When buying an engagement ring, there’s much to consider beyond just the cut and colour of your stone. While there’s a lot to be said for valuing tradition, there are many myths and outdated ideals surrounding the wedding ring industry. Is bigger always better when it comes to diamonds? Do you really have to spend three months’ salary on a ring? Making sense of it all can be overwhelming to say the least.
For Toya Worsley, founder and director of Sydney-based jewellery brand LINDELLI, being able to be a part of people’s love stories is a privilege that she doesn’t take for granted. “Creating engagement and wedding jewellery allows us to be part of a fleeting yet monumental moment in people’s lives. Acquiring an engagement ring is an experience that should leave an everlasting memory,” she explains. “I love the idea of our customers smiling each time they see their engagement ring, knowing it represents a significant chapter in their lives.”
Having worked in and around the jewellery industry since 2010, Worsley is well-versed in engagement ring myths. “There’s a lot of misinformation about lab-grown diamonds in particular—it’s alarming and at times comedic,” she tells FQ. Her brand, rooted in sustainable practices and modern values, specialises in engagement rings crafted from lab-grown diamonds and recycled metals — and while she thinks that more customers are basing their decisions on facts rather than myths, there’s definitely still room for education.
Below, we asked her to share her insights on six of the most common misconceptions about engagement rings. If you’re a bride or groom planning on popping the question soon, then let Worsley’s wisdom take some of the guesswork out of the equation.
Engagement ring myths you should know about:
Myth 1: Bigger is always better when selecting your diamond size
While a sizable, sparkly rock is always a sight to behold, a smaller diamond can make an equally stunning statement. Some individuals will always favour a larger diamond, yes, but for Worsley, the size shouldn’t be the be-all-end-all. “The quality of the diamond is more important than its size,” she says. “Additionally, it’s about what suits you. For instance, a 1-carat diamond might be perfect for someone with petite hands and too small for someone with larger hands. It’s all about balance, lifestyle, and personal preference.”
Myth 2: Lab-grown diamonds are not real
Despite the fact that they’re becoming an increasingly popular option in engagement jewellery, there’s a lot of misinformation relating to lab-grown diamonds — particularly with them being viewed as inauthentic. As an expert on the subject, Worsley reveals that this idea couldn’t be further from the truth: “Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. They are real diamonds, created using cutting-edge technology that replicates the natural diamond formation process – in an accelerated fashion.” Given that they’re also typically half the price of a natural diamond of the same size, they’re a great choice for those seeking a more affordable option.
Myth 3: An Engagement Ring Should Cost Three Months’ Salary
This one is a particularly pervasive myth that can be linked back to diamond brand De Beers, who released a campaign in the 1980s that stated “Two months’ salary showed the future Mrs Smith what the future would be like”. The salary amount later grew to three months — a standard that is still tossed around today — but in 2024, we’re calling time on it. “The right amount to spend on an engagement ring is a personal decision, based on your financial situation and preferences,” says Worsley. “Don’t believe the hype!”
Myth 4: Custom-made rings take too long and are too expensive
It’s widely thought that bespoke pieces of any variety will take a long time to complete and come with a hefty price tag. But for custom engagement rings, the reality is that it’s a seamless process that’s likely to actually save you money down the line in repairs and alterations, (given that the ring will be customised to the exact dimensions of the wearer’s finger size). “At LINDELLI for instance, our custom rings are made to order for each client within four weeks in Sydney, and the design process is free of charge,” says Worsley.
Myth 5: Natural diamonds are an investment but lab-grown ones are not
Because natural diamonds have historically always had a higher resale value, lab-grown diamonds are often seen as a bad investment because they may depreciate in value. However, according to Worsley, if you’re looking to make a wise investment, you should consider other sources entirely. “Neither lab-grown or natural diamonds are an investment, unless you purchase something super rare like an Argyle pink diamond,” she explains. “If you’re looking for a return on investment, perhaps consider property!”
Myth 6: Lab-grown diamonds are flawless
Much like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds aren’t exempt from imperfections — with up to 70% having some form of inclusions. “Lab-grown diamonds have inclusions and blemishes and come in various shades and colours just like natural diamonds,” says Worsley. “They are graded in the same way, by the same laboratories that grade natural diamonds, including GIA and IGI.”
Words: Amberley Colby
Imagery: LINDELLI, supplied
