Proposing is such an exciting time for everyone involved, and if you’re feeling the pressure to get it right, you’re not alone. Choosing a ring that is right for your loved one is a big deal, which is why we’re here with a guide that will put you on the right path to having a successful proposal.
What do they like?
The first question to ask yourself when it comes to choosing an engagement ring is quite simply, what do they like? Take a look at the kind of jewelry they usually wear for inspiration, with the most obvious first step being whether they wear more gold or silver. From here, think about whether their jewelry is more classic or modern, you can even take some photos to show to jewelers as they’d be able to advise based on what your partner already wears and likes.
What’s your budget?
The next thing you need to establish is your budget, as without a clear budget, your options will be wide open. So, figure out how much you can afford to spend, and that will give you a good bracket of rings to choose from!
What material is best?
There are so many different materials you could go with, and as we mentioned, finding out whether your partner wears more gold or silver is the best place to start. Here is some information on the different types of metal so you’re clued up on the options!
Platinum
Platinum is one of the more durable metals you can wear for an engagement ring. If your partner works in a physical job, then a platinum band can be both a practical and a beautiful choice. Platinum may look like silver, but it’s denser, rarer, and more expensive than silver, so is well suited to people with higher budgets.
White Gold
White gold is one of the most luxurious wedding bands you can have, due to its pristine look and shine. The purity of these rings ranges from 9 carats to 18 carats, with 18 carats gold consisting of 75% gold. If your wife or husband-to-be is a little extra, buying them an engagement ring with a white gold band should be the first choice.
Gold
Gold is another common choice for engagement rings, and for good reason. It’s an absolute classic, particularly if your partner tends to wear warmer metals. It brings out something beautiful in gemstones, particularly warmer colors, such as rubies or bright green emeralds.
Gold is one of the more romantic and traditional materials that you would have with an engagement ring, with different tones available depending on the overall look of the ring and also the gemstones you’ll be selecting.
Rose Gold
A slightly different colour compared to the others and is becoming a popular material, it is a modern colour which is rose gold. Typically you won’t find any vintage jewelry in rose gold shades, however it has high purity and is just as durable as the other options, so it can be worn and loved by your partner for a lifetime. Whilst not a classic choice, if your partner likes slightly alternative jewelry and designs, the romantic touch that comes with rose gold could be perfect.
Which gemstone is best?
Once you’ve decided on the metal, it’s time to move onto the gemstone! Book an appointment with a jeweler and they’ll be able to show you all the different options in terms of gemstones, and once you’ve seen them, whilst it will be a difficult decision, we’re sure you’ll know which direction to go in.
Diamond
Diamonds are one of the most expensive gemstones out there when it comes to jewellery, and one of the most durable, which is why they’re such a popular choice for engagement rings. Long associated with love and commitment, as well as incredibly beautiful in the way that they catch the light, it’s no surprise they’ve stood the test of time. An absolutely classic choice, and one of the hardest materials on earth making them extremely durable, many brides would be over the moon with a diamond engagement ring, especially if they wear diamonds in general, from floating diamond necklaces through to embedded watches.
Sapphires
Sapphires are another exceptional choice for engagement rings, with strong royal connections and something completely unique in terms of the color. Blue sapphires are best known, however they come in a wide array of shades, from pinks to yellows and oranges. Good quality sapphires are very rare, and so can come with a hefty price tag, however if your partner loves jewelry that is quite unique, a sapphire ring can be a breathtaking choice. This is particularly the case if they wear a lot of silver jewelry, as a silver setting just makes the sapphire absolutely shine.
Ruby
Rubies are a gemstone that many people lean towards for an engagement ring, associated with passion and love, helping you to reinforce how you feel about your loved one through your choice of gemstone. Another highly durable gemstone, it’s particularly beautiful set amongst either gold or rose gold, often with smaller diamonds surrounding a larger ruby stone to bring the best out in both.
Consider Vintage
Another option to consider is vintage jewelry. Every piece of vintage jewellery has a unique story behind it, having been worn and loved before, whether it’s a piece that is 500 years old or 50 years old. However, the quality of these pieces mean they can still be worn today, and often come in pristine condition, making it more sustainable. This is helped by the fact that vintage jewellery largely is made by extremely talented jewellers who hand-crafted the pieces. In a time before mass production, every piece of jewellery was slightly different, and would have meant a lot to someone. You can continue to treasure these pieces that truly deserve it. This is particularly special if you’re choosing a vintage engagement ring, as you know it’s been a part of something special and you and your partner can continue that journey in your own marriage.
Last but not least, vintage jewellery is the eco-friendly option. There is so much stunning jewellery out there just waiting to be bought and appreciated. Additionally, rather than having to extract new materials from the ground such as metals and gemstones, which are very damaging processes to local environments and societies, you are making the most of beautiful materials that have already been processed. Although they would have once had to be extracted, the process was more natural.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an engagement ring is such a personal thing, however don’t be afraid to ask jewelers for their support, along with friends and family, to find the perfect ring for your perfect partner.
