The perfect engagement ring is out there, waiting for you to discover it! It's a symbol of your love and commitment, and we want to help you find the one that speaks to your heart. In this guide, we'll break down the essentials and share insider tips on how to choose an engagement ring that you will cherish for a lifetime. Get ready to find the ring of your dreams!
Set Your Engagement Ring Budget
Engagement rings come with a price tag. However, that doesn't mean you need to empty your savings account for a beautiful ring. We recommend setting a realistic budget before you look for an engagement ring.
Why Set a Budget?
Your budget is a helpful guide. It helps you find the balance between your desires and your financial comfort. Consider your income, savings, and financial goals. This ring will be a cherished heirloom, so choose a budget that will cover the cost.
If you're shopping as a couple, share your expectations, priorities, and what you both feel comfortable spending. It's a decision you'll be making together, so you should be on the same page.
How to Know Your Partner's Ring Style
Pay Attention to Their Current Jewellery
Observe the jewellery they already wear. Do they prefer classic or modern designs? Do they gravitate towards delicate pieces or bold accessories? Do they usually wear silver, gold, or rose gold? These observations give you an idea about their preferences.
Consider Their Gemstone and Shape Preferences
Notice the gemstones they wear, if any. Do they like colourful gemstones or prefer diamonds? Pay attention to the shapes and sizes of their existing jewellery to understand their aesthetic.
Ask for Help from Friends and Family
If unsure, ask their friends or family for input. They might have heard your partner express their preferences or know their style well. Remember to be discreet so you don't ruin the surprise if you want to keep it a secret.
The goal is to choose a ring they'll love wearing every day, a ring that complements their style and makes them feel special. At Niche Diamonds, we can guide you in finding the perfect engagement ring that matches your partner's taste for a surprise proposal, or is a style that you both agree on together.
Find Out Your Partner's Ring Size
Now that you know your partner's style, let's move on to ring size. A stunning ring won't shine if it doesn't fit comfortably.
Sneak Peek Strategies
If your partner wears rings, secretly borrow one they wear on their ring finger and measure the inner diameter. Alternatively, trace the ring on paper or press it into soap to get an imprint. You can also try slipping the ring onto your finger and marking where it fits. Find out more about ring sizing.
Estimate their Ring Size
If they don't wear rings, you can estimate their size based on their hand and build. Remember, it's better to choose a slightly larger size, as resizing down is easier. That's also the beauty of a solitaire engagement ring - it's less complicated to resize than a ring with a diamond band.
Get Professional Help
If you're still not sure about their ring size, visit a jeweller. They have tools for accurate measurements and can advise on the best size for your chosen ring style.
How to Choose a Diamond Shape
There are many types of diamond shapes. Choosing the right shape is about finding what complements your partner's style and personality.
The Round Brilliant
The round brilliant is the most popular and classic choice. It's known for its timeless elegance and exceptional sparkle. If your partner appreciates tradition and glamour, this might be the perfect fit.
The Princess Cut
The princess cut has a contemporary square shape with dazzling brilliance. It's versatile and pairs well with various settings, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a modern aesthetic.
The Emerald Cut
The emerald cut, with its rectangular shape and step-cut facets, exudes sophistication and an understated look reminiscent of the Art Deco era. If your partner is drawn to vintage aesthetics, this cut might resonate with them.
The Oval Cut
The oval cut combines the brilliance of a round brilliant with an elongated shape, creating a flattering and eye-catching effect. It can appear larger than its carat weight, making it a popular option for couples who want something unique.
Pear and Marquise
If you're looking for something distinctive, consider the pear or marquise cuts. These fancy shapes offer drama and elegance, perfect for those who love to stand out.
Find the Right Engagement Ring Setting
You've found the perfect diamond, now you need to choose the ideal setting to showcase your gem. The setting enhances the diamond's brilliance and adds personal style to the ring.
Classic Solitaire Setting
A solitaire setting features a single diamond as the focal point. It's a timeless and elegant choice that lets the diamond's beauty shine.
Sparkling Sidestone Setting
A sidestone setting has smaller diamonds or gemstones flanking the centre diamond. This creates a dazzling display of light and adds extra sparkle.
Three-Stone Setting
The three-stone setting symbolises your past, present, and future together. The centre diamond is usually larger than the two side stones, adding a sentimental touch.
Glamorous Halo Setting
The halo setting features a ring of smaller diamonds surrounding the centre stone. This creates a halo effect that amplifies the diamond's brilliance and makes it appear larger.
Shimmering Pave Setting
The pave setting has tiny diamonds set closely together, creating a shimmering surface that adds a touch of luxury.
Get to Know the 4Cs
Diamonds may appear similar, but each has unique characteristics that determine its beauty and value. Understanding the 4Cs – Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat – helps you familiarise these precious gems.
Cut
The cut refers to how well the diamond has been shaped and polished. A well-cut diamond reflects light brilliantly, creating that dazzling sparkle we love.
Colour
Colour refers to the diamond's natural tint. The most desirable diamonds are colourless or near-colourless, while others have subtle hints of yellow or brown.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the diamond's internal and external imperfections. Fewer imperfections make a diamond rarer and more valuable.
Carat
Carat is a measure of the diamond's weight, not its size. Larger diamonds are generally rarer and more expensive, but the other Cs contribute to the overall beauty and value.
Find out more about choosing a diamond.
How to Choose the Right Metal for Your Engagement Ring
It's time to choose the metal that will complement its brilliance. We have some great options for you:
Platinum
Platinum is a popular choice for its durability and timeless elegance. It's hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Its natural white sheen enhances the sparkle of diamonds.
Gold
Gold offers a classic and romantic feel in various hues. Yellow gold is the traditional choice, while white gold provides a modern alternative with a similar look to platinum. Rose gold, with its warm pink tones, is gaining popularity for its romantic appeal.
Consider Durability and Maintenance
Each metal has unique properties and care requirements. Platinum is resilient and requires minimal maintenance. Gold may need occasional polishing to maintain its lustre. However white gold requires occasional re-plating with rhodium to maintain its white sheen and avoid yellowing.
Consider your partner's lifestyle and preferences when choosing a metal. If they have an active lifestyle, platinum might be a better choice.
Expert Guidance at Niche Diamonds
At Niche Diamonds, we offer various metal options to suit every taste and budget. We can guide you through each metal's pros and cons and help you select a metal to complement your chosen diamond and create an engagement ring that will last a lifetime.
Get Your Bespoke Engagement Ring at Niche Diamonds
While pre-designed rings have many beautiful options, some couples want a customised ring. You can do this with bespoke engagement rings.
Designing a bespoke ring is collaborative. You work closely with skilled artisans, sharing your vision and ideas. They guide you through the design process and ensure your ring is beautiful and expertly crafted.
At Niche Diamonds, we create bespoke rings that capture your love story. Our team will guide you through every step, ensuring your ring reflects your special bond.
Find the Perfect Engagement Ring for Your Love Story
The engagement ring you choose will become a timeless symbol of your love and commitment. It will mark the beginning of a new chapter in your life together, a chapter filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. We hope this guide has taught you how to choose an engagement ring. Pick an engagement ring that will be a cherished heirloom for generations.
