Credit Crunch 'isn't Stopping Diamond Purchases'

Published on 21/08/08

Couples choosing engagement rings are not being put off by the current economic climate, one expert has said.

According to Terri Moore, who owns a jewellery store in the US, people are still spending what they want on diamond engagement rings, splashing out anything up to $8,000 (£4,000).

"Our brides almost always select engagement rings with side diamonds and often those rings have small diamonds that encircle the centre diamond, creating a halo effect," she commented.

Ms Moore added that the most popular ring is the brilliant cut diamond, followed by the princess cut.

According to information provider Diamond Review, a prong setting is the recommended way of setting a diamond for an engagement ring, as it allows the maximum amount of light to enter the stone from all angles.

The website adds that this can make the diamond appear larger, which may be good news for those who do not have large budgets amid the credit crunch.