Choosing an engagement ring is about more than just bling. Your engagement ring is a lasting symbol of your love that also needs to reflect your partner’s personality and style while being suitable for their everyday lifestyle.
With so much pressure to get it right, and so many options available, being aware of your partner’s preferences and familiarizing yourself with the language of engagement rings can help to make the process both effortless and enjoyable. Here are our top tips on how to pick an elegant engagement ring.
Input and Inspiration
The number one consideration when it comes to picking the perfect engagement ring, is what your partner wants!
Whether you’re shopping for the ring together or taking matters into your own hands, it’s a good idea to subtly tap your partner for clues in the months leading up to your planned proposal.
Some people have set ideas about the kind of engagement ring they’d love, whereas others are happy to be surprised. You don’t necessarily need a shopping list of requirements from your partner but it’s a good idea to have a jumping off point. If you’re stuck for inspiration, take a look at your partner’s existing jewelry collection and look for common themes – do they wear mostly gold or silver-colored pieces? Do they favor diamonds or colored gemstones?
Some couples like to keep proposals and ring shopping under wraps whereas others like to plan together – this is something you should discuss early on in the process.
Shape and Style
The shape of a ring sets the tone for its elegance. Engagement ring styles go in and out of fashion, but classic styles, such as solitaires are timeless for a reason.
A solitaire ring is an engagement ring with a simple band and single central stone, such as a diamond or a precious gemstone. The variation comes in the size, cut and colour of the stone, and the choice of metal for the band. Modern twists on the solitaire include oversized oval stones and blended metals for a contemporary twist.
Other settings include:
- halo
- prong
- pavé
- channel
It’s important to choose a style that complements your fiancée’s hand and matches their personal taste, ensuring your ring is both timeless and wearable.
Quality and Craftsmanship
A beautifully designed ring is defined by its materials and the attention to detail in its manufacture.
Consider important factors such as stone quality, setting durability, and metal choice when browsing collections of engagement rings to find a piece that lasts a lifetime.
Everyday Wearability
Wearability really is key when it comes to engagement rings, since most people don’t take their engagement ring off, unless they’re doing an activity that might damage it, for example, swimming or cleaning with harsh chemicals.
If you’re opting for a heavy carat diamond ring or a gemstone ring with an intricate or delicate setting, consider the practicalities of your fiancée wearing it on a day-to-day basis. If they work a physical job or in healthcare, for example, they might need to remove their ring frequently, which increases the chances of it becoming lost, damaged or stolen.
An elegant ring should look just as good worn during everyday life as it does when worn on a special occasion so consider comfort, lifestyle, and how it pairs with other jewelry to ensure it remains a cherished accessory for years.
Personal Touches
Adding subtle personalization, such as a special engraving or a custom setting, can transform an otherwise simple engagement ring into a deeply meaningful piece. These little details and personal touches can elevate a classic design into something that’s both elegant and timeless, and uniquely yours.