An engagement ring is traditionally offered by an individual to their prospective spouse to propose to them. It indicates that the person wearing them is engaged and will be married in the future. If tradition dictates that the man chooses the engagement ring alone before making his proposal, the choice is often made by both individuals as well.
While choosing this symbolic jewelry, one can sometimes encounter certain difficulties. What type of ring to choose? Which materials? What size? So many questions with answers that will mostly depend on the preferences of the future bride as well as the budget that you want to dedicate to this gem. Here are some tips to enlighten and inspire you to help you choose the right ring!
1) The Budget
First of all: you have to set a budget. There are different price ranges for engagement rings. It all depends on the size and amount of stone/diamonds in the ring. Generally, you have two options available. You can either choose a ready-made ring or have a custom-made one. Contrary to popular belief, custom-made rings do not necessarily cost more.
2) What Are the Different Types of Engagement Rings?
To find your way around the different types of engagement rings, here are a few pointers that you may find useful:
Which Metals?
- Silver: for an engagement ring, silver is generally not recommended. If its shiny and stainless appearance may seem striking, silver is a metal that easily gets scratched and bend under pressure. Moreover, silver rings will eventually tarnish and have to be cleaned occasionally to maintain their shine. Hence, it’s not the best choice for a piece of jewelry that’s supposed to last a lifetime!
- Platinum: used in fine jewelry, platinum is a precious metal which, like gold, has a long lifespan. On the other hand, platinum requires a lot of precise work and detailing, which makes it particularly expensive.
- Gold: this is the main metal used. Jewelries made from pure gold (24 carats) are rare since the metal is not strong enough to last for a long period of time. The majority of them are designed in 18-carat gold, meaning that other types of metals have been added. It is this particular mixture of metals that provides jewelries the gold colour (yellow, pink, white or black). For example, rose gold is achieved due to a higher amount of copper in the alloy.
3) Which Stone to Choose?
Precious stones
There are 4 precious stones, namely,
- Diamond
When we talk about engagement rings, diamond is the gemstone we most often think of. Symbolic of eternity and purity, the diamond remains the most popular stone.
- Emerald
As one of the most auspicious stones for engagement rings, the shimmering green of the emerald is a symbol of hope and fertility.
- Ruby
If you’re looking for passion and happiness, you can opt for ruby, one of the rarest and intensely red gemstones.
- Sapphire
Brought back in fashion with Kate Middleton’s engagement ring, the deep blue sapphire evokes loyalty and symbolizes love.
Semi-precious stones
Semi-precious stones are more affordable than precious stones. However, it is generally not recommended to select a ring with a semi-precious stone. While these may seem tempting, they are of lower quality and may not last a lifetime.
4) Their Resistance
Although the stone’s beauty is a determining factor, it is also necessary to take into account its resistance. Indeed, scratches and oxidation (rusting) can deteriorate your ring over the years, so it is essential to know a little more about the complex world of precious stones and minerals.
5) The Style of the Ring
It makes sense to choose the ring that best suits the personality of your soulmate. If she has a very classic look, wears discreet jewelry, then avoid opting for a monstrously large stone! It is also useful to think of the ring in accordance with the type of lifestyle one maintains. For instance, you may consider whether your partner will be comfortable wearing the ring you chose daily. Lately, the trend has been vintage. People have been coming back a lot to traditional rings, with a slight vintage side and shape.
6) The Size of the Ring
One of the questions that will arise during the purchase of an engagement ring is the size of the ring finger. Generally, the dimensions are classified from the smallest to the largest. If you have no idea about it, don’t panic! Most can help determine which size will be ideal.
And yes, it is not an easy task to choose an engagement ring, but Hofland Diamonds Inc is always here to help you! They specialize in designing and creating custom luxury jewellery. Whether you’re drawn to vintage or more modern styles, you can be sure to find the perfect engagement ring that suits your budget at Hofland Diamonds Inc!