How to Choose an Engagement Ring
So, you’ve popped the question, she said “Yes” and you drank the champagne. That’s the hard bit over then, you think. Wrong! The hard work starts now; you have to choose “The Ring” and, if you thought shopping on Saturday for a pair of shoes to go with the new dress was bad enough, you ain’t seen nothing yet! First of all, what sort of metal. Well, white seems to have been a universal choice for jewellery for many years now but white gold or platinum? Then, will your fiancee want a diamond solitaire, a diamond three-stone (or trilogy) engagement ring? A brilliant cut diamond, an emerald cut diamond a princess cut diamond or pear or marquise shape? And what are your thoughts? Don’t have any? Well, you’d better start thinking because your opinion will be asked, but only out of politness you understand.
Decisions, decisions. Not to mention the bit no-one likes to mention – how much to spend. Lots of people mention one month’s salary as a guideline but, really, this isn’t a hard and fast rule and you should spend whatever amount with which you feel comfortable. One word of advice: compare the cost of the wedding dress, flowers, etc., and bear in mind that these are costs for one day, with the cost of an engagement ring and remember how often it will be worn and how long it will last. The old adage of “the quality will be remembered long after the price has been forgotten” is really apt when pricing your engagement ring.
A little research before you visit your jewellery really help and take some magazine photos of the sort of styles you both like. If you don’t want to discuss the price when your fiancee is present, give your jeweller a call before hand to let them know the ball-park figure you’d like to spend.
Check your jeweller can talk you through the 4C’s (cut, colour, clarity and carat).
For all you contemporary engagement couples out there, how about this design by Andrew Geoghegan? Andrew has used a sharp, good looking geometric desing on this modern twist on a classic style, with the square cross section of the band and matching wedding ring echoing the square shape of the princess cut diamond. Designed to stand the test of time - and with its matching diamond set wedding ring, Andrew has created the perfect marriage of design and beauty. Andrew works with fine quality diamonds and these rings are available in either platinum or 18ct white gold.
Of course, contemporary designs aren’t for everyone and many couples prefer the nostalgia and romance that they associate with a vintage or antique diamond engagement ring. Well, at least you’re not likely to see another couple with the exact ring and you can contribute to the history of an antique ring with your own life story. And, you’re not like to see the exact ring on someone else’s finger.
