Say ‘I Do’ To Your Dream Engagement Ring

Congratulations! You're considering taking a big step in your relationship by proposing. It's an exciting time, but the thought of buying the perfect engagement ring might feel a bit daunting. Fear not, with over three decades of experience we're here to guide you through this joyous journey, ensuring you find a ring that perfectly symbolises your love and commitment to each other. 

So, let's break it down, and explore some examples of ring and gem options you have along the way.

Knowing Your Partner's Style

The first step in choosing the perfect engagement ring is understanding your partner's style. Are they more traditional or modern? Do they prefer minimalist designs or something more elaborate? Pay attention to the jewellery they currently wear for clues. You can also enlist the help of their friends or family members for insights.

Setting a Budget

Before diving into the sea of sparkling gems and metals, it's crucial to set a realistic budget. Remember, the "three months' salary" rule is outdated. What matters most is that you choose a ring that reflects your commitment and suits your financial situation. There's a perfect ring out there for every budget.

Choosing the Right Gem

Diamonds - The classic choice, diamonds, symbolise everlasting love. They're known for their durability and brilliance. When selecting a diamond, we have the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat. The cut affects the diamond's sparkle, while colour, clarity, and carat weight influence its overall appearance and cost.

The diamond option is now even more affordable with the introduction of LAB grown diamonds.

Alternative Gems

If you're looking for something a bit different from diamonds, consider alternative gemstones like sapphires or rubies. Sapphires come in various colours, not just blue, and symbolise wisdom and nobility, while rubies, with their deep red hue, represent passion and protection.

From a practical standpoint both rubies and sapphires are good alternatives to diamonds as they are also exceptionally tough. Diamonds still take the (wedding) cake as the toughest gems at 10 mohs, however rubies and sapphires still rate highly at a 9 mohs and are strong enough to endure most daily wear and tear that they will encounter. 

If you choose to go down the path of softer gems such as emeralds, opals or even quartz, you need to be much more vigilant in their care as the stone is more likely to be scratched and damaged during daily use. 

Picking the Metal

The metal you choose for the band affects the ring's overall look and feel. Popular options include:

• Gold: Classic and timeless, available in yellow, white, and rose hues.
• Platinum: A durable, heavy metal with a modern appeal. It's hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.
• Silver: A more affordable option, though it requires more maintenance due to tarnishing and it is a much softer metal so might not last the distance.

Ring Styles

• Solitaire: A single gemstone on a simple band. It's elegant and timeless.
• Halo: Features a central gemstone surrounded by smaller diamonds. This style enhances the ring's sparkle and makes the centre stone appear larger.
• Three-Stone: This design is meant to symbolise the past, present, and future of your relationship, with a central gemstone flanked by two others.

Custom Designs

If you're looking for something truly unique, consider a custom-designed ring. Customising and creating your own bespoke design allows you to add even more individuality and meaning to the process, beyond aesthetics. 

When we look at crafting a bespoke piece you can start from scratch or even incorporate heirloom or family jewellery pieces that hold a lot of meaning into the designs. This way you are able to honour both the new love and adventure ahead, while holding close your meaningful pieces as well. 

The options are (almost) limitless when it comes to designing your perfect ring, and even if you’re having trouble finding where to start we have got you covered. Come into the store or give us a call, we can start the discussion of what is possible, you will be amazed.

Our Final Tips

• Know the ring size: Ensure a perfect fit by discreetly borrowing one of your partner's rings for sizing.
• Consider your partner's lifestyle: If they're very active or work with their hands, look for a durable design that won't easily catch or scratch.
• Get insured: Protect your investment by insuring the ring.

In the end, the perfect engagement ring is one chosen with love and care, reflecting the unique bond you share with your partner. Whether it's a classic diamond solitaire, a vibrant teardrop sapphire, or a completely bespoke creation, it will surely be cherished for a lifetime. Happy ring hunting!