Getting engaged is an exciting time. Whether you intend to get straight on with wedding planning or want to spend time enjoying yourself before you rush to the next stage, then there’s at least one thing you need to think about – the engagement ring.
Your ring may have been bought for you already by your keen fiancé, or be a family heirloom like that of Kate Middleton. If you haven’t got your own Prince William, or a partner brave enough to choose your ring for you, then you need to get on with shopping. But how to choose a piece of jewellery that will be part of your life well into the future?
Quality ‘vs’ Cost
For something that will be around for many years to come, it is worth investing in quality. Everyday wear will take its toll on rings of inferior quality, but this doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. Saving on your engagement ring leaves you more money to spend on your wedding, so if you want to save money without compromising on quality then shop around and look at buying from abroad. In Dubai for example, diamonds are plentiful and cheaper simply because of ample supply. You could take a trip and choose in person, or use an online retailer such as Dubai Rocks. The quality is the same but with a more competitive price tag.
Fitting
Fitting is always tricky as finger sizes fluctuate due to the weather, time of day, hormonal cycles, and weight gain and loss. If you experience bloating through your cycle, then you should measure your ring finger at different points to find your best fit. Don’t be afraid to go back to the ring shop a few times before you settle on the best size. Try as many styles and sizes as necessary to find a ring you truly love.
Get a professional to look at your fingers properly as people with pronounced knuckles can get away with a looser fit than those with slim knuckles, who need a snugger fit to stop the ring from slipping off. Professional ring fitters can give you the benefit of their experience and more accurate measurement equipment.
As your ring will be with you for a long time, ask if the ring you like is in a style which can be easily resized. You can’t predict your ring size twenty years in to the future, but you can choose a style that means the ring can be altered if necessary.
Co-ordination
You will want your ring to complement any other jewellery you wear regularly, so take your favourite pieces with you and try potential engagement rings with them. If you want your future wedding ring to co-ordinate with your engagement ring, then it could be a good time to buy your wedding ring too. If you go back in a year or more, there’s a chance that you may not find something suitable to match. Buy your wedding ring at the same time as your engagement ring and you may even be able to negotiate a discount!
Mostly, choosing the right ring for you is about you and your personality. Don’t choose the latest style just because you’ve seen it on a celebrity, or because the diamond is bigger and better than someone else’s. Choose a ring that reflects you, your fiancé, and your styles. The engagement is all about the two of you, and your engagement ring is the perfect way to show off your new status.
Leave a Reply