Picking the perfect engagement ring!
7th January 2022 – Advice
Written by Amy Brown
Top image by Godson Studios
With a New Year usually comes new plans, and if yours includes proposing to your partner, this blog will guide you through the process of selecting the perfect engagement ring!
Choosing the perfect ring is a big responsibility, and with so many factors to consider, it certainly can be a daunting task! Whilst you could get lost for hours, even days deliberating over the shape, size and colour, we’ve put together some helpful tips to help whittle down the task.
How do I know what style they’ll like?
Buying an engagement ring may be a new concept for you, but chances are your Bride-to-be has thought about this ring already, maybe even chosen one and more than likely dropped some hints along the way! Were you paying attention?
Look at the jewellery they already wear, take note of the style: is it subtle and timeless or bold and unique? You could even ask friends and family for some help, they may have some valuable inside information!
Style
So firstly, you’ll need to consider the style of the ring, based on these categories:
Solitaire: A traditional style that is both elegant and timeless designed to showcase the Diamond.
Halo: A luxurious statement style that sparkles from all angles! Smaller Diamonds are set in a halo around one solitaire stone, adding extra wow factor.
Trilogy: Why have one Diamond when you can have three? This stunning style is on trend for 2022!
Cluster: A cluster of smaller diamonds set together to create intricate sparkle can also be a real statement piece!
Vintage/Heirloom: Sometimes the most special gestures, are those that are rooted in sentiment. An heirloom ring passed down through generations can be just as precious as a new ring. Why not have the heirloom customised slightly to suit your bride?
Precious Metal
Once you have picked the style you’ll need to decide on the precious metal type, it will have a big impact on the look (and price) of the ring! Platinum and white gold are the most popular choices. Yellow gold is perfect for the more traditional bride and rose gold for a more vintage twist!
Diamonds (which are a girl’s best friend!)
Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes…. as well as different cuts, clarities and colours! Our best tip here is to start with your budget because that will dictate the quality of the diamond. Here are the four C’s you’ll need to consider in order of importance:
- Cut: This refers to the craftsmanship of the diamond. When looking at the standard of the cut you’re assessing the quality of how the diamond has been shaped – it must be cut in perfect proportions to produce the best sparkle! The better the cut, the better the diamond and of course the more it will cost.
- Colour: …or lack of it! We like our diamonds as clear and white as possible! A pure diamond will have no colour and is therefore rarer and more valuable.
- Clarity: Diamonds are naturally formed gems, and so they will have unique internal characteristics called inclusions as well as external characteristics called blemishes. Clarity is also graded, the most clear and perfect being the most valuable.
- Carat: This is a measure of weight, not size. One carat is equal to 200mg which can be subdivided into 100 points. A 2-carat diamond is not necessarily more expensive than 1-carat – it will depend entirely on the first 3 factors.
Gemstones
Diamonds may not be your girl’s best friend, so why not look at other precious gemstones? Famously worn by Royalty throughout history, gemstones are characterised by their beautiful colours, rarity and beauty. Precious gemstones can be lower in price than traditional diamonds and be every bit as breath-taking!
Here’s a round-up of our favourites!
Congratulations, now you’re ready to hit the shops equipped with your new found knowledge! One last thing to remember: don’t forget to ask for a certificate of authenticity!
We hope she says yes… !
To find out how to book your own Hylands Wedding, contact the team on:
hylands@chelmsford.gov.uk | 01245 605500 | www.hylandsestateweddings.co.uk
