If you’ve already made the decision that it’s time to propose to your beloved, you’re now probably thinking about how to choose the right engagement ring. The first thing to work out is whether you want to surprise your significant other and choose the ring yourself (or with the help of your loved ones), or whether you’d rather let her choose her own ring. We’ll then help you with the next steps in this article.
Start looking early
If tradition won out for you and you’ll be proposing to your partner with the ring, don’t underestimate the timeframe needed. If you are getting ready to propose on a specific date, we recommend that you start looking for a ring about three months in advance.
This is also enough time to have a custom ring made if you can’t find anything in the standard collections of jewellery stores. What’s more, you also won’t get caught out by the unavailability of a particular ring size or variation. Don’t be fooled into thinking that a few days beforehand you’ll just be able to walk into a jeweller’s and everything will be sorted out. If you take the time to choose the ring, your girlfriend will no doubt appreciate it.
Think about what your finances will allow
It goes without saying that this is also an important point – an engagement ring is a piece of jewellery that is worn throughout a woman’s entire life and its role doesn’t just end after the wedding. This fact should be reflected in the quality of the ring, which also costs something.
You certainly don’t have to stick to the now outdated rule of picking a ring worth two to three salaries. You can find a precision crafted ring made of durable metals with a much lower price tag. In any case, gold engagement rings with gemstones are the most popular ones because they withstand everyday wear, don’t require much care and are timeless. Currently, their price starts from around £1000.
The tricky business of choosing the right ring size
Choosing the right size can be very tricky. If it is all intended to be surprise for your partner, you could use the services of an online jewellery store such as KLENOTA for instance, as they send out free finger ring sizers so you can work out the size. Using these, a female friend could measure the lady’s finger under some false pretence, or you could try measuring a ring from your girlfriend’s jewellery box and orient yourself based on that.
The jewellers from the KLENOTA studio specialize in diamond and gemstone engagement rings and use high quality 14ct gold. Each piece of jewellery you purchase from them will arrive in a luxury gift box, includes a Certificate of Authenticity and for your peace of mind, the first ring size exchange is free within 60 days of receipt of the ring. However if you’re still unsure, you can also visit their studio in Bílkova, Prague 1, where they will be happy to advise you.
The ideal metal and stone, that’s what it’s all about
When it comes to design, two decisions are the most important – to choose a metal and gemstone based on the bride to be’s wishes. Of the metals, gold is the most common choice. Engagement rings in white gold are currently in vogue while the more traditionally minded often opt more for yellow gold and ladies who like delicate elegance will no doubt be pleased with rose gold. Be sure to look at what colour metal your beloved normally wears so that the engagement ring will match this.
The most typical choice among gemstones is a clear white diamond. However if you think your sweetheart would like a more distinctive display of affection, try looking for colour varieties such as champagne which is currently very popular. Last but not least, colour gemstones are also an excellent choice. Engagement rings with morganites or sapphires, for example, are very common.
And what style will the ring be?
Timeless solitaires, that is, a ring band set with one distinctive stone, are a classic. Sometimes the central stone is complemented by small stones on the band for extra sparkle. Ladies who like bold jewellery love halo settings, where the central stone is surrounded by other small diamonds. Once again in this case, it’s a good idea to take note of what jewellery your beloved wears, which will give you a better idea of what style of ring to lean towards.
And if at this point you are also thinking about combining the engagement and wedding rings, you’ll love the engagement and wedding ring sets put together by professionals. They will give you an idea of how the two rings can complement each other and by buying them together you can resolve a dilemma that couples sometimes face after getting married.
