We don’t need to tell you that an engagement ring is a big purchase, loaded with symbolism. But such an important decision takes some thought – that’s why we’ve written this helpful guide, with 10 tips, so you get choosing the perfect engagement ring right.
1. Remember an engagement ring is all about your partner
When shopping for an engagement ring, it’s all too easy to get caught up in diamond qualities and cuts. Take pause and remember this: the person who’ll be wearing the ring for the rest of their life is your partner. For them, the ring’s style is likely the most important factor. Take into consideration their tastes, as well as their lifestyle, and what kind of ring would suit their hobbies and job.
If you have an eye for fashion, look at your partner’s existing jewellery for clues. Then simply choose a ring that matches their existing jewellery style – you’ll be sure to pick a winner. If they usually wear big, statement jewellery pieces, then their engagement ring should be sizeable and sparkling. If they’re more into delicate items with a classic look, then choose something understated.
If you’re not sure, ask for advice! In this case, it’s best to consult your partner’s best friends or siblings.
3. Find out the right engagement ring size
How do you measure someone’s finger in secret? It’s a tricky one, but here are a few solutions:
- Use a ring sizer app.
- Take a look at some of their other jewellery and note down the size (or take one of their spare rings to a jeweller)
- Ask your partner’s friends to find out their ring size in secret.
- If you have to guess, make sure the ring can be resized later (some eternity rings can’t be resized – a plain band is usually easiest to resize).
- Get a “stand-in ring” from your jeweller in an estimated size to propose with, which you can then exchange for the correct size ring later.
4. Buy the best engagement ring for your budget
There are no rules as to what you should spend on an engagement ring. But it’s best to go for the best quality you can afford, because an engagement ring will be exposed to a lot of wear and tear. Your partner will wear it on their hand, every day, for life, so it’s worth buying quality that can withstand that.
For a piece that will be worn daily, it’s best to invest in gold or platinum, because they’re the two hardest precious metals you can use in jewellery. Choose the colour of the metal according to other jewellery your partner already likes to wear:
- Platinum, silvery-white in colour, is the most durable, but also the most expensive.
- Gold is a versatile choice for engagement rings. It’s available in 3 different colours including white gold, yellow gold and rose gold. Plus you can buy it in 18K and 9K qualities to match your budget.
6. Choose the engagement ring’s diamond
Firstly, read up on diamonds, and how to choose the best quality and shape. But if you’re unsure on which shape to go for, a round solitaire is a classic for a reason. It’s the sparkliest of all diamond shapes and looks stunning on any finger. And for anything up to half a carat in size, you’re safe to choose quality H/Si for a great quality-price ratio. Take a look at our article about the 4C’s of buying a diamond – but remember, how the diamond looks to you is the most important. No matter what exact specifications you go for, as long as you love the diamond you pick, your partner is sure to, too.
7. Read the engagement ring’s small print
Always make sure you have understood your jeweller’s refund and exchange policy – and any resizing terms. Don’t rush, read carefully!
8. Check for a guarantee period for your engagement ring
Always check that your jeweller offers a craftsmanship guarantee against any manufacturing faults. That way you’re covered for any damage that’s caused by a fault in the ring’s structure.
9. Take out insurance for your engagement ring
If you lose or damage an expensive engagement ring or it gets stolen, only insurance can give cover for this. Even if you have a guarantee, it will only cover damage caused by manufacturing faults. Jewellery insurance is very affordable – from around £19.00 per year – and covers many possible unfortunate eventualities.
Image note: This diamond ring was damaged in a skiing accident. Diamonds too can break if enough sudden pressure is applied along what are called their “cleavage lines”.
10. Find the right jeweller for your engagement ring
Last, but definitely not least, find a jeweller you feel comfortable with. Someone who you can ask as many questions as you want without feeling rushed or pressured. Then, it’s finally time to buy the ring! As always, feel free to contact us if you need any advice. We’re always happy to help. And if you’re looking for some inspiration, take a look at our beautiful selection of expertly crafted engagement rings.
We don’t need to tell you that an engagement ring is a big purchase, loaded with symbolism. But such an important decision takes some thought – that’s why we’ve written this helpful guide, with 10 tips, so you get choosing the perfect engagement ring right.
1. Remember an engagement ring is all about your partner
When shopping for an engagement ring, it’s all too easy to get caught up in diamond qualities and cuts. Take pause and remember this: the person who’ll be wearing the ring for the rest of their life is your partner. For them, the ring’s style is likely the most important factor. Take into consideration their tastes, as well as their lifestyle, and what kind of ring would suit their hobbies and job.
2. Figure out exactly what engagement ring style they want
If you have an eye for fashion, look at your partner’s existing jewellery for clues. Then simply choose a ring that matches their existing jewellery style – you’ll be sure to pick a winner. If they usually wear big, statement jewellery pieces, then their engagement ring should be sizeable and sparkling. If they’re more into delicate items with a classic look, then choose something understated.
If you’re not sure, ask for advice! In this case, it’s best to consult your partner’s best friends or siblings.
3. Find out the right engagement ring size
How do you measure someone’s finger in secret? It’s a tricky one, but here are a few solutions:
4. Buy the best engagement ring for your budget
There are no rules as to what you should spend on an engagement ring. But it’s best to go for the best quality you can afford, because an engagement ring will be exposed to a lot of wear and tear. Your partner will wear it on their hand, every day, for life, so it’s worth buying quality that can withstand that.
5. Pick a metal for their engagement ring that suits their complexion
For a piece that will be worn daily, it’s best to invest in gold or platinum, because they’re the two hardest precious metals you can use in jewellery. Choose the colour of the metal according to other jewellery your partner already likes to wear:
6. Choose the engagement ring’s diamond
Firstly, read up on diamonds, and how to choose the best quality and shape. But if you’re unsure on which shape to go for, a round solitaire is a classic for a reason. It’s the sparkliest of all diamond shapes and looks stunning on any finger. And for anything up to half a carat in size, you’re safe to choose quality H/Si for a great quality-price ratio. Take a look at our article about the 4C’s of buying a diamond – but remember, how the diamond looks to you is the most important. No matter what exact specifications you go for, as long as you love the diamond you pick, your partner is sure to, too.
7. Read the engagement ring’s small print
Always make sure you have understood your jeweller’s refund and exchange policy – and any resizing terms. Don’t rush, read carefully!
8. Check for a guarantee period for your engagement ring
Always check that your jeweller offers a craftsmanship guarantee against any manufacturing faults. That way you’re covered for any damage that’s caused by a fault in the ring’s structure.
9. Take out insurance for your engagement ring
If you lose or damage an expensive engagement ring or it gets stolen, only insurance can give cover for this. Even if you have a guarantee, it will only cover damage caused by manufacturing faults. Jewellery insurance is very affordable – from around £19.00 per year – and covers many possible unfortunate eventualities.
Image note: This diamond ring was damaged in a skiing accident. Diamonds too can break if enough sudden pressure is applied along what are called their “cleavage lines”.
10. Find the right jeweller for your engagement ring
Last, but definitely not least, find a jeweller you feel comfortable with. Someone who you can ask as many questions as you want without feeling rushed or pressured. Then, it’s finally time to buy the ring! As always, feel free to contact us if you need any advice. We’re always happy to help. And if you’re looking for some inspiration, take a look at our beautiful selection of expertly crafted engagement rings.
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