If you are about to ask your partner to marry you, or if your partner has already said yes, you will probably be grateful to some tips to make sure you buy the right engagement ring. The process of shopping for and choosing your partner’s engagement ring can be stressful and pressurised.
There are many areas of uncertainty; how much do you spend, which type of precious metal do you choose, which precious stone do you choose, how big should the ring be, what style and design would your partner like best? The following tips will give you a good idea of how to choose the right engagement ring for your partner.
While to some people, the engagement ring is not a huge matter, to many brides and grooms to be it is a big part of being in love and the promise of a future with the person they love. While traditionally, the man buys the ring and presents it to the woman if she agrees to marry him, many couples are shopping for engagement rings together.
Some heterosexual couples are both wearing engagement rings and many same sex couples as well. Shopping together for the perfect rings can make the process much simpler, but if you would like to shop for your partner’s engagement ring and surprise him or her, there are ways of getting it right.
The tips
The following are some tips to make sure you buy the right engagement ring for your spouse to be and set the scene for an amazing wedding and an even better marriage.
Making sure your partner will love the ring
Keep your eyes and ears open to your partner’s preferences in jewellery. People often make passing comments on jewellery in store windows or jewellery in advertisements or on television. Look at the jewellery that she has bought for herself and watch which pieces she seems more drawn too. If she has no yellow gold jewellery, do not purchase a yellow gold engagement ring.
If she seems to like sapphires, keep them in mind as a stone to use in the setting. If your partner seems drawn to fine, smaller pieces, stay away from large chunky ones. Also take in to account your partner’s eyes, colouring and size. If she is petite, large chunky jewellery will not look good on her.
Another good idea is to take one of your partner’s close friends along with you to shop for the perfect engagement ring. Many best friends have discussed their ideal engagement rings before and your partner’s best friend may be able to steer you in the right direction.
Making sure the ring fits your partner
While it is nice to get a ring that fits your partner perfectly, it is not essential. This is because your partner can always take the ring in and have it fitted to their finger perfectly once they have accepted your proposal. However, it is a nice touch to have a ring that looks as if it was made for your partner’s finger. The best way to find a ring of the right size is to take one of your partner’s rings in to the jewellery store with you. However, not many people wear rings on their wedding fingers, making this slightly more difficult.
It is not a great idea to take a ring that fits the corresponding finger on the right hand because most people’s left and right hands are different sizes. You could measure your partner’s finger in her sleep with a piece of string or you could hold her hand against hers under the guise of comparing the size of your hands. You could also take in a pair of gloves that fit her perfectly.
Choosing the right precious metal and stones
In choosing the right metal, consider the other jewellery your partner has. If she seems to prefer silver, look for a white gold or platinum ring. If she has a lot of yellow gold, then go for a yellow gold ring. Consider her colouring and what would look best against her skin. Also look at the stones she seems drawn to. If she has a thing for emeralds, consider them. However, white diamonds are still the most elegant choice for most people.
Staying within your budget
Set a budget for yourself and do not be tempted to go over it. You may have to visit several jewellery stores before you find something that you like and that is right for your partner, but do not give up hope. The perfect engagement ring is out there!
There is however an alternative way to buy an engagement ring that will make sure you get the perfect fit and design first time, check out the informative video below on how this may be achieved…
VIDEO: Buying an engagement ring tips: