What Is a Princess Cut 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.  

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.  

The bow-tie effect is a shadow pattern visible across the widest central section of certain elongated diamond shapes most commonly oval, pear, and marquise cuts. It appears as a dark horizontal area in the shape of a bow tie, running across the stone's midsection. In a well-cut diamond, it is subtle and adds depth. In a poorly cut stone, it is a dominant dark shadow that significantly detracts from the ring's visual appeal. The bow-tie effect does not appear on any GIA or IGI certificate. It cannot be assessed from photographs. It must be seen in person. This is the most important quality consideration for any elongated brilliant diamond, and the primary reason TJ Diamond assesses every oval, pear, and marquise diamond individually before setting. A diamond can carry a GIA Excellent certificate and a pronounced bow-tie shadow. The certificate does not disclose it. A product photograph will not show it. You need to see the stone in person. Why the Bow-Tie Happens In a round brilliant, the circular outline creates a symmetric facet arrangement where light entering from any direction is returned roughly equally from all parts of the stone. In an elongated shape oval, pear, marquise  the central facets are oriented differently from the facets at the rounded ends or pointed tips. In the central section, light reflecting off the pavilion facets exits through the sides of the stone rather than returning through the table to the observer's eye. This creates the characteristic dark shadow across the widest point. The size and intensity of the bow-tie depends on the diamond's specific pavilion facet angles in the central zone. A cutter who optimises the central angles can minimise the bow-tie. A cutter who maximises carat retention from the rough at the expense of proportional correctness produces a more pronounced shadow. Which Shapes Are Affected Oval diamond rings — the shape most significantly affected. The bow-tie falls directly across the most prominent visible area of the stone. See our oval engagement rings and our  oval diamond rings collections for our selection of individually assessed oval stones. Pear diamond rings — affected similarly to oval. The bow-tie typically appears lower in the stone, closer to the widest point. Wing symmetry significantly affects how evenly the shadow falls. See our pear engagement rings collection. Marquise diamond rings — both pointed tips converge, and the bow-tie appears across the widest central section. See our marquise engagement rings collection. Round brilliant, emerald, princess, radiant — not affected. Round brilliants have symmetric light return. Step-cut and princess/radiant facet arrangements do not produce this shadow pattern. Bow-Tie Severity — What Each Level Looks Like Severity What you see TJ Diamond stance None to minimal No visible shadow. Rare. Outstanding light return throughout. Select — exceptional quality Subtle Slight depth shadow in overhead light. Adds dimension. Considered desirable. Select — realistic optimum for most ovals Moderate Visible shadow in most conditions. Detracts from brilliance. Reject — below acceptable threshold Severe Dark butterfly immediately obvious. Dominates the stone. Reject — immediately apparent to all observers Why Photographs Cannot Show It Product photography uses a direct overhead light source — the exact condition that minimises bow-tie visibility. The same diamond that photographs brilliantly under studio lighting may display a pronounced shadow under the natural daylight or indoor lighting where it will actually be worn. Never assess an oval, pear, or marquise diamond from photographs alone. How to Assess It In Person View under multiple light sources. Move from direct overhead light to natural window light this reveals the real-world appearance. Tilt the stone side to side. A well-cut oval's bow-tie shifts with movement. A severe bow-tie maintains a fixed dark shadow regardless of angle. Compare two diamonds side by side. Bow-tie severity is much clearer in direct comparison than assessed in isolation. Ask whether the stone was individually assessed before purchase. TJ Diamond assesses every oval, pear, and marquise diamond for bow-tie severity at point of selection not from certificates. Is a Subtle Bow-Tie Desirable? Yes. A completely bow-tie-free oval is extremely rare and the cutting trade-offs required to achieve it often reduce other proportional qualities. Many experienced buyers and gemologists consider a subtle, well-contained bow-tie to add depth and dimension making the stone appear to have more internal volume than a completely flat-looking stone. The goal is not zero bow-tie. It is a bow-tie subtle enough to add depth without dominating the stone's appearance. TJ Diamond holds multiple oval and pear diamonds for side-by-side comparison at any studio consultation. Book a consultation to assess bow-tie in person. See our article on the best diamond cut for maximum sparkle for how the bow-tie fits into the wider picture of cut quality and light performance. Related: What is the best diamond cut for maximum sparkle? Frequently Asked Questions Q1: What is the bow-tie effect in a diamond? The bow-tie effect is a dark shadow pattern visible across the widest central section of certain fancy-shape diamonds — most commonly oval, pear, and marquise cuts. It appears as a dark horizontal area resembling a bow tie or butterfly shape, running across the stone's midsection and interrupting the diamond's brilliance in that region. The effect is caused by the optical geometry of elongated brilliant-cut diamonds, where light entering from above reflects off the central pavilion facets and exits through the sides of the stone rather than returning to the observer's eye. In a well-cut diamond, the bow-tie is subtle. In a poorly cut stone, it can be a dominant dark shadow. Q2: Does the bow-tie effect appear on a GIA or IGI certificate? No. The bow-tie effect does not appear on any GIA or IGI certificate. No diamond grading laboratory includes bow-tie severity in its grading reports because the effect is a viewing-condition-dependent optical characteristic rather than a measurable physical property of the stone. This means a diamond can have a pronounced bow-tie shadow and receive a GIA Excellent cut grade for its round dimensions (polish and symmetry) without the bow-tie being disclosed anywhere on the certificate. The bow-tie must be assessed visually, in person, under multiple light sources. This is one of the primary reasons TJ Diamond assesses every oval, pear, and marquise diamond individually before selection. Q3: Which diamond shapes are affected by the bow-tie effect? The bow-tie effect primarily affects elongated brilliant-cut diamond shapes: oval (most commonly and significantly affected), pear, and marquise. Elongated cushion cuts can also exhibit a similar shadow pattern in some cases. Shapes that are not affected include: round brilliant (symmetric light return from all directions prevents the shadow), emerald cut and Asscher cut (step-cut facets produce a different reflective pattern), princess cut (square brilliant facet arrangement does not produce the elongated shadow), and radiant cut (trimmed corners allow more even light distribution than strict elliptical outlines). Q4: Is some bow-tie effect desirable? Yes — a subtle bow-tie is considered desirable by many experienced diamond buyers and gemologists. A completely bow-tie-free oval diamond is technically possible but extremely rare, and the cutting required to achieve it typically involves trade-offs in other proportional qualities. A subtle, well-contained bow-tie creates an impression of depth and dimension, making the stone appear to have more internal volume than a completely flat-looking stone without any shadow contrast. The target for a well-cut oval, pear, or marquise diamond is not zero bow-tie — it is a bow-tie subtle enough to add depth without dominating the stone's appearance. TJ Diamond rejects diamonds with moderate or severe bow-ties, but selects those with subtle bow-tie depth. Q5: Can you see the bow-tie effect in product photographs? No — product photography almost always hides the bow-tie effect. Diamond ring photography uses a direct overhead light source positioned to maximise sparkle for the image. This specific lighting condition is precisely the one that minimises the bow-tie's visibility, because the overhead light directly illuminates the central facets that would otherwise be in shadow. A diamond can photograph as brilliantly sparkly under studio lighting and display a pronounced dark shadow under the office lighting or natural daylight where it will actually be worn. This is why viewing any oval, pear, or marquise diamond in person under multiple light conditions is essential before purchasing. Q6: How do I assess the bow-tie effect when buying an oval diamond ring? Three steps: First, view the diamond under multiple light sources — direct overhead light minimises the bow-tie; move the stone toward a window or under diffuse ambient light to see its real-world appearance. Second, tilt the stone slowly from side to side — a well-cut oval's bow-tie should shift and change as the stone moves, indicating good overall light return. A severe bow-tie maintains a fixed dark shadow regardless of movement. Third, compare two diamonds side by side under the same conditions — bow-tie severity is much easier to assess relatively than in isolation. TJ Diamond holds multiple oval and pear diamonds for comparison during Auckland studio consultations. Q7: Do oval diamond rings always have a bow-tie effect? Almost all oval diamonds have some degree of bow-tie effect — it is an optical characteristic inherent to the elongated brilliant cut geometry rather than a cutting flaw. The question is severity, not presence. The range runs from imperceptible (a very slight depth shadow that most observers would not notice and that adds dimension) to severe (a dark butterfly shadow immediately visible to any observer that significantly reduces the ring's visual appeal). TJ Diamond's selection process rejects stones with moderate or severe bow-ties and selects stones where the bow-tie is subtle or minimal. Our Auckland jewellers assess this for every oval, pear, and marquise diamond before it enters our workshop. Q8: Does the bow-tie affect an oval diamond's price? The bow-tie effect is not graded and does not appear on certificates, so it does not directly affect the wholesale price of a diamond. However, a well-cut oval with a minimal bow-tie commands a premium in the fine jewellery market because experienced buyers and jewellers know the quality difference. At TJ Diamond, we source ovals specifically for cut quality and bow-tie assessment — this means our selection skews toward better-cut stones, and our prices reflect the quality of the selection process rather than raw certificate grades alone. A cheaper oval diamond from a less selective source may have a more pronounced bow-tie at the same certificate grades.