Finding the one person you want to spend the rest of your life with is nothing short of miraculous. But deciding to propose to that person can feel daunting: What if they don’t say yes? What is they don’t like the engagement rings you choose?
Whilst we can’t help you get the answer you’re hoping for when you ultimately pop the question, we can help you to pick an engagement ring to be proud of. From choosing a diamond with the right cut and clarity to picking a special ring that will suit her personality, here are our top tips for buying the perfect engagement ring:
Look in Her Jewellery Box
One of the easiest ways to work out what kind of engagement ring your partner would prefer is to look at the style of the existing pieces in her jewellery box. Does she favour minimalist jewellery? Oversized stones? Perhaps she’s a big fan of jewellery with colour. All the clues you need about your girlfriends preferred style are right there in that jewellery box: you just have to find them.
You can also use this opportunity to ensure her engagement ring is the perfect fit. Simply borrow one of the rings she wears regularly and take it to the jewellers with you: by matching the size you’re guaranteed the ring will fit perfectly.
Stick to Your Budget
It was once considered a good rule of thumb that you spent between 1-3 months of your gross salary on an engagement ring for your partner. However if you’re saving for a deposit on your first home purchase, or still have student debt, this might not be prudent. Instead you should set a budget you can actually afford, and stick to it. After all, no decent woman wants a life lived in debt for the sake of a ring.
However, you should aim for a ring that is the best you can realistically afford. Because your future wife will be wearing this ring every day for the rest of her life, you want a ring that will stand the test of time and withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.
Choose the Diamond
The most important, and expensive, aspect of the engagement ring you choose will be the carat and clarity of the diamond. Contrary to popular belief, the carat of a diamond refers to its weight and not its size: a carat is approximately 0.2 grams. Diamond rings are generally priced by carat and the bigger the carat you choose the more expensive the ring will be. The average diamond engagement ring is between half a carat and a full carat, although the rings worn by celebrities and influencers are considerably larger.
In terms of the cut of the stone, the most popular cut is the classic round solitaire. Its cut means that this stone will instantly catch the light, making it sparkle and appear much bigger than it is. Ideal if you’re looking for a ring which only features a single stone.
Does It Have to Be a Diamond?
Finally, if you’re sweetheart is unconventional, consider stepping outside of the traditional diamond engagement ring box altogether. Many modern women are turning to over classic stones, such as emeralds or sapphires, to create their dream engagement rings. They want something that is unusual, will help them stand out from the crowd, and many women no longer wish to support the diamond trade.
If you’re looking for something unconventional then you have much greater scope when picking your ring, and you’re also likely get much bigger stones for your money.
No matter what you decide, ensure that when you’re on bended knee in front of the woman you love, the ring in the box you present to her is something you feel truly proud of.
2018 ·