Gemstone Guides
Cleavage and Chips: Why Hard Stones Can Still B...
What cleavage is, why diamonds can chip even though they are hard, and how settings protect stones.
Cleavage and Chips: Why Hard Stones Can Still B...
What cleavage is, why diamonds can chip even though they are hard, and how settings protect stones.
A Mohs Hardness Chart for Every Ring Stone
A simple Mohs hardness chart for diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald, spinel and more, and what the scale does not tell you.
A Mohs Hardness Chart for Every Ring Stone
A simple Mohs hardness chart for diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald, spinel and more, and what the scale does not tell you.
Lab Grown Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald vs Natural
How lab grown coloured stones compare with natural ones: chemistry, look, durability, disclosure and what to ask a seller.
Lab Grown Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald vs Natural
How lab grown coloured stones compare with natural ones: chemistry, look, durability, disclosure and what to ask a seller.
Larimar: Blue Gem From the Dominican Republic
What larimar is, why it is soft, and how to wear it in a ring or pendant with care.
Larimar: Blue Gem From the Dominican Republic
What larimar is, why it is soft, and how to wear it in a ring or pendant with care.
Tsavorite: Green Garnet for Rings
What tsavorite is, why it is prized and how it compares with emerald for everyday wear.
Tsavorite: Green Garnet for Rings
What tsavorite is, why it is prized and how it compares with emerald for everyday wear.
Spinel Colours: Red, Pink, Blue and Black
A guide to spinel colours and why this hard, bright gem makes a lovely engagement ring.
Spinel Colours: Red, Pink, Blue and Black
A guide to spinel colours and why this hard, bright gem makes a lovely engagement ring.
Useful next steps
Ready to move from research to a ring?
The guides are here to help you make better decisions. These are the most useful next pages when you are close to choosing a direction.
Start here
Design your engagement ring
Turn the research into a ring brief. Choose the stone, setting, metal and details with direct guidance from À Vie.
Budget
Understand bespoke pricing
See what affects engagement ring cost, from diamond choice and metal to setting complexity and craftsmanship.
Compare
Seen a ring elsewhere?
Send us the reference. We can explain what is achievable, where the value sits, and how a bespoke version could work.
More from the journal
Explore related guides
Move between engagement ring advice, bespoke design guidance and practical diamond buying articles.
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The Bespoke Journey
How our bespoke process works, from first consultation through to the finished ring.
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Engagement Rings
Style, budget, diamond and setting advice for choosing or commissioning an engagement ring.
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Bespoke Jewellery
Guidance for custom jewellery, meaningful details, stone choices and made-to-order design.
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Inspiration & Guides
Helpful buying guidance, ideas and context for planning a piece with confidence.