There are no two ways about it; getting engaged is one of the biggest milestones in life, and planning your wedding and getting married equally so – so it pays to get the big moment just right.
When it comes to planning the perfect proposal, it often comes with a lot of pressure to make the moment a magical and memorable event you’ll both look back on fondly for years to come. Choosing the ring, in particular, can feel like a particularly stressful task – it’s not just a passing piece of jewellery that will come and go in their life; it’s something they will wear on their finger for the rest of your lives together. Not only that, but it’ll also quite possibly be the most expensive piece of jewellery they will ever own, so getting it just right is paramount and could make or break the big moment.
If you’re feeling more concerned about choosing the perfect ring than you are getting a ‘yes’ when you pop the question then you’re certainly not alone – but the good news is, it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think.
To ensure that your proposal goes without a hitch, it’s advisable to do a little preparation beforehand to make life easier for yourself and reduce any worries that you may have around getting it just right. Where money is no object, you’re certain to find just the right pick – all it takes is a little know-how and some guidance from an expert luxury jeweller.
Taking the time to research the different types of engagement rings available before starting your search can be particularly useful, as the broad selection of different metals, gemstones, stone placements, carats, and karats can feel overwhelming if faced with them for the first time when you enter the jeweller’s shop.
Of course, it is not essential to stick to traditional style engagement rings anymore, and many women would actually prefer to receive something a little different. Alternative styles of rings that feature different gem-stones aside from diamonds are becoming increasingly popular, so there is plenty to think about when selecting an engagement ring.
To help you with your research before you head out to the jeweller, here are some top tips that will help you find the perfect engagement ring
Blow the budget
Having a limitless budget is the ideal; after all, it’s the most important piece of jewellery you’re ever like to purchase, and finding that person you’d like to spend the rest of your life with is just priceless.
Surprising them with the very finest diamond money can but is a sure-fire way to show them just how much they mean to you, and it’s a ring they are certain to wear with pride for long into the future.
Understanding the fundamentals and characteristics of a high-end engagement ring will ensure that you make the best choice.
Pick a style
Knowing which style of engagement ring to choose can be difficult, and it pays to pay attention to any clues from your potential future spouse as to what they might like the best.
You may be able to think back and remember some of the subtle and not so subtle hints your partner has given about potential engagement rings. What sort of rings has she pointed out at any previous visits to luxury jewellery stores, and whose has she admired the most when friends or celebrities have become engaged? Assessing what her comments have been about other people’s engagement rings will give you plenty of clues as to what she likes and dislikes, making it all the easier to avoid getting it wrong.
Also ask yourself what type of jewellery she likes to wear for special occasions, as it’s at those fine dining dinners and red carpet events that she’ll get her most opulent accessories out. Is she more of a traditional solitaire girl, or perhaps she likes something more elaborate like a double halo setting?
When choosing a style and selecting the metal for the ring, you will need to consider other jewellery that she wears, and also the metal that you think she would like for her wedding ring. If she has always said that she would choose a platinum wedding ring, for example, then a gold engagement ring won’t work – so be sure that you are choosing according to her tastes – and not just what you like the look of yourself.
Shop around
While it may be tempting to buy a ring in the first shop you visit, try not to be too hasty in your pursuit of perfection. Be warned that sales staff can be very persuasive and insistent – but don’t allow that to influence your choice.
Shopping around and taking your time to make your selection will allow you to see a wide selection of ring styles and get a clear picture of what is available. Depending on the shops you visit, the quality of rings and their price points may vary wildly due to the mark-ups that different jewellery shops and designers add to their rings.
Commission a custom-made piece
Once you have a clear idea of what you want the ring to look like, having a custom engagement ring made is a great option, and will ensure that your partner’s engagement ring is truly one-of-a-kind. Although often more expensive due to the work that goes into creating a bespoke piece of jewellery, they are entirely worth the splurge.
Take a look at sites such as diamondregistry.com to find out more about how they can help you to create a bespoke engagement ring, and to find lots of useful information about diamonds that will help you to make an informed choice.
Select a size
One final piece of detective work you will need to undertake is finding out what size ring you need to buy. Casually asking for her ring size in the middle of a conversation could give the game away entirely, and completely ruin your surprise.
Measuring the size of other rings that she wears could be a helpful solution. And, armed with this final and important piece of information, you should be well on your way to finding an engagement ring that she will love.
