Thinking about proposing to your partner? You’ll need to consider a range of factors to make the moment memorable. The destination, cost, and timing of the gesture all matter. But what should be at the center of your thinking is the ring.
The perfect engagement ring will differ depending on your tastes and preferences, along with those of your partner. But there are non-subjective criteria to think about, too.
Let’s take a look at how you might go about picking the ring, and the questions you might consider.
Understand Current Ring Trends and Personal Style
Like any other part of the fashion industry, the world of jewelry is subject to broad shifts in taste. What’s popular now might not be popular in ten year’s time. Today, pear-shaped stones, broad bands, and bezel settings are all popular. But what should really matter is what you like.
One trend that might not go away is the practice of using synthetic diamonds and ethically sourced metals. Think about how these fit into your plans, and whether they might make the ring more affordable.
Getting the Fit Right: Size, Comfort, and Lifestyle
The ring will need to fit onto your would-be-fiancé’s finger. You can either get her finger measured directly, via a jeweler, or borrow a ring that she wears. Note that wider bands will be slightly snugger. If you’re shopping for someone who leads an active lifestyle, then you might prefer designs that are more resilient. A bezel setting, for example, will tend to keep hold of the stone more easily than a prong-based one.
Materials, Quality, and Ethical Considerations
Rings are made in a variety of different metals. Some are made from several different ones. You’ll want to think not just about the way that these look, but also their ability to retain their shape, and to resist nicks and scratches. While titanium and tungsten have symbolic weight, they also throw up practical problems – when fingers swell up, they can easily become stuck.
When it comes to the stones themselves, you might prefer the traditional diamond – or, you might go for a colored stone that reflects her personal preferences. If everything she owns is purple, then an amethyst might be a sensible option. If in doubt, look for her birthstone.
Budget, Tradition, and the Story Behind the Ring
Your options can be virtually limitless – which can actually be quite debilitating. It can therefore be useful to think about how you’re going to limit your choices.
Set up a budget first. Don’t feel that you have to spend two month’s salary; this is a marketing gimmick established by the De Beers Group in the middle of the 20th century.
If you want the ring to take on extra meaning, then you might look into your family histories, and think about traditions and engraving. If you know that you’re not going to surprise your partner, then going shopping together can help you arrive at a ring that appeals to both of you.
