An engagement ring is one of the most important jewellery purchases you’ll ever make. It’s much more than just a pretty ring; it’s a symbol of your love and commitment.
With so many choices on the market, picking the perfect ring can be an overwhelming task. Read our handy guide to make the decision a little easier.
Budget
First things first, work out how much you can afford to spend. Try to be realistic and don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you need to spend a certain amount. Buy the best that you can afford, but only buy what you can afford.
Ring size
Finding out your partner’s ring size can be tricky if you’re planning a surprise engagement. One way to get a good idea is to borrow a ring that they don’t wear every day and take it to a jeweller to be measured. But don’t worry; if you don’t get it right, you can always get it resized.
Consider your partner’s style
Do your best to go for a ring that will complement your partner’s style and tastes. If their fashion sense is quite simple, chances are they’d prefer an understated ring. If they love a bit of bling in their everyday outfits, a more intricate ring would be a good choice.
Choose something that suits them
Simple rings with thin bands look best on slender hands but could look out of proportion on larger hands. Wide fingers can easily carry off more complex designs, and rings with multiple stones are a good choice.
Band metal
There are lots of different options available for the band metal, including yellow, white or rose gold, platinum, titanium and palladium. Along with your budget, consider the jewellery that your partner already wears. If they own a lot of pieces in a particular metal, opt for a complementary ring. Consider the durability and upkeep of the different metals, which a jeweller can advise you on.
Stone shape
The most popular stone shapes engagement rings are round brilliant cut and princess cut. However, there are many other choices, including oval, pear, cushion, or even heart-shaped. Pick something that matches their style but also looks good in the overall ring design.
Picking a diamond
Diamond quality is measured by the four Cs:
Cut: A good-quality cut with even, well angled facets will ensure maximum sparkle.
Colour: The colour of the diamond shows its purity, with bright white stones fetching more money for their quality.
Clarity: Most diamonds have inclusions within the stone, which determines the clarity of the cut.
Carat: While many people believe that the carat indicates the size of a diamond, it’s actually a measure of its weight.
Alternatives to diamond
In recent years, diamonds have become less and less popular. However, there’s no rule saying that an engagement ring has to be diamond. Many jewellers offer other stones such as rubies, sapphires or emeralds, which make for beautiful pieces. You can also purchase a stone similar to diamond such as moissanite, which is almost as tough but much cheaper.
Bespoke design
If nothing on the market feels quite right, you can always have a bespoke ring made. While this is a more expensive option, the ring will be one of a kind and will be exactly what you want. This option might be too overwhelming if you struggle to make decisions, though!
Have your wedding at Abbeywood Estate
Once you’ve picked the perfect ring and popped the question, you’ll want to start looking at wedding venues. Abbeywood Estate offers stunning indoor and outdoor spaces in the heart of Cheshire, giving you everything you need for a wedding that lives up to your carefully selected ring.
To find out more, or to arrange a tour of our estate, get in touch and talk to our friendly staff.
