An engagement ring is one of the most important choices you will make in your life. It is an expression of love and commitment, and it represents the future of your relationship. There is an overwhelming number of styles, shapes and price ranges available to choose from. By following these simple guidelines from this guide, you can simplify and add meaning to your choice of an engagement ring.
Choosing An Engagement Ring - Starting Point
The best way to start your search for an engagement ring is to get a clear idea of what your significant other likes. This step alone can help you simplify your search and also help you better understand what your partner wants.
Use Pinterest boards and conversations with friends as resources to create a picture of your partner’s taste, which will help you find the perfect style and type for your engagement ring. In addition to helping you narrow down your options, also keep an eye out for lab-grown diamond engagement rings, which offer the same look and durability as natural diamond rings at a lower price and with less environmental impact. So, if you're looking for an engagement ring that will be meaningful to your partner and to the environment, consider a lab-grown diamond.
Learn The 4Cs: The Foundation For Selecting An Engagement Ring
If you've done some reading about how to choose a ring, you'll likely have heard many things about the 4Cs. The 4Cs are Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat.
The Cut determines the sparkle of the diamond.
The Colour affects the brightness of the diamond. The Clarity affects the purity of the diamond, and the Carat affects the size of the diamond.
So, if you are shopping for an engagement ring within your budget, you should focus on the Cut to get the most sparkle from the diamond.
What Setting Works For Their Style?
The setting is just as important when determining how to choose an engagement ring. Types of popular settings include:
- Solitaire - classic, timeless
- Halo - adds extra sparkle
- Pave - delicate sparkle
- Three-stone - elegant and symbolic
The setting is what will determine the overall look of the ring, and even small diamonds can be enhanced by the right setting.
Also, when you are looking for matching items to the ring, you can consider styles such as lab-grown diamond bracelets as future gift options.
What Metal Complements Their Skin Tone?
Metal choice and the corresponding visual effect are something people often overlook when choosing engagement rings. Yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum all create different visual effects. Below is a simple trick to help select the best option based on skin tone.
- Cool Undertones match well with white gold and platinum
- Warm Undertones match well with yellow and rose gold.
- You will greatly improve your odds of picking the right ring by following this rule alone.
Balance Your Budget And Style
While many guides for selecting an engagement ring only address design, it is also extremely important to consider your budget when selecting a ring. It is important to set a range of what you are comfortable spending, to avoid adding any stress or pressure to your plans.
Because of newer options like lab-grown diamonds, you can get a beautiful diamond without sacrificing quality or size. Once you have finished selecting the ring, look into additional lab-created items, such as pendants, to complete your gift set.
Ring Size Is A Small Detail But Makes A Big Difference
Finding the right ring size is something most people don’t think about until after they have already selected the engagement ring. When looking for a ring, if you are unsure of your partner’s size, you can borrow or ask a close friend or relative for assistance. A perfectly fitting engagement ring will enhance the emotional aspect of the moment when you propose.
Consider The Long-Term
As you explore the engagement ring guide for selecting an engagement ring, consider the quality and durability of the ring. Is your partner a physical person? Do they prefer a low-maintenance piece of jewellery? All of these questions will ultimately help you to select the correct engagement ring that your partner can comfortably wear every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Should I Do Before Selecting An Engagement Ring?
Before selecting an engagement ring, understand your partner's style, create a budget, learn about the 4Cs of diamonds, explore different types of settings and consider the metal used to create the diamond.
2. How Much Money Should I Spend On An Engagement Ring?
There are no fixed rules. You should spend as much as you want to spend and value design over old-fashioned rules.
3. As a Beginner, What Are The Most Important Tips For Selecting An Engagement Ring?
The four most important engagement ring tips for beginners are to understand the 4Cs, choose a setting that fits your personal style, check your partner's ring size, and choose a metal that complements their skin tone.
4. Are Lab-Grown Diamonds A Good Choice For Engagement Rings?
Absolutely! Lab-grown diamonds are the same as mined diamonds. They look exactly the same and offer buyers better value for their money.
5. How Do I Pick A Ring If I Don't Know My Partner's Preference?
To find this out, you can look at your partner's jewellery, ask their friends, or choose traditional solitaire or oval designs.