Which Engagement Ring Should I Buy?

Which Engagement Ring Should I Buy?

As a Marriage Proposal Planner based in the South West, my clients often ask me which engagement ring they should buy for their girlfriend or boyfriend. So to answer this frequently asked question, here are my top tips:-

Budget

This is one of my first questions. How much do you want to spend? Whilst tradition was spend two or three months of wages on an engagement ring, that doesnt apply these days. I wouldnt recommend getting into debt over a piece of jewellery! But always spend what you can and get the most value for your money, as that ring needs to last for a very long time!

Window Shopping

I think its always romantic seeing a couple window shopping looking at rings, it will give you some clues at what they like and importantly dont like!

Think About the Person

This seems obvious but some people think the bigger the ring is, the more their partner will like it. Thats not true! So always consider their lifestyle, and their hand size for example. Other rings they already have will give you an idea of the types of size of rings they favour.

Think About Ring Trends

2023 is all about bold and brave and doing your thing. So if you dont want to follow tradition of a diamond from a high street jewellery shop, then ditch the tradition. However, nowadays they do offer a good range of choice! Popular choices are going to an exclusive shop who will hand make a ring for you. Im seeing popular trend of colourful gemstones and quality over size!

Choosing the Metal of the Ring

Look for something hard wearing such as gold or platinum

What Stone Setting

Diamonds are no doubt the most popular stone for engagement rings, but there are other ideas such as emerald, blue sapphire, garnet, ruby, aquamarine or gemstones that are related to birth stones/months.

The Setting Shape

This is another consideration. Many options such as oval, heart shape, round for example.

Consider if you opt for a curvier shape band, how the wedding ring will fit next to it

The Four Cs

Have you heard about this relating to diamonds? This relates to the cut, colour, clarity and carat. Perhaps we should make the five cs with the 5th one being cost!

Vintage Or New

Sustainability is a big deal which is why one of the latest trends is buying a preloved engagement ring. Whether thats your grandma's ring or one found in an antique jewellery shop, you will find an array of alternative styles and and fashions from an era gone by by are increasing in popularity nowadays!

I love an antique ring, they tend to be one of a kind, have unusual gemstones and some handmade and adore the fact it will have some history behind it

Buying the Ring

Whether you buy from a shop or online, remember to ask about warranties and if they exchange it if your other half doesnt like it, or it doesnt fit

Its a good idea to take out insurance in case lost, damaged or stolen

When Should You Buy the Engagement Ring

I suggest one month before you want to propose; that way you are prepared while you sort out organising the actual big moment when you want to propose.

Will You Marry Me?

Now you've got the ring, think about where, when, how you want to propose. This is going to be memories for you both when you look back after 50 years! Setting the right occasion for you will take time and consideration.

Im often contacted by clients asking me to help them create a meaningful romantic occasion, each one has been very different and different budgets too! So I work hard organising and making the magic happen, so all my clients have to do is turn up with the ring - I leave those four little words down to you though!

Congratulations its such an important and exciting time, whether you go bold and brave with a colourful gemstone, unusual shaped band, quality is the key over size every day. And if you want to hide it when you propose, a large ring box in your pocket will be a dead give away!!