How to: Choose an engagement ring
You’ve said yes and now the whirlwind of planning can begin as you select a ring that will not only announce your engagement to the world but represent your own romantic style for a lifetime of happiness. Signifying the start of wedding preparations, we’ve put together a five-point plan of considerations when choosing an engagement ring, which we know will serve you well on your journey of dazzling discovery and opulent options.
1. The stone
What may seem an overwhelming search can soon be narrowed if you know the right questions to ask yourself: starting with the choice of stone. Are you a traditionalist after the simplicity, elegance, innocence, integrity and harmony that diamonds stand for, or does your personality and style allow for flair of colour?
Tip: Coloured gemstones are less conventional and may prove a less expensive option but they are softer than diamonds.
2. The cut
Pear, cushion, round, princess, marquise, emerald or heart cut – there’s a myriad of shapes to suit every engagement ring and its wearer. But whether you’re drawn to the timeless round brilliant or boldly romantic princess cut, its geometric nature will be enhanced by its surroundings.
Tip: Each cut shows off unique attributes that make the most of the stone’s properties.
3. The karatage
When looking at rings made in rose gold, white gold and yellow gold, it’s important to consider the karatage. 24kt gold is the purest form of gold. 18kt gold contains 75%, 14kt gold 58.5% and 10kt gold contains 41.6% pure gold. 10kt gold is a popular and affordable option that provides durability at a value for money price as it tends to resist scratching more easily.
Tip: Karat (kt) when referred to metals should not be confused with diamond carat, which refers to the weight of the diamond (yet not necessarily its size).
4. The style
Before looking at specific designs and settings, it’s a good idea to consider your personal taste – do you prefer classic, modern or vintage styles? One of the most important pieces of jewellery you’ll ever own, don’t be afraid to take a risk and go a little bolder than your usual style statement and use social media tools such as Pinterest to gather your ideas.
Tip: The greatest key to selecting your jewellery style is what you connect with emotionally.
5. The setting
Choosing the setting for your perfect ring is about choosing how you’ll show off your precious stones to their greatest effect while reflecting your personal style.
The diva of engagement rings, the solitaire features a single diamond set in a mount. It’s proud, pure and demands attention, as does the halo, which features a centre diamond surrounded by smaller, full-cut diamonds to create the illusion of a bigger stone. Three stone designs signify past, present and future with a larger stone flanked by two smaller ones ‐ a poignant ring full of meaning.
Shouldered solitaire designs offer extra sparkle to the timeless solitaire as accent stones feature in the upper sections of the band, often from the mid-point on the ring’s circumference to the top of the shoulder where the ring band meets the main setting, while an invisible setting hides metalwork between stone settings to create the appearance of a solid surface of gems.
Tip: Determine what you require in terms of wearability from your setting – does the setting sit high or closer to your finger? What will you feel more comfortable wearing?
There are as many engagement rings as there are brides-to-be, and let's not forget the grooms, with a beautiful range of male engagement rings also available to choose from. Be true to your personality and style but keep an open mind when choosing your ring as this small but highly significant piece of jewellery represents loyalty, commitment and above all else love.