Did your partner pop the question this festive season? Congratulations! Saying yes to someone for a lifetime was probably easy, but choosing a ring to wear daily? What a minefield! Use this guide to help you find the perfect sparkler you’ll adore forever.
- Ignore the trends
Celebrity rocks are often dazzling, and it’s amazing how quickly they can spark nation- or even worldwide trends. This year, Dua Lipa, Zendaya and Miley Cyrus have driven a desire for bombé-style engagement rings with distinctive domed silhouettes, and in opting for an old mine cut diamond, Taylor Swift is championing vintage styles.
All these rings are beautiful, but they’re not timeless, and more importantly they might not be right for you. Think carefully about following the crowd regarding jewelry you’ll wear forever!
2. Consider your style
So, which styles are right for you? Looking down at what you’re wearing or rooting through your jewelry box might give you a clue!
If you like sharp tailoring and few accessories, a minimalist modern design might fit the bill. Those with a classic style can’t go wrong with a yellow-gold band and solitaire diamond, while glamorous halo settings complement outfits that make an impression.
3. Choose your gemstone
Once you’ve got a style in mind, it’s time to consider the crowning jewel. Diamond engagement rings have been traditional for decades, and this strong and beautiful stone perfectly encapsulates what underpins successful romantic relationships. However, there are plenty of alternatives if you’re tempted by something a bit different.
Princess Diana famously opted for a sapphire ring – out of a catalogue, no less! – and the stately sophistication suited her status. Emeralds are also popular for their intense color, and rubies are loved for their warmth. Opals let you celebrate all the shades of the rainbow!
4. Prioritize quality
Ensure you’re looking at engagement rings crafted from excellent materials to get the best bang for your buck and guarantee the ring will go the distance with your relationship. It’s worth the investment – after all, this is forever,right?! – and choosing quality doesn’t necessarily mean spending a fortune.
Platinum is a highly durable precious metal, loved for its bright-white lustre. Yellow gold is traditional and contrasts beautifully with white diamonds, and 18k is the happy medium between rich in colour and capable of daily wear. Remember that your engagement ring band should be the same or match the hardness of your wedding band to avoid scratches over time.
5. Ensure wearability
Intricate designs are all well and good, but if you’re worried about damage and won’t wear it, what’s the point? Wearability is the most important consideration in choosing an engagement ring you’ll love putting on each day.
Consider your profession and leisure activities, and how much you use your hands. If it’s a lot, speak to your jeweler about the most secure gemstone settings and low-maintenance materials that can easily be cleaned. You should also focus on the depth and width of the band to ensure a comfortable fit, and consider a hypoallergenic metal if you have sensitive skin prone to reactions.
6. Make it personal
Finally, ensure your ring reflects you and your special relationship. There are endless ways to make it personal, from adding a hidden engraving on the inside of the band to choosing a romantic gemstone setting like a toi-et-moi design which features two stones to represent both you and your partner.
Looking to make a statement with your ring? A subtle and beautiful way to elevate your design is adding more sparkle. Why not include a secret halo (a diamond placed beneath the setting), or place rows of tiny diamonds along the top of the band?
