Engagement ring etiquette – Shopping
9 March 2022 • 3 min read
Engagement ring shopping can be an overwhelming experience. While we’ve previously gone into detail about engagement ring shopping (see what not to do when and things to know before buying an engagement ring here), you can never be too prepared for the momentous occasion!
Ernesto Buono wants to help you make the most of the experience, whether you are buying for your partner or with your partner. This means the correct etiquette, so you know what to ask and what to avoid when going to a jeweller for your engagement ring search.
Keep reading so you don’t get caught out.
Learn the 4C’s
Now, although this isn’t a necessity, it will undoubtedly make your experience much more stress-free and easier to navigate. While most jewellers expect to educate the customer on diamonds, educating yourself beforehand can be beneficial.
Doing your research will give you a good idea of what you want when looking at diamond engagement rings. It can help you identify a quality stone from replicas. This can also help you make your final decision, knowing what diamond standards you want in your final ring.

Don’t ask for their cheapest designs
When engagement ring shopping, don’t ask to see the cheapest designs even if you are mindful of the price tag. A valued piece such as an engagement ring is a cherished item and should be discussed as such, especially if you are with your partner. Plus, it may offend or give the jeweller the wrong idea.
Instead, let the jeweller know your budget. By stating what you can afford, the jeweller can work with you to create or find a design that fits your budget. It also establishes a benchmark of the designs that fit your needs, narrowing down your search.
Ask for a diamond certificate
After you’ve decided on your ring, make sure you ask for a diamond certificate as it provides proof of purchase. It is always safe to ask the jeweller if they use diamonds upon your initial visit. If the jeweller is credible, they will provide you with a certificate upon your purchase.
At Ernesto Buono, we strictly use GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certified diamonds across all of our jewellery stores in Sydney. We also provide our customers with a diamond certificate for proof of purchase. This certificate guarantees you have an authentic genuine diamond, detailing the features of your rings’ selected diamond features for reference.
If you are curious to learn more about GIA diamonds, check out our simple guide here.
Don’t ask about other jewellers
In terms of etiquette, avoid asking your jeweller about their competitors. Not only is this offensive, hinting they may not meet your standards, but enquiring about other jewellers is simply rude.
Furthermore, jewellers may not tell you truthful information about their competitors, leading you astray. They don’t want to lose your business and may feed you inaccurate details to make themselves look more appealing, deterring you from approaching other jewellers. This makes it a pointless exercise.
Next time you’re visiting jewellers in Sydney, be sure to remember these tips.
For all of your engagement ring needs, visit Ernesto Buono. Creating bespoke designs, we only use the highest quality materials in our collection, producing masterpieces that couples can love for a lifetime.
Go to our website or visit our store to explore our range.
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Ernesto Buono
Ernesto Buono is an Italian‑trained master jeweller and the founder of Ernesto Buono Fine Jewellery, a bespoke jewellery atelier based in Parramatta, New South Wales. He discovered his passion for jewellery making at age 17, honed his craft at Italy’s Accademia delle Belle Arti and later at the Enmore Design Centre TAFE in Sydney, and has spent over two decades creating custom engagement rings, wedding bands and fine jewellery that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
