Navigating through the sea of engagement ring choices can be tough, so read through these simple steps when considering which ring will suit best.
There are thousands of engagement rings to choose from. Bear in mind that it will be worn for a lifetime so it's worth taking the time to choose the right one. We believe that couples should not be pressured into a purchase.
Diamonds are traditionally the most popular stone for engagement rings. This is because the diamond's rarity and durability symbolises the constancy of the love declared by the couple.
Sapphires come a close second, followed by rubies and emeralds.
The most traditional diamond shape is round brilliant, but there are many others including pear, emerald, oval, heart, marquise and princess.
The most popular engagement rings are diamond solitaires, followed by clusters, and the increasingly fashionable, three stone ring.
The bride-to-be should have her ring size measured properly. The ring shouldn't fit too tightly – in hot weather hands swell up and the wearer won't be able to get it on or off. Equally, it shouldn't be so loose that it slides around on the finger or over the knuckle too easily.
Couples should consider the type of wedding ring they’d like to wear, so that both the engagement and wedding rings will go together. Usually wedding rings are gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum. The engagement ring generally looks better made from the same metal.
Most engagement rings are made in either gold or platinum. The Gold can be 18-carat, or 9-carat and be either white, yellow and/or rose gold. 18-carat gold, whether it is white, yellow or rose, is the best and preferred choice for gold engagement rings. The couple can also choose platinum for their engagement ring, although platinum is significantly more expensive than gold.
Choosing an engagement ring design is simply a matter of personal preference. However, there are some pitfalls in certain designs. Remember that an engagement ring has to do four things:
It has to be easy and practical to wear
It has to withstand everyday wear
It has to hold its gemstones securely
and, it has to look good
It has to withstand everyday wear
It has to hold its gemstones securely
and, it has to look good
1. Easy and practical to wear
What is easy and practical depends on the wearer’s lifestyle. The higher the setting of the diamond or gemstone in the engagement ring, the more often it will catch on things. If the wearer works behind a desk, they may be able to wear a very high set ring. If they are a preschool teacher, for example, they would have to wear a safe ring that won't get caught.
2. Withstanding everyday wear
The engagement ring must withstand constant every day wear. Some environments are more destructive to engagement rings and jewellery than others. For example, a work area near a factory that uses abrasives is bad news for jewellery.
If one is in an environment where their engagement ring is likely to wear, a heavier style will last longer, and cause less worry. However, "heavy" doesn't necessarily have to mean wider, it just means a sturdy, strong shank/band should be used. If one prefers finer, more delicate styles, consider platinum, as platinum will out-wear gold many times over.
3. Holding gemstones securely
Six prongs (claws) are best, though a good secure four prong is also good; A bezel setting is safer than a prong setting. A heavier setting is stronger than a light setting; and a lower setting is less likely to be damaged than a higher setting
Men planning a surprise can be sneaky and check their girlfriend's ring size by “borrowing” one of her other rings. (Don't forget to replace it before she notices it's missing.)
To gauge what style she likes, look-out for styles she likes on her friends, in advertisements and in jewellers' windows. Does she prefer traditional or modern jewellery? Does she wear yellow, white gold or platinum jewellery?
After the purchase, always keep the receipt. If she doesn't like it, says no or if an insurance claim is needed, then the receipt is essential. Insure the ring as soon as possible, just in case. And, if one plans to pop the question abroad, they should make sure it's covered by travel insurance.
A great idea is to buy a cheap silver ring with which to propose and then let the bride to be choose her own ring (the man must make sure she realises this or he may not be popular!). Or to be really unique and very romantic, the couple could design the ring themselves, with our on-site jeweller.
We wish you the best in your search for that perfect ring, and remember, we are always happy to answer any questions via our Facebook page, via email: sales@watsonsjewellers.com.au or on the phone 03 6331 7646 as well as in store customer service.
