03
Mar
There are very few purchases in life that have the same significance as an engagement ring. It will be sitting on a finger every day for decades – through first apartments, career changes, children, seasons, and a lifetime of small ordinary moments that become, in retrospect, everything. No pressure, right? The good news is that finding the right ring doesn’t have to involve a degree in gemology or an unlimited budget. It simply involves paying attention to three things: the stone, the setting, and the story you want to tell. Get those right, and everything else will fall into place.
The centre stone is the focal point of any engagement ring, and for many people, it is where the most important design choices and the largest portion of the budget are focused. Exquisitely crafted engagement rings with diamonds remain the most popular choice, but the contemporary ring scene is much more diverse than the traditional one.
If you are going to choose a diamond, you will soon find yourself faced with the “Four Cs”: cut, colour, clarity, and carat. A well-cut diamond will reflect light in a way that makes it seem much more brilliant than a larger diamond with a poor cut. You can cut back on carat or settle for a hint of colour, but never on cut. A one-carat diamond with excellent cut will always dazzle a two-carat lifeless diamond.
One of the most notable trends in the engagement ring market in recent years is the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds. These are diamonds that are grown in a lab using advanced technology. They are chemically, physically, and optically the same as mined diamonds, except for their origin. They also cost less, which means that couples can afford choose a larger or higher-quality diamond within the same budget, while often having a lower environmental impact.
The diamond is the classic choice, but it is far from the only option. Coloured gemstones are becoming increasingly popular as engagement stones. Sapphires provide a deep, rich colour for a fraction of the price per carat. Emeralds bring a lush, rich green that photographs stunningly, while rubies convey passion and drama. Pink, yellow, and aquamarine diamonds are increasingly popular choices for couples who want something unique and deeply personal.
Shape is a matter of personal preference. The traditional round brilliant cut is the most sought-after shape with the most sparkle, but more elongated cuts like oval, pear, and marquise shapes are currently in style. They can elongate the finger and are often less expensive per carat than rounds. Emerald and Asscher cuts are ideal for those who prefer clean lines and subtle elegance, while Princess cuts are a compromise between modern and traditional. The shape should reflect the wearer’s personality.
The setting serves two purposes: it secures the stone in place and showcases it beautifully. The metal you select – yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or platinum – establishes the overall look and feel of the ring. Yellow gold has a warm, romantic feel and a timeless, vintage-inspired appeal. White gold and platinum are cool and modern. Rose gold is soft and romantic, and it’s been a huge hit in the past ten years.
Think practically, too. A person who works with their hands needs a lower, more secure setting. Prong settings display a stone dramatically, but can snag on clothing. Bezel settings, where metal completely encircles the stone, provide much better protection for the active person.
The best engagement rings have a story to tell. This could be a gem that nods to a significant location or colour, a design that nods to a family heirloom, or something entirely custom that couldn’t possibly have been purchased at a jewellery counter. The story doesn’t have to be complicated to be important – it just has to be genuine.
If you’re having trouble figuring out where to begin, observe. Does your partner have a taste for vintage jewellery or for clean, modern lines? Do they speak of their grandmother’s ring with reverence? Have they been quietly saving pictures on a phone or pointing things out in passing? Don’t be afraid to bring in a trusted friend or family member if you’re really stuck, someone who is close enough to the situation to know what’s going on but discreet enough to keep a secret.
Don’t forget to consider the possibility of shopping together. Many couples choose to buy an engagement ring together, and there is nothing unromantic about ensuring that the person who will wear the ring on a daily basis actually likes it. The proposal itself can still be a complete surprise, even if the ring has been picked out together.
