Toronto Engagement Ring Guide & FAQs

Choosing the perfect engagement ring starts with understanding your partner's personal style, lifestyle, and budget. Rather than focusing only on carat weight, consider the four key decisions: diamond shape, setting style, metal, and whether you prefer a natural or lab-grown diamond.

The diamond shape is what gives an engagement ring its personality. Popular choices include round brilliant, oval, radiant, emerald, cushion, pear, marquise, princess, and asscher cuts—each offering a unique look and level of brilliance.

Next, choose a setting that complements the diamond. Solitaire, hidden halo, three-stone, pavé, bezel, and cathedral settings each create a different style while affecting durability and everyday wear.
The metal is equally important. Platinum offers exceptional durability, while white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold each provide a distinctive appearance that can completely change the look of the same diamond.

Finally, decide whether a natural or lab-grown diamond is the right choice for you. Both offer exceptional beauty, and the best option depends on your priorities, budget, and personal preferences.

At Design by Sevan, every engagement ring is custom designed around your vision. With over 30 years of experience and three generations in the jewelry industry, Sevan personally guides you through every step—from selecting the perfect diamond to creating a handcrafted engagement ring that will last a lifetime.

What's the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds?

Natural and lab-grown diamonds are both real diamonds with the same chemical composition, brilliance, and durability. The biggest difference is how they are created. Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years beneath the Earth's surface, while lab-grown diamonds are produced using advanced technology that recreates the same natural process.

At Design by Sevan, we offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds, helping you choose the option that best fits your style, priorities, and budget.
Are lab-grown diamonds real?

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, not diamond simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. They have the same sparkle, hardness, and beauty as natural diamonds.

Which option offers better value?

Lab-grown diamonds typically allow you to purchase a larger or higher-quality diamond for the same budget. Natural diamonds remain popular for their rarity, history, and long-term desirability.

Which should I choose for my engagement ring?

There isn't a single right answer. Some couples love the tradition and rarity of natural diamonds, while others prefer the value and sustainability of lab-grown diamonds. During your consultation, we'll explain the advantages of each option so you can make an informed decision.

Can I create a custom engagement ring with either option?

Absolutely. Every custom engagement ring at Design by Sevan can be created with either a natural or lab-grown diamond. We work with you to select the perfect diamond, setting, and metal to create a ring that's uniquely yours.

Looking for a custom engagement ring in Toronto? Book a complimentary consultation with Design by Sevan to explore natural and lab-grown diamonds and create a ring designed just for you

What makes a round brilliant engagement ring the most popular choice?

Round brilliant engagement rings have remained the world's most popular engagement ring style for decades because they offer exceptional sparkle, timeless beauty, and versatility. Designed with 58 precisely cut facets, a well-cut round diamond reflects more light than any other diamond shape, creating unmatched brilliance.

At Design by Sevan, we help clients throughout Toronto create custom round brilliant engagement rings using carefully selected natural and lab-grown diamonds. Every ring is designed around your lifestyle, personal taste, and budget.

Why choose a round brilliant diamond?
•⁠ ⁠Maximum sparkle and brilliance
•⁠ ⁠Classic style that never goes out of fashion
•⁠ ⁠Looks beautiful in solitaire, hidden halo, pavé, and three-stone settings
•⁠ ⁠Excellent resale value and long-term popularity
•⁠ ⁠Available in both natural and lab-grown diamonds.

Can I customize a round brilliant engagement ring?

Absolutely. Every engagement ring at Design by Sevan is custom designed from the ground up. You can choose your diamond, setting, metal, band width, hidden details, and finishing touches to create a one-of-a-kind ring.

What metal works best with a round brilliant diamond?

Round diamonds pair beautifully with platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. The ideal choice depends on your personal style and whether you prefer a modern, vintage, or timeless look.

Looking for a custom engagement ring in Toronto? Book a complimentary consultation with Design by Sevan to explore natural and lab-grown diamonds and create a ring designed just for you

Oval engagement rings have become one of the most sought-after engagement ring styles because they combine timeless elegance with a modern look. Their elongated shape creates the illusion of a larger diamond while making the finger appear longer and more slender.

At Design by Sevan, every oval engagement ring is custom designed around your personal style. Whether you prefer a classic solitaire, a hidden halo, a pavé band, or a three-stone setting, we carefully create each ring to highlight the beauty of your chosen diamond.
One of the biggest advantages of an oval diamond is its versatility. It looks stunning in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum, making it easy to create a ring that feels uniquely yours.
We offer both natural and lab-grown oval diamonds, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your style and budget without compromising on beauty or quality.
Every custom ring begins with a personal consultation, where we'll guide you through diamond selection, CAD design, and the craftsmanship behind creating a one-of-a-kind engagement ring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do oval diamonds look bigger than round diamonds?

Yes. Because of their elongated shape, oval diamonds often appear larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight.
Can I choose a lab-grown oval diamond?
Absolutely. We offer both natural and lab-grown oval diamonds, all carefully selected for exceptional beauty and quality.

What metal looks best with an oval engagement ring?

Oval diamonds pair beautifully with platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. The best choice depends on your personal style and the look you want to achieve.

Can my oval engagement ring be completely custom made?

Yes. Every engagement ring at Design by Sevan is designed specifically for you. From the diamond and setting to the smallest design details, every element is tailored to your vision.

Popular Oval Engagement Ring Styles

Oval Solitaire
Hidden Halo Oval
Pavé Oval
Three-Stone Oval
East-West Oval
Vintage Oval

What is the best length-to-width ratio for an oval diamond?

A ratio between 1.48 and 1.50 is the most popular, creating an elegant elongated shape while maintaining excellent brilliance. At Design by Sevan, we help every client select the proportions that best suit their personal style.

What carat size looks best in an oval engagement ring?

Oval diamonds appear larger than many other shapes of the same carat weight, making them an excellent choice whether you're looking for a delicate 1-carat ring or a larger statement piece.

Ready to design your dream oval engagement ring?
Book your complimentary consultation with Sevan and explore natural and lab-grown diamonds tailored to your vision.

Book Your Complimentary Consultation

What makes a radiant cut engagement ring unique?

Radiant cut engagement rings combine the elegant rectangular shape of an emerald cut with the brilliant sparkle of a round diamond. Their faceted design delivers exceptional fire and brilliance, making them one of the most eye-catching diamond shapes. At Design by Sevan in Toronto, radiant cut diamonds are carefully selected for their beauty, proportions, and brilliance before being custom set into one-of-a-kind engagement rings.

Do radiant cut diamonds sparkle more than emerald cut diamonds?

Yes. Radiant cut diamonds feature brilliant-cut facets that create significantly more sparkle than emerald cuts. If you love the elongated shape of an emerald cut but want maximum brilliance, a radiant cut is often the perfect choice.

Are radiant cut diamonds good for hiding inclusions?

Yes. The brilliant facet pattern of a radiant cut helps hide small inclusions and color better than many step-cut diamonds. This often allows you to choose a beautiful diamond while maximizing value without sacrificing appearance.

What settings look best with a radiant cut engagement ring?

Radiant cut diamonds look stunning in solitaire, hidden halo, pavé, three-stone, bezel, and cathedral settings. Every radiant cut engagement ring at Design by Sevan is custom designed to match your style, lifestyle, and preferred metal, including platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.

Can I create a custom radiant cut engagement ring in Toronto?

Absolutely. At Design by Sevan, every radiant cut engagement ring is custom designed from the ground up. You'll choose your diamond, setting style, metal, and design details while working directly with Sevan to create a ring that is uniquely yours. We offer both natural and lab-grown radiant cut diamonds for every budget.

Ready to design your dream Radiant cut engagement ring?
Book your complimentary consultation with Sevan and explore natural and lab-grown diamonds tailored to your vision.

Emerald cut engagement rings are admired for their clean lines, elegant proportions, and timeless appeal. Unlike brilliant-cut diamonds that maximize sparkle, emerald cuts showcase exceptional clarity through their distinctive step-cut facets, creating a refined "hall of mirrors" effect.

At Design by Sevan, every emerald cut engagement ring is custom designed around your diamond, ensuring the perfect balance of proportions, setting style, and finger coverage. Whether you prefer a classic solitaire, hidden halo, three-stone design, or a modern east-west setting, we'll create a ring that reflects your personal style.
Because of their large open facets, emerald cut diamonds benefit from excellent clarity and precise craftsmanship. Our team carefully selects both natural and lab-grown emerald cut diamonds, helping you find the perfect combination of beauty, quality, and value.

Every custom engagement ring begins with a complimentary consultation where we'll guide you through diamond selection, CAD design, and every detail of the custom design process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do emerald cut diamonds sparkle like round diamonds?

Emerald cut diamonds have a different type of brilliance. Instead of intense sparkle, they produce elegant flashes of light through their step-cut facets, creating a sophisticated and timeless appearance.
Are emerald cut diamonds more expensive?
Not necessarily. Pricing depends on the diamond's carat weight, color, clarity, and overall quality. Because emerald cuts reveal inclusions more easily, selecting the right clarity is especially important.

Can I choose a lab-grown emerald cut diamond?

Absolutely. We offer both natural and lab-grown emerald cut diamonds, each carefully selected for exceptional beauty, symmetry, and quality.

What settings work best with emerald cut engagement rings?

Popular choices include:
Solitaire
Hidden Halo
Three-Stone
East-West
Pavé Band
Vintage Inspired
Each setting creates a different look while highlighting the elegant shape of the emerald cut.

Can my emerald cut engagement ring be completely custom made?

Yes. Every engagement ring at Design by Sevan is custom designed specifically for you. From the diamond selection to the setting and final finishing details, every element is crafted to create a one-of-a-kind ring.

What makes a cushion cut engagement ring so popular?

Cushion cut engagement rings are loved for their soft, rounded corners and exceptional brilliance. Combining the elegance of a square shape with the sparkle of a round brilliant diamond, the cushion cut offers a timeless yet romantic look that has remained one of the most popular engagement ring styles for generations.

At Design by Sevan in Toronto, every cushion cut engagement ring is custom designed around your vision. Whether you prefer a classic solitaire, hidden halo, three-stone design, or pavé band, each ring is handcrafted to showcase the beauty of your chosen diamond.

We offer both natural and lab-grown cushion cut diamonds in a wide range of sizes and qualities. During your consultation, we'll guide you through diamond selection, proportions, settings, metal choices, and CAD design to create an engagement ring that's uniquely yours.

Do cushion cut diamonds sparkle a lot?

Yes. Cushion cut diamonds are known for their impressive brilliance and fire, making them one of the brightest fancy-shaped diamonds.

Do cushion cut diamonds look larger than other shapes?

While they generally face up slightly smaller than oval or radiant diamonds of the same carat weight, their exceptional sparkle often makes them appear larger.

Which setting works best with a cushion cut diamond?

Cushion cut diamonds look beautiful in solitaire, hidden halo, halo, three-stone, and pavé engagement ring settings.

Can I customize a cushion cut engagement ring?

Absolutely. Every cushion cut engagement ring at Design by Sevan is custom made. You can choose your diamond, metal, setting style, band width, and every design detail to create a one-of-a-kind ring.

Looking for a custom engagement ring in Toronto? Book a complimentary consultation with Design by Sevan to explore natural and lab-grown diamonds and create a ring designed just for you

What makes a pear shape engagement ring unique?

Pear shape engagement rings combine the brilliance of a round diamond with the elegance of a marquise, creating a timeless teardrop silhouette that is both sophisticated and distinctive. Their elongated shape can make the finger appear longer while maximizing the visual size of the diamond.

At Design by Sevan in Toronto, every pear shape engagement ring is custom designed to suit your style. Whether you prefer a classic solitaire, hidden halo, pavé band, or three-stone setting, each ring is handcrafted to highlight the beauty and proportions of your chosen diamond.

We offer both natural and lab-grown pear shape diamonds in a wide range of sizes and qualities. During your consultation, we'll help you choose the ideal length-to-width ratio, setting style, metal, and design details to create a one-of-a-kind engagement ring.

Which direction should a pear shape diamond face?

Most people wear the pointed end facing toward their fingertip, creating a longer, more elegant appearance. However, the orientation is entirely a matter of personal preference.

Do pear shape diamonds look larger than other shapes?

Yes. Their elongated shape often makes them appear larger than many other diamond shapes of the same carat weight.
Are pear shape engagement rings durable?
Yes, especially when the pointed tip is protected with a V-prong setting, which helps guard against everyday wear.

Can I customize a pear shape engagement ring?

Absolutely. Every pear shape engagement ring at Design by Sevan is custom made. You can choose your diamond, setting style, metal, band width, and every design detail to create a ring that's uniquely yours.

Looking for a custom engagement ring in Toronto? Book a complimentary consultation with Design by Sevan to explore natural and lab-grown diamonds and create a ring designed just for you

What makes a hidden halo engagement ring special?

Hidden halo engagement rings have become one of the most sought-after engagement ring styles because they add extra sparkle without changing the classic look of a solitaire. The small diamonds sit beneath the centre stone, creating brilliance that's visible from the side while keeping the top view clean and elegant.

At Design by Sevan in Toronto, every hidden halo engagement ring is custom designed around your preferred diamond shape, whether it's a round brilliant, oval, emerald, radiant, pear, or cushion cut. Each ring is handcrafted to maximize beauty, durability, and everyday wearability.

We offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds, allowing you to create a hidden halo engagement ring that fits your style and budget. During your consultation, we'll guide you through diamond selection, CAD design, setting options, and every detail needed to create a truly one-of-a-kind ring.

Does a hidden halo make a diamond look bigger?

Yes. A hidden halo can enhance the appearance of the centre diamond by adding extra sparkle around its base, making it appear more brilliant without overwhelming the design.

Can every diamond shape have a hidden halo?

Absolutely. Hidden halos work beautifully with round, oval, emerald, radiant, cushion, pear, marquise, and princess cut diamonds.
Are hidden halo rings still timeless?
Yes. Unlike traditional halos, a hidden halo is subtle and elegant, making it a modern design that remains timeless.

Can I customize every detail?

Yes. At Design by Sevan, every hidden halo engagement ring is custom made. You can choose the diamond, metal, setting style, band width, and every design detail to create a ring that's uniquely yours.

Looking for a custom engagement ring in Toronto? Book a complimentary consultation with Design by Sevan to explore natural and lab-grown diamonds and create a ring designed just for you

In my experience as a jeweller in Toronto, one of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing too much on certifications, particularly GIA. Many clients believe that a GIA certificate guarantees the best quality, but I’ve seen firsthand that even GIA grades can sometimes be inconsistent or overrated. I’ve had clients compare a GIA-certified diamond to another diamond graded by a reputable lab like IGI or AGS, and the non-GIA diamond often outperforms it in terms of brilliance and overall appearance. Yet, people often still choose the GIA diamond simply due to the brand’s reputation, even if the grading is inaccurate.

I want to be clear: I’m not saying you shouldn’t get a GIA certificate — GIA is a respected grading lab. However, it's essential to ensure you’re getting the **right** GIA certificate, with accurate grading that reflects the true quality of the diamond. Unfortunately, the grading system in the industry often does not work in favor of the consumer; it tends to favor diamond dealers who have established relationships with grading companies. This can sometimes lead to inflated grades that benefit the seller rather than providing an accurate assessment for the buyer.

Another mistake I frequently encounter is relying too much on what you read on Google. While online research can provide valuable information, it cannot replace the experience of actually seeing the diamond with your own eyes. Articles and guides often emphasize the importance of certifications and the Four Cs, but they miss the real-life nuances, such as how a diamond interacts with light or how its cut influences sparkle.

At Design by Sevan I always encourage clients to go beyond the certification and the internet. I take the time to guide them through the process of evaluating diamonds in person, showing side-by-side comparisons from different grading labs, and helping them understand what truly makes a diamond special. My goal is to ensure you select a diamond that looks incredible to your eyes, not just on paper.

In short, don't just rely on Google or a certificate alone — trust your jeweler, trust your eyes, and make sure you're getting the right grading for the diamond you're investing in.

In my experience as a jeweller in Toronto, one of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing too much on certifications, particularly GIA. Many clients believe that a GIA certificate guarantees the best quality, but I’ve seen firsthand that even GIA grades can sometimes be inconsistent or overrated. I’ve had clients compare a GIA-certified diamond to another diamond graded by a reputable lab like IGI or AGS, and the non-GIA diamond often outperforms it in terms of brilliance and overall appearance. Yet, people often still choose the GIA diamond simply due to the brand’s reputation, even if the grading is inaccurate.

I want to be clear: I’m not saying you shouldn’t get a GIA certificate — GIA is a respected grading lab. However, it's essential to ensure you’re getting the **right** GIA certificate, with accurate grading that reflects the true quality of the diamond. Unfortunately, the grading system in the industry often does not work in favor of the consumer; it tends to favor diamond dealers who have established relationships with grading companies. This can sometimes lead to inflated grades that benefit the seller rather than providing an accurate assessment for the buyer.

Another mistake I frequently encounter is relying too much on what you read on Google. While online research can provide valuable information, it cannot replace the experience of actually seeing the diamond with your own eyes. Articles and guides often emphasize the importance of certifications and the Four Cs, but they miss the real-life nuances, such as how a diamond interacts with light or how its cut influences sparkle.

At Design by Sevan I always encourage clients to go beyond the certification and the internet. I take the time to guide them through the process of evaluating diamonds in person, showing side-by-side comparisons from different grading labs, and helping them understand what truly makes a diamond special. My goal is to ensure you select a diamond that looks incredible to your eyes, not just on paper.

In short, don't just rely on Google or a certificate alone — trust your jeweler, trust your eyes, and make sure you're getting the right grading for the diamond you're investing in.

In my experience as a jeweller in Toronto, one of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing too much on certifications, particularly GIA. Many clients believe that a GIA certificate guarantees the best quality, but I’ve seen firsthand that even GIA grades can sometimes be inconsistent or overrated. I’ve had clients compare a GIA-certified diamond to another diamond graded by a reputable lab like IGI or AGS, and the non-GIA diamond often outperforms it in terms of brilliance and overall appearance. Yet, people often still choose the GIA diamond simply due to the brand’s reputation, even if the grading is inaccurate.

I want to be clear: I’m not saying you shouldn’t get a GIA certificate — GIA is a respected grading lab. However, it's essential to ensure you’re getting the **right** GIA certificate, with accurate grading that reflects the true quality of the diamond. Unfortunately, the grading system in the industry often does not work in favor of the consumer; it tends to favor diamond dealers who have established relationships with grading companies. This can sometimes lead to inflated grades that benefit the seller rather than providing an accurate assessment for the buyer.

Another mistake I frequently encounter is relying too much on what you read on Google. While online research can provide valuable information, it cannot replace the experience of actually seeing the diamond with your own eyes. Articles and guides often emphasize the importance of certifications and the Four Cs, but they miss the real-life nuances, such as how a diamond interacts with light or how its cut influences sparkle.

At Design by Sevan I always encourage clients to go beyond the certification and the internet. I take the time to guide them through the process of evaluating diamonds in person, showing side-by-side comparisons from different grading labs, and helping them understand what truly makes a diamond special. My goal is to ensure you select a diamond that looks incredible to your eyes, not just on paper.

In short, don't just rely on Google or a certificate alone — trust your jeweler, trust your eyes, and make sure you're getting the right grading for the diamond you're investing in.

Still have questions?
Book a complimentary consultation with Sevan to explore natural and lab-grown diamonds, compare engagement ring styles, and design a custom ring that's uniquely yours