7 Tips For Engagement Ring Shopping
Just engaged? Or ready to shop for that perfect ring? Shopping for your engagement ring can be a very exciting and romantic time.
Here are some helpful tips to get you started.
1. Timeless
An engagement ring is a ‘forever piece’, so choose a ring that really speaks to you. Try to focus on selecting something that reflects your individuality, and a piece that represents your shared love.
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2. Avoid Trends
The range of rings is now vast. Today there’s everything available from modern bling, to designer contemporary, to signature solitaire and classic vintage designs. Trends may tempt you, but they will come and go. Focus on what suits your personality to avoid the experience becoming too overwhelming. Trust your gut instinct and take note of what really sings when you slide it on your finger.
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3. Own Your Style
Your ring — like your clothes and furniture — reflects something about you. Whether you’re a pink Argyle diamond romantic, a classic solitaire lover, or an art deco fan, go with what suits your style. You know your style, so own it. Don’t be afraid to create a bespoke statement piece. If it reflects your style, then it will never go out of fashion.
A couple of good questions to ask yourself. Do I:
- like a minimalist style?
- want a unique or more personalise piece?
- love color? Rare cognac or Argyle pink diamonds, morganites and natural sapphires (blue, pink, golden, green) are unique and romantic.
- prefer classic or contemporary?
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4. Keep An Open Mind
Go to the jeweller with an open mind. Do your research but expect rings to look different on your hand. Try on as many as you can to find one that looks and feels just right. Looks are important but so is practicality. Consider your lifestyle and ensure your ring choice fits your day-to-day activities.
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5. It's not just about the carat
Familiarise yourself with the four Cs. But don’t be blinded by them. Cut, clarity, colour and carat determine the grading and value of a diamond. While carat seems to dominate many people’s minds, it's actually the cut that determines a diamond’s brilliance. If a diamond is cut well, all the light is reflected in and out, producing its radiant sparkle. A large carat weight diamond, poorly cut, will sparkle less and seem smaller.
Aim for a good high cut grading, and from there don’t get too caught up in the weight and the D-to-Z colour. All diamonds will have inclusions, and most cannot be seen with the naked eye. Price goes up with clarity, yet the diamonds may not look any different.
Focus more on how the diamond looks and feels. It’s more important to invest in a piece that's beautifully crafted and is comfortable to have on your hand everyday – for the rest of your life.
Discover our diamond buying guide and standards.
6. Bespoke & Personalised
A good diamond jeweller will be delighted to design a unique piece for your momentous occasion. Jewellers can personalise and customise any design to create your dream ring. At Michael Wilson, we are passionate about creating symbols of love that are as precious as the dreams and memories that inspire them.
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7. consider your wedding band
Don’t forget to consider your wedding band when choosing your engagement ring – the two pieces need to work together. Would you like a stacked finish, or something more understated?
Gone are the days of the simple gold band. Most people now love a scattering of sparkle in their wedding band. Or a fitted band that curves around the main stone of their engagement ring.
Consider trying on a few wedding bands with your short-list of engagement rings. It may help make that final decision a little easier.
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