Buying an engagement ring at auction offers incredible value and the opportunity to purchase a ring that is unique in style and cut. Antique rings have a story to tell and a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that can’t be replicated on the High Street. With many jewellers seeing mark ups of 300 per cent, auctions are often the best places to find pieces by some of the world’s most prestigious jewellery houses – think Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Boodles – which would normally be out of most people’s price range. Here are five top tips to buying your engagement ring at auction: Remember – an engagement ring is for life and some gemstones are stronger and more resilient than others. A girl’s best friend, the diamond, is the hardest natural substance on earth, and often a popular choice for engagement rings. The next most resilient stone is corundum which most people have never heard of! A blue corundum is a sapphire and a red corundum is a ruby, both of which are popular choices in engagement rings. ‘Softer’ gemstones such as opal and pearl are rarely seen in engagement rings as their genetic make-up doesn’t endear them to everyday wear and tear. The engagement ring will be worn with the wedding ring. It’s advisable to ask for a wedding ring to try on together with the engagement ring to see how the pair look and feel together. As a couple they have to last a lifetime! There are an incredible 52 ring sizes! It’s worth checking that the ring you purchase can be altered to the appropriate ring size. You don’t have to attend the auction in person, you can always bid online or on the phone so if an item catches your eye, there are alternative methods of bidding available. Buy the best that you can afford – the value and beauty of the ring will be remembered long after the price is forgotten! The sapphire and diamond cluster ring featuring a certificated natural and unheated sapphire of 7.16ct has an estimate of £12,000 - £15,000 and will be available at Cheffins Jewellery, Silver & Watches Sale on Thursday 11th April.