If you’re reading this article, it’s likely that you have a proposal in mind. You’ve built the foundation for a solid relationship and you’re finally ready to take it to the next level. You’ve been shopping around and noticed that in jewelry in Montreal isn’t hard to find. The hard part is finding something as unique as the way you feel about her. Well, a custom diamond ring might suit you best. Donj is the place to help you design your custom engagement ring in Montreal! You might have noticed that several places offer custom jewelry in Montreal, so what sets us apart? We owe it to our carefully thought out three-step process.

There’s a subtle science in the art of crafting a custom diamond engagement ring. This process, although lathered with creative freedom, does have a certain structure: first, we must conceptualize an idea, then agree on a design, and finally bring it into production. The first part is simply creative genius, unhindered by the laws of logic and left entirely to the limits of imagination. To create a custom diamond engagement ring, a client often shares some images or ideas they’ve seen. It could be as simple as a certain style of ring that they prefer, or they might just have a particular diamond in mind that they know they want to be the center of the piece. In any case, we listen to their input and then work together on each individual detail. The more involved they are in the process, the more streamline it tends to be. Prepping a folder full of images with notes that indicate which aspects of each ring is valued usually works as a very efficient starting point for us to run with. Coming up with the design is both the simplest and most difficult part of crafting. This step tends to happen organically, so often times we may meet more than once to discuss ongoing versions of the ring unless our client really knows exactly what they want. Ideas must be born naturally, with a message in mind and a meaningful intention to portray. It cannot be rushed, made more efficient, therefore beginning this process many months prior to the proposal is ideal.

Translating this idea from a concept to concrete design, however, can be easily facilitated. The next steps are where 3-D printing makes a world of difference. We save so much time and money by using the latest technology available in order to ensure that our products are examples of the finest custom engagement rings in Montreal. Using extremely high resolution software, computer models are generated with extreme precision; there are functions that can project any shape, crevice, straight or curved line with more accuracy than the naked eye can even see. This allows us to create a wax replica for you to scrutinize before committing to production. As jewelers, we find this revolutionary, as we don’t end up touching raw materials until we are definitely both on the same page about what you want. There are few boutiques making custom engagement rings in Montreal this way and we are incredibly proud to bring this technology to you.

Once we’ve confirmed that the computer model is exactly what we want, we use a slicing software to create thousands of very thin cross sections on a new computer file. These sections are then sent to the 3-D printer, which interprets the information as ‘layers’, printing one on top of the other until the entire object is formed. Not the ring that she will be wearing… Just the mold! This mold, inheriting all of the finest details of the original computer generated model, is then used in the casting process where we pour a superheated metal that takes on its exact shape. We polish it by hand, set the necessary stones in place, and engrave a personalized message on the inside if you desired. Waiting patiently in a noble presentation, your custom ring is illuminated by a light within the box when opened. Your certified copy of the proof of diamond quality from G.I.A. is handed to you along with it. Now all that’s left is for you to go ahead and pop the question!

When you try to picture an impressive engagement ring, the solitaire engagement ring is what often comes to mind. A single, large stone uncluttered by added embellishments. It’s straight forward. It’s direct. There are no distractions. A solitaire engagement ring is defined by the incorporation of a sole- or solitary- diamond shaped into whichever cut you please. Add a clean, polished band to compliment the main diamond and nothing else. The elegance in its simplicity has made the solitaire engagement ring the most consistently popular style for decades. In fact, the brilliant round cut solitaire engagement ring has dominated the market ever since the diamond engagement ring was commoditized. For good reason, at that. This style of ring creates a vivid contrast. Observing eyes are drawn to one thing and one thing only: a big, beautiful diamond. In the 1950s, an alternative to the round cut solitaire was introduced into the market. The oval cut solitaire was meant to create a variation of the round cut, with an elongated shape and more curvature all the while maintaining a similar sparkle to the round cut. Its unique shape is more flattering to slender fingers and small, dainty hands.

In the 1980s, emerald cuts and square princess cuts were introduced in order to reduce diamond waste and allow buyers to get more sparkle relative to the diamond’s price. The straight edges of a princess cut were meant to combine the sparkle of an oval cut with the clean look of a square cut diamond. A princess cut solitaire combines sharp, uncut corners while maintaining maximum brilliance. The emerald cut is similar in that its shape is also rectangular. The corners are cropped and the diamond face is cut in steps, originally meant to maximize clarity and inner light of shaded gemstones. This cut allows for a deeper appreciation of diamonds with higher color and clarity grades. Ample light passes through and is reflected in abundance.

Each of these cuts can be complimented with a delicate prong setting, gripping the center stone tightly while providing gentle contrast to its luster. They elevate the diamond and secure it in place while adding a slight shine from the smooth metal texture. The shape of these prongs vary and impact the overall look of the diamond differently. Rounded prongs are smoother, subtle, and look seamless on a round cut diamond. Flat or pointed prongs come off sharper, working perfectly with the straight cuts of rectangular diamonds. If your goal is to add a modest detail to set your solitaire engagement ring apart from the rest, a lovely four-prong setting can provide the accent you are looking for.

The main allure of solitaire engagement rings lies within the beauty of quality and simplicity. An honest truth exists within the saying less is more. Clutter is often times unnecessary. Although a ring graced with a sparkling pave of diamonds on the band is dazzling, it might not be what suits her style best. Sometimes, it pays to let the center stone’s beauty be the uninterrupted center of attention. Recent fashion trends have shown that there is a definitely a desirable elegance in simplicity. Her ring should, after all, suit her style. The solitaire engagement ring offers a clean and unparalleled form of awe-striking beauty. This style is perfect for those seeking to communicate their powerfully unassuming sentiments of commitment in a way that’s deeply personal.

By the way, you should check out the most outstanding diamond engagement rings our jewelry store in Montreal has to offer, you won’t regret it!

After all the thought and effort exhausted into choosing the right engagement ring, most people would like to feel as if the daunting task is over. Plot twist, my friend. You have yet to purchase the wedding bands! Purchasing wedding rings in Montreal doesn’t have to be such a daunting task. If you think and plan ahead, this can be done quite efficiently. Perhaps even seamlessly. You might have actually considered this before splurging on your engagement ring, but usually, you want the wedding rings to compliment the engagement piece. Therefore, they will likely be chosen after you’ve committed to the big rock. The good news is that you’ve already built a relationship with your jeweler and he knows what your fiancé likes. Now you just need to let him know what you like. Hopefully there’s a little overlap between his preference and hers. Often times, though, this thought leads to a very relevant question: Should my wedding band match my partner’s? Although that is the norm, the honest answer is subjective. Yes, traditionally, weddings bands were meant to be worn as matching sets for her and him. But no, the contemporary social pressures are not so strong as to force your hand in any particular direction.

We no longer live in Ancient Times, therefore ancient traditions do not carry equal weight. If you’re attached to your Egyptian ancestry and want to honor their customs, then by all means get yourself identical wedding bands like the Egyptians did long ago. This symbolism evokes unity and shows that you are both on the same page, share similar taste and place importance on long-lasting tradition. For practical purposes, however, you may want to consider some slight variations when it comes to wedding rings for him and her.

The first difference is simply anatomical. Men almost always have thicker fingers than their female counterparts, therefore requiring a wider wedding band than she does. When you go wider, you usually go thicker as well in order to increase durability. This serves a dual purpose. Men who work with their hands can now easily wear their wedding rings daily without worrying so much about them breaking. Thus, the difference in size is both aesthetic and functional. You could see how it pays to also consider individual lifestyles when contemplating the ideal designs for both of you.

There’s also the simple question of taste. Some couples just don’t agree on everything but the biggest asset to a fulfilling marriage is the joined ability to find compromise. If your tastes are entirely different, consider matching engravings on the inside instead! This maintains a unique shared element to the marriage rings which can be heart-warmingly original. If your tastes only vary slightly, your rings can still complement each other in several ways. You can use the same alloy for both rings, such as 18K white gold, yet shape them to your specific likings. The inverse is also true, where you can decide on a similar design but choose different materials for each respective band. You can choose to incorporate a similar gemstone on either band, or wear a similar ring to hers without any stones on your version at all.

As you can probably begin to understand, the possibilities are pretty vast as far as maintaining some sort of similarity between the two without compromising your individuality. Wedding rings can be as simple or as extravagant as each of you wants them to be. One final consideration might be to buy two sets of wedding bands. This way, you have a matching set for pictures and special occasions. Otherwise, you have the option to slip into the version that you’re more comfortable with wearing on a daily basis. This way, you get the best of both worlds. Be sure to mention all these options to your trusted jeweler when shopping for your wedding rings in Montreal!

Although they have become a central part of family life today, very few people are familiar with the detailed history of engagement rings. The impactful meaning behind them is not one of pure materialism, but rather an elaborate cultural significance dating to the ancient Egyptians. There are a few similarities between the first rings ever created and the ones we see today, but these similarities are actually symbolic among the vast superficial differences. As proud players in the Montreal jewelry scene, we would like to offer you some perspective in regards to the history of engagement rings.

The first rings offered by Egyptians to their betrothed partners were actually made of braided hemp or reeds. The tradition didn’t place any importance on the material aspects of the ring, but rather it’s symbolism. The circle was symbolic of an undying commitment and eternal love – never ending, like the circumference of a circle. With time, they shifted to more durable materials such as leather, bone and ivory. Still, this change was not to place more value on the material aspect of proposal, but rather to ensure the object would last longer.

The ancient Greeks and Romans began using metal to construct the rings as a symbol of strength and permanence. They were also the first to engrave their rings. We love this concept and deeply believe that anyone involved in Montreal Jewelry should push their clients to consider customizing their tokens of appreciation in order to show how special their significant other is. The Romans also chose the ring finger to place the ring upon because they believed a specific vein -named the Vena amoris in Latin- ran from that finger directly to the heart. The tie between marriage and blood was clear to them. Marriage was not just the union of two individuals to the Romans, but also a very important union of two family names. This romantic tradition is still carried to this day.

It wasn’t until 1477 that Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned the first diamond engagement ring for his lady Mary of Burgundy. This completely altered the history of engagement rings, catalyzing the trend of incorporating diamonds among European aristocrats and nobility. This idea was further popularized during the Victorian era where they mixed diamonds with gemstones and the fanciest rare metals as a way to flaunt their wealth and exceptional beauty. More details about this here.

The De Beers mining company put forth the slogan “diamonds are forever” in 1947, using celebrities and diamond engagement rings as the poster for luxury and prosperity. This marketing campaign doubled the sales of diamonds in just a few years and has had a long-lasting impression on the western world to this day. Ever since, it has been common place to issue a diamond as the epicenter of the engagement ring to symbolize an American marriage that is everlasting.

The history of engagement rings shows that the symbolic value started as one of unity, endurance and commitment. As most things do as a result of a shift toward wealth in the general population, the center piece of the ring adopted a more materialistic meaning although it’s origin still comes from a place of love. With an understanding of the history of engagement rings, we can see that the size of a diamond doesn’t really matter as much as the commitment that it symbolizes. We recommend you to not stress the monetary value so much, but instead consider what your significant other appreciates when shopping for the right ring and showing her that you have deeply considered her deeper desires.

If you’re looking for an engagement ring online, look no further. Donj Jewellery has you covered.

Choosing the right engagement ring isn’t easy. As a matter of fact, it’s different from one person to the next and I’ve actually described the entire process in depth throughout the article “Tips For Picking Your Engagement Ring In Montreal” which is visible in our archive. The options are endless for diamond engagement rings in Montreal, but we want to make it a little bit easier for you. Here we have selected some of our most exemplary models of Montreal jewelry. These come from our collection of engagement ring styles in order to showcase the potential for your engagement ring to stand out once you have chosen the general direction to proceed in. These examples also give you a little bit more info than what you see in the descriptions as you look to buy diamond engagement rings online.

RD 931: This is an example of a solitaire engagement ring. The four-prong gold setting hoists a 0.99 carat round cut center diamond available in H – SI or D-VS. We generally prefer to offer either of these combinations because it maximizes the quality for your value. The band is crafted from 1.42g of gold- which we offer in white, yellow or rose 10K, 14K or 18k for all rings. An additional .23 carats of diamonds decorate the shoulder. This ring is simple, but exceptionally special. The design of the slim band highlights the grandeur of the center stone. The dainty band is touched with those brilliant small stones which keep it classy throughout its beauty.

RS 696: This three stone engagement ring features a 0.8 carat round cut diamond, two slightly smaller side stones and a generous pave for a total of 2.8 carats! Built with 6.98g of your choice gold, this one is also available in a two tone mix of a white gold band with rose gold prongs. All 3 main stones each feature a classy 4 prong setting. The beautiful curvature of the prongs accentuate the diamonds, truly making them pop. Clean lines on the band, which is decorated with accent stones, adds a distinguishing finish to the look.

RD 934: We want to show you an example of what can be achieved by designing extraordinary diamond engagement rings in Montreal. At the center, we have an emerald cut stone weighing .63 carats. This halo cut engagement ring features several accent stones and a pave for a total of .97 carats set on 2.62 g of gold. A slim band design makes the central features stand out, granting the stones with an even more spectacular appearance!

RD 938: Look at this square princess cut engagement ring with a 0.7 carat center diamond set on 4.36 g of gold! This is a more classic ratio of diamond weight to metal, which emphasizes the beautifully angled four prong setting and superbly polished gold band. The band has a rounded apex, giving it a unique shape and classy simplicity. This appeals to ladies who aren’t high maintenance, breathe elegance and appreciate the finer things in life.

RD 936: Here we have a gorgeous pear cut engagement ring! The epitome of Montreal Jewelry and definitely one of the most outstanding diamond engagement rings in Monteral. A massive center stone weighs in at 2.0 ct, held by a prestigious 3 prong setting. This is what women envision when they talk about big rocks. This thing is grand, luxurious, and impossible to overlook.  It’s also embellished with 1.67 ct of accessory stones along the band, arranged in three rows which glaze the entire surface area of the ring. You could hardly even see the 3.82 g of gold that went into this ring, but we can assure you that the value is there. When this one slips onto a finger, all you see is sparkles.

Whether you’re looking for a pear cut, princess cut, emerald cut or a fully custom engagement ring, Donj Jewellery has you covered.

If you’ve ever visited Montreal or are lucky enough to live here, we can probably both agree that the city is both magical and unique. Our wide variety of culture has transcended into every facet of living. Exquisite restaurants, grandiose art, antique architecture, revolutionary fashion and even top tier Montreal jewelry are all examples of the beauty and liveliness within our great city.  Without a doubt, a marriage proposal in Montreal is something worth considering. Sure, there’s Paris, Rome, or San Francisco, but there’s nothing quite like revealing your diamond lab grown engagement ring among the twinkling streetlights- Summer or snow. A marriage proposal in Montreal is something unlike any other for the sole reason that there is just so much variety, so many places to pop the question, a breath of fresh air in every corner. Let us take you through some of the best places to propose in Montreal.

10: Hotel Nelligan

Located in an antique section of Montreal which is decorated with artisanal shops, hot bars and Montreal’s very own Port, the Nelligan offers stunning views of one of the most unique parts of the city. What a backdrop to contrast with a lab created diamond as you get on one knee, pop some champagne, savoring a moment that will last forever. This is an ideal place for a surprise proposal in Montreal, offering you luxury, privacy and insane beauty.

9: The Museum of Fine Arts

Talk about culture. This place is spectacular. Exhibits from all over the world, a variety of local pieces, and that smooth, savory atmosphere you want. Paintings, sculptures and Montreal Jewelry. For the art enthusiast, this place is full of life and excitement, all the while feeding a very deep part of the soul. Bonus points if she already loves this place and has told you how great it makes her feel already. You have the opportunity to turn this into her special place by hallmarking it with that special event for the rest of your lives.

8: Carré St-Louis

Here’s a little stretch of the city that sits tightly with lovers of architecture as it retains some of the earliest homes in the city. These grandiose monuments and quaint roads transport you back in time. The nostalgia, mixed with your heart-warming company, is sure to prime even the most sophisticated lady. Elegant, extraordinary, with unmatched beauty that reflects the bond you share.

7: Westmount Greenhouse

A hidden gem among one of the city’s finest boroughs. This is definitely one of the most beautifully landscaped gardens for a marriage proposal in Montreal. Aside from the Botanical Gardens, this place is probably the most exquisite and complete collection of broad-leaf plants, flowers and other beautiful plants. Nature lovers will feel right at home here. Furthermore, the fresh smell of plants floating in the air tingling her nostrils inevitably satisfies that primal desire of oneness with her surroundings. A great way to stimulate her brain into producing those natural endorphins that make her feel good, ready and complete with you.

6: La Ronde (fireworks)

La Ronde is known for its incredible rides during the day, but multiple evenings during the summer this place transforms into the stage of the International Fireworks Festival. Brilliant displays fill the sky as you enjoy front row seats to some of the most exhilarating shows in existence. Hire a photographer to capture your proposal with the insane spectacle in the background and you will have an incredibly sentimental momentum to cherish for decades, guaranteed!

5: Notre Dame Basilica (at night)

The location of this place is just prime. If you’re looking to orchestrate the perfect marriage proposal in Montreal, this is the place to do it. You can warm her up by enjoying the quaint and lively alleys of Old Montreal, explore the artisanal shops, unique and delicious restaurants, spend some time sitting by the water, finally wrapping up your sequence of events with a tour of the first Gothic church of Canada. Its history is deeply tied to that of Montreal. A perfect place to pop the question if your relationship also has deep roots in the big city.

4: Île Perry

Most people that live in the city don’t even know where this tiny island is. I grew up a few blocks away, so I’ve spent many Summer nights sitting at the water’s edge watching the sun set over the La Riviere des Prairies. Drive down to rue Poincaré where it meets Gouin. Park your car and walk the footpath across the footbridge onto the little island. Pack a little picnic basket with her favorites and take the time to eat as the sun goes down. Don’t forget to pair a nice bottle of wine with a thoughtful kiss on the neck. Sit with her and enjoy watching the sun go down together. I think this is a perfect place for two people who enjoy cherishing the simple moments and appreciating each other’s presence in the absence of distractions.

3: Clock Tower Beach

Nestled in the Old Port, this mini beach gives you the feeling of warm tropical vacation without the airmiles or expenses. It’s not Fiji, but it’s definitely a great spot for those who love spending the day at the beach but also really appreciate the accessibility of the city. This is definitely a place where you can turn a casual experience into something extraordinary if you plan right. Mimosas, tasteful jazz, crisp beach clothes and the right appetizers can really elevate this experience into something that’s vacation-like. And what better way to send her to cloud nine than ending your beach day with a beautiful engagement ring on her finger?

2: Montreal Botanical Gardens

If you ask anybody who lives in the city about their thoughts related to where to propose in Montreal, I would be very surprised if this spot doesn’t come up. In my honest opinion, this is hands down on of the best places to propose in Montreal (unless your significant other has a phobia of plants and extravagant beauty).

1: Your very own home.

Some people appreciate grandeur and extravagance while others love nothing more than to get lost in intimacy. There is no place more intimate than the space in which you build your life together, communicate daily, and grow as a couple. This has to be one of the most romantic places to propose in Montreal, if not the most romantic, as long as you play your cards right. Choose a day where she doesn’t have much going on. Catch her in a great mood. Lay the ground work for this by spending the time doing things she appreciates all day. They can be small things or actions that speak loudly. Just be considerate. Display an obvious effort and concern for her pleasure and satisfaction. You should be emphasizing your closeness, how well you know her wants and needs, as well as how you aim to incorporate those things into her daily life. Cook a special meal, drink some special drink, and finish it off with her dream engagement ring. To a soulful woman, this means more than the most expensive hotel.

Now that you have an idea of where to propose, the next step is to pick the perfect engagement ring.  Contact one of our experts today and we’ll make sure your significant other will be left speechless when she sees that beautiful ring!

What’s engagement without commitment? We would say it’s incomplete. While most will gawk over the grand brilliance of engagement rings, wedding bands are worn day in and day out in unison. As the true test of time, marriage is a process that will endure the unexpected changes life throws at you, while encouraging you to both evolve in similar directions. Such a precious bond deserves a band of world class. Don’t underestimate the importance of this symbolic piece of jewelry. Let us help you find the perfect wedding ring in Montreal!

The process of selecting wedding bands is not entirely different from the engagement ring. Actually, one should compliment the other. Therefore, consider shopping for your marriage rings at the same time or at least several months before the wedding date. Even though we craft our wedding rings right here in Montreal, our rare metals are imported and the process from molding to polishing can take many months to complete. So, like all things wedding-related, it’s best to relieve the stress and plan well in advance to be sure everything goes smoothly on your special day.

The process begins with a general overview of style. Decide whether you want to incorporate the same metal that you used for the engagement ring band. If the engagement ring is grandiose, maybe you will opt for a simpler design as to not overpower it. Conversely, a less amply decorated engagement ring would look good when paired with a wedding band that has a few small diamonds or a special gemstone at the face. Whatever the case is, make sure you choose a style that’s going to please her in the long term and not something that seems trendy now but will go out of style in 20 years.

Then, ask yourself if you want matching sets for her & him, or if you would prefer something a little different. Let’s consider her wedding band is white gold with three small diamonds. You might want something that’s still white gold so that they share similarity but you might skip the rocks because it’s impractical for you to wear diamonds. Once the style is more or less decided, you can move on to finalizing the finer details.

This is the fun part! With Donj Jewellery, you get to choose the major details that will result in the two of you having a set of wedding rings that’s one of a kind in Montreal. The most obvious detail is the type of gold, its karatage and the width of the band. This will dictate most of the initial impression. You can choose between white gold, yellow gold or rose gold and purities of 10K, 14K or 18K. There are circumstances where we would recommend each of these blends when choosing the raw material for your wedding rings in Montreal. The highest purity (18K gold) has the greatest ratio of gold to alloy metals, but is also the least resistant. Consider this when choosing which karatage you prefer. If you’ll be wearing your ring daily but work in an environment that might subject it to abuse, it would be wiser to choose 10K or 14K. Generally, men’s rings have a greater width than a woman’s. Since women tend to wear their wedding and engagement rings on the same finger, you want to stay below 6mm as to not crowd them. Men commonly wear a width of 8mm and above. Narrow bands are more comfortable to wear and maneuver more easily, whereas wider bands will have to be thicker, which means that they are inherently more durable. A minimum thickness of 1.5mm is recommended for people who work with their hands often as this thickness is unlikely to bend or warp with pressure. Here are some examples:

At this point, you have a solid base for your design. Now, we can add the finishing touches and move on to creating your wedding ring in Montreal. If you’re thinking of adding some diamonds, our designers will guide you through the types of settings that make sense alongside the engagement ring you’ve chosen. Engravings are a thoughtful touch. Nothing speaks to your unique relationship like a meaningful choice of words on the inside of your bands. Be sure to have the right size and just like that, you’ve designed your very own wedding rings handmade in Montreal!

You can also shop our wedding rings online.

So what are you waiting for? Call us at (450) 231-0641 and let us take care of all your Montreal jewelry needs!

“Not all diamonds are created equal.”

This phrase was both simple, yet powerful, as it was spoken by a man whose family has been in the business of importing diamonds for several generations. This was the first piece of advice I would be given by somebody who would be an invaluable asset to the process of finding the right engagement ring in Montreal, my home town.

Viken – or Donj, as I’ve been calling him for the last ten years- has always offered me transparency and integrity from the very beginning of our friendship. We met before our adult lives began. This was long before I would have ever needed to consider buying an engagement ring for the love of my life. Before Donj was at the forefront of the Montreal jewelry scene. Yet, here we are, having this conversation.

I trust Donj. I know that he carries that same transparency and integrity into the way he does his business. Instead of focusing on a quick buck, he builds relationships for the long-term by being exceptionally honest and always stepping with his best foot forward. This is the type of dynamic I want with my future wife, so it only makes sense for him to lead me through this potentially confusing selection process.

“The price ranges based on the size of the diamond and the 4 Cs of diamond quality: cut, color, clarity and carat. That’s just because it’s incredibly rare to find diamonds that are both big and of the highest quality. But you don’t need to spend 30K to get a gorgeous ring. Trustworthy jewelers only sell diamonds that are G.I.A. certified, anyway, so it’s not always about the best quality but rather about what best suits a certain style of ring.” He added. That’s music to my ears. I love my girlfriend and I do appreciate the way a ring communicates commitment, but I also know that we both value bigger and better things.

The most important thing a man can do is to become more intimate with her style. You want the ring you choose to make her wildest dreams come true. This is the first and most important step in gifting her with a ring that says ‘I know you and I love you’. Take note of what she likes to wear. Does she prefer gold, silver or platinum jewelry? Is she simple, or flashy and extravagant? Does she like to wear her birthstone or a special type of gem? Maybe that could be incorporated into the ring design. When all else fails, invite her girlfriends over for a glass (or a few glasses) of wine to get the inside scoop on what she really wants. Quick tip: ask them pointers for the wedding ring too!

You want to choose from the various engagement ring styles, then build around that format. Each style basically dictates the way the main diamond is presented on the ring’s face. A single large stone is referred to as a Solitaire engagement ring. This is what a simple, yet classy lady usually opts for. If this single stone is surrounded by a setting of smaller sparkling diamonds, we call it a Halo. There are double halos (two rings around the center stone- extra flashy) and three stone engagement rings as well (three center stones instead of one). Those are pretty much the classic designs, and there’s a whole lot of vintage engagement ring designs to choose from that are much more elaborate. Don’t worry, we’ve provided pictures for you!

Once you’ve settled on a style, it’s time to choose her center diamond. This begins with the Cut. It’s the only aspect of diamond quality that’s within the jeweler’s control, and that’s what puts Donj at the top of Montreal jewelry. He is extremely knowledgeable about choosing the right cuts. The angles and shape in which the diamond is cut has a massive impact on the way light passes into the stone; the right cut is the only way to achieve a brilliant sparkle.

The diamond color is the biggest variable as far as price goes, he explains to me. Diamonds are graded from absolutely colorless to yellow, or D – Z. Diamonds with less color allow a higher percentage of light to pass through them, resulting in a more glistening shine. D grade diamonds are incredibly expensive and often unnecessary. Diamonds graded G through to J are nearly colorless. The difference between colorless and near colorless diamonds is almost imperceptible to the naked eye. These grades are still considered top tier, and lower grades are still great options for white gold or platinum bands. If your band is yellow gold, you want to choose a diamond with less coloration. This is due to the tendency of yellow gold to bring the yellow out of the diamond. Still, lower grades that are optimally cut can still appear top notch when paired with white gold bands!

Clarity is a description of the diamond’s imperfections. Little fractures called inclusions exist in all diamonds, but some have more inclusions than others. Each inclusion takes away from the amount of light that is reflected back toward our eyes. From VVS (very, very small inclusions) to SI (small inclusions) you are looking at near perfect diamonds. Most people opt for SI1 or SI2 as they are still very close to the best quality available but don’t cost nearly as much as VVS. However, this all depends on the cut and setting, so let us work with you to get the most brilliance out of what you’re looking to achieve.

Carat weight is probably the least important aspect of the diamond, since you can cut a certain sized diamond to appear much larger than it is and reflect ample light for an absolutely stunning finished product. I’ve always heard that the size of the rock matters, but Donj reassures me that what really matters is the apparent size of the rock. If I pay more attention to the cut, the color and the clarity, as well as the arrangement of any surrounding stones, then we will be on the right track to gifting her with something breathtaking.

To illustrate his point, Donj unlocks a cabinet and removes a box that holds another box. My eyes are literally drawn to the shimmer of four engagement rings he has prepared for some of his clients. Most of these are round cuts. Round cuts, princess cuts and emerald cuts are the most popular because they tend to allow the most light in. The classic round diamond cut engagement ring eases into halo settings seamlessly, and that so happens to be what we have in front of us. The single halo round engagement ring he hands me looks like it’s from another planet. Clearly I’m no connoisseur, but man is this thing sparkly with its collection of smaller stones that surround the massive centerpiece. Next, he hands me a rose gold round cut halo engagement ring. This one looks similar to the first except the diamond is slightly smaller, which actually look better when contrasted with the rose coloration. If I was a girl, I would probably want this one. Or maybe this third one that he’s pulling out as I hand him back the first.

“White gold solitaire engagement ring. I won’t tell you how many carats this is. But it’s actually not much larger than the other two. The gentlemen’s girlfriend like things to be rather flashy, but instead of giving him a significantly larger ring we agreed it would make more sense to accentuate its size with a slim band and no surrounding diamonds” he explains. It’s a deeper cut with an elevated setting, making it appear tall and crisp. With a dainty, white gold band, the diamond’s presence is boldly amplified. This ring is what comes to mind when I think of a grandiose engagement ring. I would be damned if this isn’t one of the prettiest engagement rings in Montreal.

This consultation brought me way back. Back to simpler days. A time where relationships were based on shared experiences and nothing more. I’m happy he walked me through this process and didn’t complicate it for me. I was feeling overwhelmed and clueless, but left feeling satisfied and reassured. This was a once in a lifetime experience for me, but I know this isn’t a unique experience for him. He sells engagement rings quite often, constantly growing his entourage of happy customers. He truly goes above and beyond in ensuring his customers get the best quality within their budget, as well as elite aftercare to ensure their stones look as brilliant as possible. If you’re looking for an engagement ring in Montreal, I can assure you that your search has come to an end. With Donj, you can’t go wrong.

Oh, and just to let you know, you can even shop our engagement rings online.

Have an idea in mind? Contact us now and let’s bring it to life together.