Are wedding bells on the horizon? Maybe – but first, it’s important to get the proposal right, and from the location to the timing, the right circumstances are everything. Of course, if you’re eager to win that hand in marriage and cement a long and happy life with the one you love, then choosing the right engagement ring is another crucial factor to consider, but if you’re a novice when it comes to luxury jewellery, then where exactly do you start?
There’s no denying that shopping for the right ring can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t need to be an entirely overwhelming affair. Knowing what you’re looking for is half the battle – and the experts will be able to help you with the rest. So, how do you know what you’re looking for? More often than not, it’s an educated guess – but paying attention to the kind of jewellery she likes and asking friends and family for advice are all handy tactics that will help send you off on the road to success.
Here, we take a look at the steps to bear in mind when choosing the perfect engagement ring – and increase your chances of getting that all-important ‘yes’.
Decide on a shape
To work out what kind of diamond shape your significant other might prefer, pay attention to the rings she already wears. Are they round or oval, or does she tend to opt for squares? This will give you some valuable insight that will make the entire process easier.
Each diamond shape (known as a ‘cut’) is priced differently, and you can expect to pay a different price depending on the number of carats. Round cuts are the most extravagant, while marquise and pear cuts are slightly less expensive. Generally speaking, the larger a diamond is, the greater the number of carats, so the bigger the stone, the higher the price tag.
Choose a metal
Does the one you love tend to wear silver or platinum jewellery? If so, then you’re onto a winner. Most engagement rings come in these metals as opposed to gold, which means the latter can be a great deal harder to find. Nonetheless, white gold, yellow gold and even rose gold engagement rings can be sourced if you’re willing to shop around – and if you’re prepared to have a bespoke ring designed to make sure it’s both unique and perfect for your person, then you can opt for whatever metal you like.
While platinum might look similar to silver, it is actually significantly more expensive due to its higher density, so bear this in mind when shopping.
Pick a stone
While the traditional choice for an engagement ring is, of course, a diamond, despite their beauty and glamorous appeal, they are not everyone’s cup of tea. Ask friends and family to find out what your fiancee-to-be might prefer, as the more individual she is, the more likely she might prefer something a little different. Sapphires, emeralds, rubies and even opals are all slightly more unusual choices, while a pink diamond engagement ring makes for a pretty and unique twist on the classic.
Have a carat size in mind
As mentioned, the price of your chosen engagement ring will increase according to the number of carats, so it’s wise to have an idea in mind of the size you are looking for. Consider whether the person you are buying for tends to wear dainty, minimalistic jewellery, or if they prefer big and extravagant. There’s no denying that a big shiner is certain to blow just about anyone away, but it’s important to consider long-term wearability as well as the initial thrill.
Consider cut and clarity
Once you’ve decided upon the size and carat number you can tweak clarity and colour accordingly. Any expert jeweller will be able to advise on these elements once you have the basic requirements laid down.
Never sacrifice on the quality of the cut of a diamond, because it is precisely this that gives it that all-important sparkle, so opt for the very finest money can buy and your chosen ring will never disappoint.
Measure up
And to get the size right? Simply borrow one of her existing rings from her jewellery box, and take it along with you for measurement when shopping. Doing it this way rather than guessing means that it’s certain to be the perfect fit.
