tints, internal growth strain limiting the sparkle and look dull. We select the top 1-2% of lab-grown diamonds for our brides.

4. The Ring Setting: Style & Precious Metal

The setting is how the diamond is mounted and what the ring looks like overall. Think about:

Solitaire: Just the centre stone. Simple and timeless.

Halo: A ring of small diamonds around the centre. Adds size and sparkle.

Three Stone: Symbolises past, present, future. Classic and meaningful.

Pavé: Small diamonds on the band. Adds sparkle without being too showy.

Modern: Unique bespoke style - think curves and unusual designs.

Cathedral, bezel, split shank, hidden halo: Modern design elements to discuss in a consultation.

Precious Metal Options:

18K Yellow Gold: Warm and traditional

18K White Gold: Sleek and modern

Platinum: Heavier, more durable, doesn’t need rhodium plating

Rose Gold: Romantic and vintage-inspired

Mixed Metals: Typically we recommend setting the centre diamond in platinum so it stays white and bright, and the ring with your choice of gold.

5. Budgeting & Realistic Expectations

There’s no "right" amount to spend. Ignore the outdated “three months’ salary” rule. In Hong Kong, you can get a stunning bespoke ring for 30,000-80,000HKD depending on the diamond and complexity of the design.

Pro tip: Set a budget, then work with a reputable jeweller to maximise it. Don’t just go to a chain store. You’ll get more value, more design flexibility, and better quality through bespoke.

At Valentina Fine Jewellery, we focus on value over mark-ups. While high street retailers often multiply their costs by 2.5x to 3.5x, we don’t. Our pricing is fair, and we believe in giving you the best diamond and craftsmanship your budget can buy.

6. Certification Matters

Always ask for a diamond certificate. It proves what you're buying. For natural diamonds, stick to GIA. For lab-grown, look for IGI or GIA.

A certificate confirms the 4Cs, diamond authenticity and guarantees you're not getting scammed.

With us, once your ring is crafted we will bring a loupe for you to see the unique diamond laser engraving that matches your certificate.

7. The Risks of Buying Online Without an Expert

Websites like James Allen or Blue Nile might seem convenient, but they come with some risks, especially if you're buying without expert guidance.

Cut Quality: Cut grade is only listed for round brilliant diamonds. Fancy shapes like oval, cushion, emerald, and pear often have no cut grade listed at all, meaning you could easily end up with a poorly proportioned, dull-looking diamond.

Unwanted Tints: Many diamonds online, in particular lab-grown shown as "colourless or near colourless," can have brown, grey, or green tints that aren't visible on a computer screen.

Clarity Issues: You might buy a "VS2" or "SI1" stone that looks fine on paper, but has a distracting black inclusion or clouds dulling the sparkle in real life.

Lighting Tricks: Online diamonds are photographed under ideal lighting. What looks sparkly on screen might be lifeless in person.

Unless you know exactly what to look for (and have reviewed diamonds under magnification and proper lighting), you're gambling with your money.

When you work with a trusted jeweller, you get eyes-on, vetted diamonds and guidance tailored to your budget and priorities. It's the difference between buying blind and buying smart.

8. Timeline: Don’t Leave It Too Late

If you’re going bespoke (which we recommend), allow 3–4 weeks for the full process which includes:

Consultation

One to one consultation with our founder Anastasia, a GIA trained diamond expert - in person for our Hong Kong clients or via Call/WhatsApp for our worldwide clients.

Diamond Sourcing

Your jeweller should optimise your budget with the best diamond. We show you a selection of diamonds direct from our cutters overseas, if you are in a rush we limit the search to Hong Kong.