Tips for choosing the engagement ring

Tips for choosing the engagement ring

Article provided by Cred Jewellery

An engagement ring is a very special piece of jewellery that lasts a lifetime and symbolises so much, so it is important to get it right.

Style:
What style of ring do you want? A traditional diamond solitaire, traditional with a twist, or something more modern? Think about her fashion style or what jewellery she usually wears as the ring will need to fit in with these. But also bear in mind she will be wearing it for the rest of her life, so will need to suit her just as well at 66 as at 26.

Browse for some ideas online and get an idea of the designs that you like, or think she may like.

If you are looking for something completely unique, then you can speak to a designer about a bespoke design.

Stone:
The traditional engagement ring would be a solitaire diamond. There has been a lot in the press about ‘blood diamonds’ or ‘conflict’ diamonds’. The Kimberley process was set up internationally to ensure that all diamonds come from certified non-conflict sources, but there are companies that go above and beyond this to give complete traceability, are sourced from small-scale mines and have looked after the environmental processes too. Read more about ethical diamonds.

Or why not choose an alternative precious stone entirely? An amethyst, emerald or sapphire make just as dramatic a statement as diamond, and you will love bearing an unusual ring that is personal to the two of you.

A trilogy ring gives you the best of both worlds as you can have a central coloured stone straddled by smaller diamonds.

Cut:
For the main stone in the ring you have a few options for the cut – this makes a difference to the way the light is reflected around the stone. The two main cuts for diamonds are Brilliant or Princess. Brilliant cut is round, with slightly more sparkle than a princess cut because it has more facets wheras the Princess cut is a more modern square cut.

Setting:
There are many settings for stones which can be set into or above the ring. The setting enhances the beauty of the diamond and is designed to present the stone at its best and holding it securely for a lifetime.
Some of the different settings include:

Open – designed to let the maximum amount of light pass through to give the diamond sparkle.

V – Allows the same amount of light through as an open setting, but slightly is stronger & architectural looking.

Gallery – the most traditional setting for engagement rings giving a balance between secure setting and light getting through.

Cradle – a modern, secure setting, but the light still gets though.

Colour:
Do you wear more white-gold or yellow-gold jewellery? You’ll want to consider this carefully and get your wedding ring made in the same quality (i.e. 18ct or 9ct) to match the engagement ring, and possibly as each others wedding rings. Platinum is even harder wearing than white gold, but has a similar look.

Size:
Have your finger measured. Any jewellery shop will be able to do this for you if you have the finger to hand. Once you know your size you have the freedom to choose an engagement ring you have seen online.

However, if your proposal is a surprise you may want to secretly find out her ring size using a ring she currently wears. Download a free ring-sizer to lay the ring on, but be aware that this will still be an estimate without the real finger to measure so check that the ring can be easily re-sized if necessary.

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