When it comes to engagement rings, there are a lot of things to consider. You have to think about the style of the ring, the metal it's made from, the stone and the cut…the list goes on and on. It can be daunting to try and make such an important decision on your own. That's why we've put together this guide to help you choose the perfect engagement ring for your loved one.
The first thing to consider when ring shopping is your budget. You don't have to spend a fortune to get an expensive-looking ring, but you do have the option of spending a significant amount if you like. But for those in the know, simple swaps to the ring style can make a modest costing ring look a lot more expensive. Read to learn more about different ring styles and what to consider when choosing yours.
Narrow down the overall style
Does your partner prefer modern, vintage or minimalist style? This will help you to decide on the style of the ring. If they don't have a specific preference, think about what kind of jewellery they wear day-to-day. Do they like dainty and delicate pieces, or are they more into chunky, statement jewellery? This should give you a good idea of the overall style of jewellery that they like. You can also subtly ask them if they like particular styles of rings to gauge their response.
Choose a metal
Then, you need to think about the metal the ring is made from. The most popular metals for engagement rings are gold, silver and platinum. But there are also more unusual metals, such as titanium and palladium. Rose gold has also emerged as a popular choice for dainty and vintage-style rings.
Again, think about what kind of jewellery your partner wears day-to-day. Do they prefer silver or gold? If they are very active, then a strong metal like platinum might be preferable to a soft metal like silver. But if they are very careful and like delicate styles, then something made of gold or rose gold might be more popular.
Pick your stone
Diamonds aren't the only choice to consider. There is a growing trend for choosing uncommon stones, such as pink sapphires and yellow sapphires. These are perfect alternatives to pink and yellow diamonds that are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.
Lab-grown diamonds are also an excellent choice if you want something ethical and sustainable. These are indistinguishable from their mined counterparts, so no one would ever need to know that your partner is wearing a lab-grown diamond. Once made, there is no way of knowing that a diamond was grown artificially. They are also typically of higher quality, as they don't have the same natural flaws as mined diamonds.
Pick your cut
The stone cut refers to the shape of the stone, and this is a key decision for the overall style of the finished piece. The most popular diamond cuts are round, princess and emerald. But there are also more unique cuts such as marquise, pear and oval.
Again, think about what style of jewellery your partner likes. If they prefer dainty pieces, then a round or princess-cut stone might be the best choice. But if they like something a bit more unusual, then a marquise or pear-cut stone could be perfect.
Consider the setting
The setting is the part of the ring that holds the stone in place. There are a few different setting types to choose from.
The most popular is the prong setting, where four or six metal claws hold the stone in place. This is a timeless and classic choice that works well with any stone shape. It allows light to enter the stone from all angles, creating a dazzling sparkle. However, it's also the most delicate setting and will need to be checked regularly for damage to avoid losing the stone.
Another popular setting is the bezel setting, where the metal around the stone is raised to create a seamless look. This style is perfect for those who are active or whose job involves using their hands a lot, as there is less chance of the stone being knocked out of place.
You could also choose a modern tension setting, where the stone is held in place by the pressure of the metal band. This is a very strong and secure setting, making it a good choice for those with an active lifestyle.
And finally, a cathedral setting places the stone in a raised setting with metal arches on either side. This is a classic and elegant choice that works well with any stone shape.
If you want to enhance the appearance of a smaller stone, you could choose a three-stone setting, where a centre stone is flanked by two side stones. A pave band with small diamonds will also create a similar illusion.
Think about the wedding band
If your partner has a family heirloom ring they want to wear as their wedding band, then you need to keep this in mind when designing your perfect ring. If you aren't sure what works together, speak to a jeweller about how to choose a ring that fits a specific type of wedding band. This will influence the type of metal, setting, and stone cut that you can choose from. If you have no such restrictions, then you'll have more flexibility in your choice.
Putting it all together
When you are ready to purchase your ring, it is important to find a reputable jeweller who can help you to find the perfect ring for your partner. They will be able to offer advice on the different styles and materials available, and they will also be able to size the ring correctly so that it fits perfectly. Many jewellers will recommend sizing down if you are unsure because it's easier to make a ring larger but not as simple to make it smaller. However, getting the right size from the start is usually better. You can do this by borrowing a ring that they already own and checking the size.
Closing thoughts
With so many options available, choosing the perfect engagement ring can feel like an insurmountable task. But when you break it down into smaller steps, it becomes a lot easier.
- First, think about the style of jewellery your partner likes. Do they prefer dainty pieces or something more unusual?
- Second, consider the type of stone you want to use. Would a traditional diamond work well, or would a lab-grown diamond be a more ethical choice?
- Third, decide on the cut of the stone. There are many different cuts to choose from, so think about what will suit your partner best.
- And finally, pick the setting that you want to use. There are a few different setting types available, so think about which one will work best with the style of ring you are trying to create.
When you have all of these elements decided, it's time to find a reputable jeweller who can help you to bring your vision to life. They will be able to guide you through the process of choosing the right metal, setting and stone cut, and they will also be able to size the ring correctly so that it fits perfectly. With their help, you'll be able to create a stunning engagement ring that expresses your love and devotion.
