PROPOSAL RING MAY BE THE PERFECT SOLUTION
In my experience, nothing compares to the excitement of an unexpected proposal—it can be the thrill of a lifetime. However, choosing the perfect ring can feel daunting, so some prefer to propose without one, while others opt for a proposal ring. Alternatively, you could consider the wax ring proposal and then finish the ring together.
Before you start looking for an Engagement Ring
Hints and ideas
Your partner or her best friend may already have given you hints and ideas about what she likes or does not like, or you may have a good idea about the jewellery she already wears or her style.
Precious metal
Will you choose yellow, red, white, gold, or the most popular when buying an engagement ring, platinum, or a combination of colours?
You may have the answer to this from what she wears now, whether jewellery, watches, or clothes; another essential factor to consider is skin tone, job and lifestyle.
Choosing your stone
Diamonds remain a girl’s best friend, but their popularity is waning as moissanite and lab-grown diamonds grow in popularity as the ethical debate continues.
Diamonds
When choosing a diamond, my advice is to go for one with a GIA certificate, as it will give you complete peace of mind. So much has been written about the diamond 4Cs in choosing the suitable stone for you. But at this point in your decision-making, knowing the shape of the stone would be most helpful. If you are still deciding, I would always advise you to go with the safety of a brilliant round cut.
Moissanite
In 2015, Charles and Colvard released the Forever One moissanite, a colourless stone similar to a GIA-certified E-colour diamond.
Moissanite looks lovely when set into a ring and will save you considerable money compared to a natural diamond.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Diamonds grown in a lab are still entirely new to the market; they allow you to choose your stone much as you would with a diamond with the 4C’s.
As for their price, there currently needs to be a saving herein compared to a diamond, but if the ethical issue is at the top of your list, they make a great choice.
With the world-famous De Beers entering the market, they will grow in popularity once they stop selling them only in America.
Gemstones
The no’s here are to avoid emeralds, tanzanite, and opals as your main stone as they are just too soft to be worn daily; sapphires in whichever colour you like make the ideal choice as their hardiness is close to that of a diamond.
Comparing gemstones is more complicated than with a diamond, as there is no benchmark. You have to go by the colour and look of the stone that works within your budget and has the wow factor.
As a word of caution, I would avoid gemstones unless your partner has hinted this is her preference.
Finger size
If your partner already wears a ring when she is not looking, you can try it on your finger and remember where it went. The jeweller can then measure your finger; if not, take a phone of the intended size with you, and an experienced jeweller should be able to give you a size to work with.
How much should I spend on an Engagement Ring?
Please ignore the nonsense that you should spend two or three times your monthly salary; pay no more than you can comfortably afford, as there will be a beautiful ring for you, whatever the size of your budget.
Where should I buy my engagement ring from?
You may have already been window shopping with your partner and know precisely the shop you need to revisit, but if you still need to. You want the ring and the proposal to be a complete surprise. There are many options available to you.
High street Jewellers
Visiting your local high street is still the most popular destination when buying an engagement ring. The advantage is that the ring is ready-made, and you can take it away. The disadvantage is that it could be more personal and unique, and design choices are limited.
Hatton Garden is your perfect destination if you are London-based and want to negotiate on price. You could also choose a jewellery centre close to your home; alternatively, if you are looking for a choice of designs, even if it is only for ideas, Bond Street will satisfy you.
Jewellers Online
In a changing world, you may consider purchasing your ring online or, at the very least, trying to educate yourself on the various engagement ring styles and the diamond 4Cs.
I suggest you ignore the headlines, such as huge discounts compared to the high street, the fact that they have the most extensive collection of GIA-certified stones worldwide or the most significant collection of engagement ring settings.
Discounts are available if you shop wisely, but these claims are impossible to ratify for holding the most extensive stock of mounts and stones.
When shopping online, you can choose a ready-made ring or a Custom-made engagement ring. You select your diamond from a list of stones and choose from a collection of pre-made mass-produced ring settings.
The ring will then be made for you; online jewellers often promote this service as a bespoke ring, which is misleading as the unique part of the ring is the diamond and their ring settings will be used again.
Bespoke independent jewellers
Today, when you work face-to-face with an independent jeweller, the bespoke engagement ring option allows you to create a true one-off engagement ring, be part of the ring creation and receive a personal service.
With modern technology mixed with traditional craftsmanship, see and try on a prototype of your ring before it is handcrafted just for you; you can choose the stones to be used in the ring and be in total control of the design and the final price you will pay
Traditional Hand-Made Jewellery
Your final option is a Handmade engagement ring; it is still the traditional way to make a bespoke engagement ring. It is also the most expensive and only allows you to be involved in creating your ring or see and wear it once it is finished.
Please ask a question or seek advice.
If you would like impartial advice or have a question you would like answered, call David Law, one of Hatton Garden’s most experienced bespoke engagement ring makers.
CALL DAVID TODAY AT 0800 024 8940
