Moissanite or Diamond?

A proposal is one of the most significant moments in a relationship, and most of the pressure people feel around it is self-created. There is no single correct way to propose. There are only decisions that suit your partner and your relationship. This guide covers every practical question. Choosing the Ring — Surprise or Together? Surprise ring: Choose the ring yourself and present it at the proposal. Most emotionally impactful if you choose well. Carries the risk that the style does not match your partner's preference. Shop together first: Choose the ring design together before the formal proposal. Eliminates style risk entirely. The proposal moment itself is still meaningful you are still asking the question. Propose first, choose together after: Propose with a placeholder, then shop for the ring together after the engagement. Increasingly common separates the emotional proposal moment from the ring selection. Browse our full engagement ring collection to understand what is available before any conversation about rings. Secretly Finding the Ring Size Borrow a ring your partner wears on the ring finger of their left hand, trace the inner circle on paper, and measure the diameter. Return it before they notice. Ask a close family member or trusted friend who may already know. If no measurement is possible, the most common NZ women's engagement ring size is N (approximately US 6.75). TJ Diamond includes a complimentary resize within the first 12 months a slightly incorrect size is not a significant problem. For the full ring sizing guide including at-home measurement methods, see how to measure your ring size at home . What to Say When You Propose There are no required words. The most meaningful proposals speak authentically rather than reciting memorised lines. Three things make a proposal speech genuinely moving: Be specific about why you want to marry this particular person not generic declarations, but something true and particular to your relationship. Reference something shared a specific memory, a quality you admire, a moment of certainty. State clearly what you are asking. Do not leave it as an implied question. Shorter is often better than longer. Practise beforehand not to perform, but to avoid forgetting what you want to say in the moment. The proposal speech does not need to be perfect. It needs to be honest. Your partner will remember that you meant it, not that every word was elegantly chosen. Public or Private? Base this decision on your partner's personality, not on what creates the most impressive photograph. Ask yourself honestly: would your partner find a public proposal romantic, or anxiety-inducing? Private proposals suit partners who are reserved or uncomfortable with public attention. Public proposals suit partners who are genuinely outgoing and would love the shared witness but check honestly before choosing this. A small intimate group (close family, a few friends) offers a middle option witnessed and celebrated, but not performed for strangers. How to Present the Ring Present the ring in the box it came in. A quality ring box is a physical object many couples keep permanently. Open the box yourself and hold it while asking the question do not hand it over closed. If kneeling, hold the box at chest height so the ring is clearly visible. After the answer, offer to put the ring on their finger yourself this is the most emotionally resonant moment of the proposal. If photographs matter, arrange a camera setup in advance  ask a trusted friend, or use a stabilised phone mount. What If the Ring Does Not Fit? This is one of the most common proposal concerns and the least serious problem in practice. Ring sizing is correctable. The proposal moment is not. Most plain gold and platinum bands resize one to two sizes up or down without affecting the ring's integrity. TJ Diamond includes a complimentary resize within the first 12 months for any ring we make. If the ring does not fit on the ring finger at all at the proposal, put it on whatever finger fits for the moment. It can be resized before daily wear begins. For rings that are difficult to resize after setting, plain solitaire engagement rings are the simplest to resize and the most forgiving for surprise proposals. How Far in Advance to Order TJ Diamond recommends ordering at least 8-10 weeks before your intended proposal date for a standard ring, and 10-14 weeks for a bespoke design. All rings are handcrafted to order in Auckland — not pre-made stock. Browse our full engagement ring collection. Or  Contact our team to discuss your proposal timeline and confirm the production schedule for your ring and date. For help choosing the right diamond size, see what is a good size diamond for an engagement ring?  Related: What hand does your engagement ring go on? Frequently Asked Questions   Q1: When is the best time to propose? The best moment is the one most meaningful to you and your partner. Propose when you are both relaxed and not rushed, in a setting where interruptions are unlikely, and at a time of day when your partner is at their most receptive. Avoid proposing immediately before or after a high-stress event. The most memorable proposals are those where the person proposing has genuinely thought about what their partner would find meaningful, not what looks impressive on social media. Q2: Should you show your partner the ring before proposing? There are three valid approaches. The surprise proposal: choose the ring yourself and present it at the moment. The collaborative approach: shop for the ring together before the formal proposal. The proposal-first approach: propose without the ring, then choose the ring together afterward. Each approach has different strengths. The surprise creates the most spontaneous emotional moment; the collaborative approach eliminates any risk that the ring style does not match your partner's preference. Q3: How do I secretly find out my partner's ring size before proposing? Borrow a ring they already wear on the ring finger of the left hand, trace the inner circle on paper, and measure the diameter. Ask a close family member or trusted friend. If no measurement is possible, the most common NZ women's engagement ring size is N (approximately US 6.75) — a rough starting point only. TJ Diamond includes a complimentary resize within the first 12 months, so a slightly incorrect size is not a significant problem. Q4: What should I say when I propose? There are no required words. The most meaningful proposals speak authentically rather than reciting memorised lines. Be specific about why you want to marry this particular person, not generic. Reference something shared between you — a memory, a quality you admire, a moment of certainty. State clearly what you are asking. Practise beforehand so you are not reading from your phone. Shorter is often better than longer. Q5: What if my partner says they need time to think? Give them the space they ask for without repeated prompting. Someone who needs time to process is not saying no — they are being honest about needing time for something important. If this is a concern before proposing, a direct conversation about readiness for marriage before the formal proposal is always a valid approach. Q6: What is the best way to present the engagement ring? Present the ring in the box it came in. Open the box yourself and hold it while asking the question. If kneeling, hold the box at chest height so the ring is clearly visible. After the answer, offer to put the ring on their finger yourself — this is the most emotionally resonant moment of the proposal. If photographs matter to you, arrange a camera setup in advance. Q7: How far in advance should I order the ring before proposing? TJ Diamond recommends ordering at least 8-10 weeks before your intended proposal date for a standard ring, and 10-14 weeks for a bespoke design. All rings are handcrafted to order in Auckland — not pre-made stock. Contact TJ Diamond as soon as you have a clear idea of what you want and we will confirm the specific production schedule for your ring and date. Q8: Should I propose in public or private? Choose based on your partner's personality, not on what creates the most impressive photograph. If your partner is private or uncomfortable with public attention, propose somewhere intimate. If they are genuinely outgoing and would love a public moment, choose a setting accordingly. The proposal experience should be designed for your partner, not for an audience.  

The princess cut is the most popular non-round diamond shape in the world and the second most popular overall after the round brilliant. If you are considering a square diamond, this article covers everything you need to know. Where the Princess Cut Comes From The princess cut was created in 1979 by diamond cutters Betazel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz. It is one of the newest major diamond cuts in regular production unlike the oval, cushion, and emerald cuts with histories stretching back decades or centuries. Ambar and Itzkowitz designed it to solve a specific problem: how to produce a square diamond with maximum brilliance while wasting as little of the original rough crystal as possible. Their solution maps closely to the natural octahedral shape of diamond rough two princess cuts can often be produced from one crystal with minimal waste. The 20-30% price advantage of the princess cut over round brilliants is not a quality compromise. It is engineering efficiency built into the shape at the point of cutting. Princess Cut vs Round Brilliant — The Key Differences Factor Round Brilliant Princess Cut Outline Circular Square with pointed corners Face-up at 1ct ~6.4mm diameter ~5.5mm per side Price per carat Highest — up to 60% rough waste 20-30% below round — efficient rough use GIA cut grade Formal scale: Excellent to Poor No formal overall cut grade — polish/symmetry only Corner vulnerability None 4 sharp corners — V-prong protection essential Chevron facet variants Standard 57 facets 2, 3, or 4 chevron patterns on pavilion The Corner Requirement — V-Prongs Are Essential The four sharp 90-degree corners are the princess cut's most structurally vulnerable points. A direct impact at a corner concentrates force at the single sharp edge, which is susceptible to chipping. V-shaped corner prongs cradle each corner edge on both sides, absorbing impact across the prong rather than the diamond. Standard round prongs leave the corner partially exposed. Every TJ Diamond princess cut ring uses V-shaped corner prongs as standard, across every ring style and occasion. The Chevron Facet Pattern — The Detail Most Buyers Miss Princess cut diamonds are produced with different numbers of chevron facets on the pavilion. This affects the visual sparkle character and is not disclosed on any certificate. Two chevron patterns: Larger, more defined facets produce bold, high-contrast flashes  similar in character to a round brilliant. Three chevron patterns: Intermediate. Balanced between bold and intricate. Four chevron patterns: The smallest facets produce the most intricate, scintillating sparkle the most distinctly princess-specific visual character. The chevron count must be assessed in person. TJ Diamond holds princess cut diamonds with different chevron counts in our Auckland studio for direct comparison. Princess Cut vs Cushion Cut Both are square or near-square brilliant cuts. The princess has sharp pointed corners requiring V-prong protection; the cushion has soft rounded corners without corner vulnerability. The princess reads as modern and geometric; the cushion reads as vintage and romantic. See our cushion engagement rings collection for direct comparison. Ring Settings for Princess Cut Diamonds Princess engagement rings four-corner V-prong solitaires and all engagement ring styles for the princess cut. Princess cut diamond rings broader occasion range including anniversary, fashion, and self-purchase princess cut rings. Channel setting the flat sides of the princess cut align naturally with channel walls for a clean architectural look. Bezel setting the metal rim encircles all four corners for maximum protection and a sleek contemporary profile. Princess Cut Pricing in NZ Princess cut diamond rings at TJ Diamond start from $999 NZD. The 20-30% price advantage over rounds applies at all quality levels. For a complete NZ price breakdown by carat weight and quality grade, see how much does a 1 carat diamond ring cost?  Contact us to compare princess cut diamonds at different chevron counts in our Auckland studio before deciding. Related: What is the best diamond cut for maximum sparkle? Frequently Asked Questions   Q1: What is a princess cut diamond? A princess cut diamond is a square or near-square diamond with four pointed corners and brilliant-cut facets applied throughout. It is the second most popular diamond shape globally after the round brilliant, and the most popular square diamond shape. Created in 1979, it delivers brilliance and fire comparable to a round brilliant within a square outline at a price typically 20-30% lower. Q2: Is a princess cut diamond more affordable than a round brilliant? Yes — princess cut diamonds are typically priced 20-30% less per carat than round brilliants at equivalent quality grades. The princess cut's square pyramid outline maps closely to the natural octahedral shape of diamond rough, wasting significantly less material in cutting. Two princess cuts can often be produced from a single octahedral crystal with minimal waste, while a round brilliant loses up to 60% of the original rough. Q3: What is the most important quality factor for a princess cut diamond? Cut quality is the most important factor. For the princess cut specifically, the chevron or wing facet pattern on the pavilion significantly affects the visual character of the sparkle — two chevron patterns produce bold, distinct flashes; four chevron patterns produce more numerous, smaller sparkle points. The chevron count must be assessed in person and does not appear on any certificate. After cut quality, colour grade matters most. Q4: Do princess cut diamonds require special prong protection? Yes. The four sharp 90-degree corners are the shape's most structurally vulnerable points. A direct impact at a corner concentrates force on the single sharp edge and the corner is susceptible to chipping. V-shaped corner prongs cradle each corner on both sides, protecting the point from direct impact. Standard round prongs leave the corner partially exposed. TJ Diamond sets every princess cut ring with V-shaped corner prongs as standard. Q5: What is the difference between a princess cut and a cushion cut? Both are square or near-square brilliant cuts. A princess cut has four sharp 90-degree corners, producing a precise geometric square. A cushion cut has soft, rounded corners, producing a warmer pillow-like outline. The princess reads as modern and geometric; the cushion reads as vintage and romantic. The princess requires V-prong corner protection; the cushion's rounded corners carry no equivalent vulnerability. Q6: What is the ideal length-to-width ratio for a princess cut diamond? For a princess cut that reads as perfectly square, a length-to-width ratio of 1.00 to 1.05 is ideal. Ratios above 1.10 begin to appear noticeably rectangular. The princess cut's primary appeal is its pure square geometric character — buyers who want the most characteristic look should prioritise ratios as close to 1.00 as possible. Q7: What ring settings work best with a princess cut diamond? The most important setting requirement is V-shaped prongs at all four corners. A four-corner prong solitaire with V-prongs is the most classic setting. A channel setting suits the flat sides of the princess cut well. A bezel encircles all four corners for maximum protection and a sleek look. A halo of smaller round diamonds creates strong visual contrast between the square centre and circular accent diamonds. Q8: How much does a princess cut diamond ring cost in NZ? Princess cut diamond rings at TJ Diamond start from $999 NZD. The 20-30% price advantage over round brilliants applies across all carat weights and quality grades. A 1-carat princess cut in G colour, VS2 clarity, 18ct gold solitaire typically ranges from $3,500 to $11,000 NZD depending on specific grades. Lab-grown princess cut diamonds are available at an additional 50-70% saving.  

Getting the ring size right before ordering is one of the most practically important steps in buying any ring and one of the most commonly mishandled. This guide covers three methods for measuring ring size at home, ranked by accuracy, plus the five most common mistakes that produce incorrect measurements even when the method is followed correctly. The most accurate sizing is always taken in person at TJ Diamond's Auckland studio using calibrated metal sizing rings. At-home methods are good for planning and approximate sizing. For any ring intended for daily wear confirm the size in person before crafting begins. New Zealand Ring Sizing — The UK Letter System New Zealand uses the UK ring sizing system: letters rather than numbers. The most common NZ women's sizes are L to N (US 5.75 to 6.75). The most common NZ men's sizes are S to V (US 9.25 to 10.75). These are population averages  always measure the specific finger. NZ/UK Size US Size (approx) Circumference (mm) Diameter (mm) J 4.75 48.7 15.5 K 5.25 50.3 16.0 L 5.75 51.9 16.5 M 6.25 53.5 17.0 N 6.75 55.1 17.5 O 7.25 56.6 18.0 P 7.75 58.3 18.6 Q 8.25 59.9 19.1 R 8.75 61.4 19.6 S 9.25 63.0 20.1 T 9.75 64.6 20.6 U 10.25 66.2 21.1 V 10.75 67.8 21.6 W 11.25 69.4 22.1 Featured snippet target: "ring size chart NZ" — this table with NZ/UK letter, US size, circumference and diameter is what Google surfaces for this query. Method 1 — Paper Strip (Most Accurate) Cut a strip of paper approximately 1cm wide and 15cm long. Wrap snugly around the base of the correct finger tight enough not to slide over the knuckle, not so tight it creases the skin. Mark where the paper overlaps. Lay flat and measure the distance in millimetres. Find the millimetre circumference in the table above. That is your NZ/UK ring size. Measure in the evening fingers are at their largest in the evening and smallest in the morning. A morning measurement consistently produces a size too small. Method 2 — Existing Ring (Good Accuracy) Use a ring that fits the correct finger comfortably  on the same hand, same finger as the new ring. Place flat on paper, trace the inner circle. Measure the inner diameter in millimetres. Find the diameter in the table above. Note: ring size differs between the left and right ring finger. Always measure the specific hand and finger. Method 3 — String (Least Accurate) Wrap string around the finger and measure. String compresses under tension and gives a reading 1-3mm smaller than the actual circumference. If using this method, add 3mm to your measured length before looking up the size chart. Use as a rough starting point only. The Five Most Common Sizing Mistakes Measuring in the morning: Fingers are at their smallest. Produces a size too small. Measuring in cold temperatures: Cold contracts fingers. Measure at normal room temperature. Not checking knuckle clearance: The ring must pass over the knuckle. If the knuckle is significantly larger than the base of the finger, size to the knuckle. Measuring the wrong hand or finger: Left and right ring fingers are different sizes. Measure the exact finger the ring will be worn on. Taking only one measurement: Finger size fluctuates. Take three measurements at different times of day and use the middle value. Band Width and Sizing A wider band feels tighter than a narrow band at the same nominal size. If ordering a band wider than 4mm, consider sizing up half a size. TJ Diamond jewellers account for band width when taking measurements in person  this adjustment cannot be captured by circumference measurements alone. Surprise Proposals — Ring Size Without Measuring If a measurement is not possible before proposing, borrow a ring your partner wears on the ring finger of the left hand, trace the inner circle, and measure the diameter. Alternatively, ask a close family member. The most common NZ women's engagement ring size is N (approximately US 6.75)  but this is only an average. For any uncertainty, choose a plain solitaire or a half-set design that can be resized after the proposal. Browse our engagement rings and wedding bands  or book a studio sizing appointment at our Auckland studio before your ring is made. Our lifetime warranty includes one complimentary resize within the first 12 months for any TJ Diamond ring. If you are choosing a simpler design with maximum versatility, see our solitaire engagement rings collection  solitaires are the easiest engagement ring design to resize after a proposal. Related: What is an eternity ring?  Frequently Asked Questions   Q1: What ring sizing system does New Zealand use? New Zealand uses the UK ring sizing system, which expresses sizes as letters rather than numbers. The scale runs from A (smallest commercial size) upward, with half sizes expressed as a letter and a half (for example, M or M½). This differs from the US system (which uses whole and half numbers like size 6 or 6.5) and the European system (which uses millimetre circumference). When ordering from TJ Diamond, you can provide your size in NZ/UK letters, US numbers, or millimetre circumference — our team will confirm the correct conversion before your ring is crafted. Q2: What is the most common ring size for women in New Zealand? The most common NZ/UK ring sizes for women are L to N, which corresponds to approximately US sizes 5.75 to 6.75 and a finger circumference of approximately 51.9mm to 55.1mm. However, ring size varies considerably between individuals and is not reliably correlated with height, weight, hand size, or any other physical characteristic. Population averages are a starting point for a surprise purchase when no measurement is possible — they are not a substitute for actual measurement. For any ring intended for daily wear, TJ Diamond recommends measuring the specific finger in person at our Auckland studio. Q3: Can I measure my ring size at home without any tools? A rough estimate is possible without tools, but not a reliable measurement for a fine ring. Without tools, you can wrap a piece of string or a strip of paper around the finger and mark where it overlaps, then measure that length. The paper strip method is more accurate than string because string compresses under tension and consistently produces a measurement smaller than the actual finger circumference. For any measurement that will be used to craft a ring, particularly a full eternity band or a design that cannot be easily resized, TJ Diamond strongly recommends coming into our Auckland studio for professional sizing using calibrated metal sizing rings. Q4: Why do fingers change size throughout the day? Finger size fluctuates with temperature, time of day, recent exercise, fluid intake, and in some individuals, hormonal cycles. Fingers are typically at their smallest in the morning and at their largest in the evening, because warmth and circulatory activity throughout the day cause soft tissue to expand slightly. Cold temperatures cause fingers to contract; warm temperatures cause them to expand. The difference between a morning and evening measurement on the same finger can be up to one full ring size. For a consistent result, TJ Diamond recommends measuring in the evening at normal room temperature, ideally after light activity. Q5: Does ring width affect ring size? Yes, and this is one of the most commonly overlooked sizing factors. A wider band compresses more of the finger's surface than a narrow band, and as a result feels tighter at the same nominal size. A 7mm wedding band sized the same as a 2mm engagement ring band will feel noticeably tighter in wear. As a general guide, if you are ordering a band wider than 4mm, consider going up half a size from your standard measurement. TJ Diamond's jewellers account for band width in the sizing recommendation during Auckland studio appointments — this adjustment is not captured by circumference measurements alone. Q6: What happens if my ring does not fit after delivery? Plain gold and platinum bands can typically be resized up or down one to two sizes by a skilled jeweller without affecting the ring's integrity. TJ Diamond's lifetime warranty includes one complimentary resize within the first 12 months of purchase for any ring we make. Rings with diamonds set around the full circumference — full eternity bands, full pave rings — cannot be conventionally resized because the stone settings run through the section that would be added or removed. Channel-set and heavily embellished rings are more complex to resize than plain bands. For these styles, accurate pre-order sizing is essential. Q7: How do I find my ring size if I want to propose as a surprise? Several approaches work for a surprise proposal. If your partner owns a ring they wear on the ring finger of their left hand (the most common engagement ring finger), borrow it temporarily and trace the inner circle, then measure the diameter. Alternatively, ask a family member or close friend who may know the size. If no measurement is possible, the most common NZ women's engagement ring size is N (approximately US 6.75), but this is only an average. TJ Diamond recommends ordering a surprise engagement ring in a plain solitaire setting or a half-set design that can be resized, and bringing your partner in after the proposal for accurate sizing before the final ring style is confirmed. Q8: Is my ring finger the same size on both hands? Almost never. The ring finger on the left hand and the ring finger on the right hand are typically different sizes — often by half a size or more. This occurs because most people have a dominant hand that is slightly more developed through daily use, and dominant-hand fingers are often marginally larger. Always measure the specific finger on the specific hand the ring will be worn on. Do not assume that a size taken from your right ring finger applies to your left ring finger, or vice versa. If you are ordering a ring intended for the left hand, measure the left ring finger specifically.