Choosing The Perfect Engagement Ring: A Comprehensive Guide
Engagement rings signify one of the most important moments of our life. And if you are planning to surprise your partner with an engagement ring, you better pick the right one.
If you wish to gift them jewellery that they will carry for the rest of their lives, it has to be perfect in every way.
Now that I have put you under so much pressure, I must help you out, too. If you have little to no idea about engagement rings, read till the end, and I assure you youβll be able to pick the right engagement ring for your bride/groom-to-be.
Things To Start With
Before bombarding you with design intricacies, letβs settle on the basics. To find the perfect engagement ring for your partner, you first need to know two things. One, what would be the base of the ring, and second, what stone do they like?
Letβs explore the options you have so you can decide easily.
Choice of metal
Since engagement rings are meant to be worn regularly, most people go for noble metals like platinum, gold (yellow, white, or rose), and silver. Plus, they are mostly hypoallergenic, so they donβt irritate the skin (but some people can have allergies, so please inquire about that first).
Gold: Gold is the most common choice of metal across the globe due to many reasons. Some prefer it due to its association with wealth and prosperity, and some like it simply because of its everlasting luster.
But to some, yellow gold seems too much to carry, so you can also go for white or rose gold. However, I must mention that you would have to go for plating touchups from time to time to keep their white or rose hues intact.
Platinum: If your partner wears more silver-toned jewellery, it only makes sense that you pick an engagement ring that is of the same color. And if you donβt want the hassle of retouching and replating, go with platinum.
Besides, compared to gold, having an allergic reaction to platinum is even more rare. So itβs also the safest option, which is why most people nowadays go with a platinum band.
Silver: Now, silver is not a conventional choice for engagement rings, as it is a very soft metal that gets easily distorted. But I am still adding this to the list, as it is also a white precious metal but comparatively cheaper than white gold or platinum.
Plus, silver engagement rings are one of the most unique-looking ones. So, if your partner has a very boho and vintage fashion taste, they might love it.
Choice of Stone
If you think your choice is limited between organic and lab-grown diamonds, then you are wrong.
Gone are those days when people only used diamonds for their engagement rings. Of course, you can use diamonds, especially if your partner fancies that, but all I am saying is that you have a lot of options to explore.
Some solid stone options include:
Popular Engagement Ring Designs For The Bride To Be
Now that we are done discussing all the basics of engagement rings, letβs look at some popular female engagement ring designs for you to take inspiration.
Diamond Solitaires
It is the classic design where the stone is kept in the spotlight by setting it on a simple band. This never goes out of style, and no matter what diamond cut you pick, this design will complement it.
Pave Setting Bands
Just add extra bling to the solitaireβs band, and you get the pave setting. A lot of people go for paved settings when they are picking a colorful center stone. But it also looks equally gorgeous if all gems are of the same hue.
Three Stone Settings
Why settle for only one center stone when you can do three? The three-stone setting or the Bostonian setting symbolizes yesterday, today, and tomorrow of your relationship, so if you are looking for something meaningful and bougie, go for this.
Halo Rings
If your budget isnβt big enough to get her a chunky diamond, you can always make up with a halo setting. In this style, the center gem is encircled by pave diamonds, giving the illusion of having a bigger diamond.
Bezel Setting
If your partner seeks practicality and comfort, then a bezel setting will be the best choice. It is the most secure setting, so they donβt need to worry about scratching or chipping the diamond (yes, diamonds do chip!)
Whenever you buy an engagement ring, make sure it is from a trusted place that can show you a certificate of authentication. Especially if it is online, you need to be more careful. My top pick for engagement ring shopping will be Anothers Legacy, so do give it a look.
Popular Engagement Ring Designs For The Groom To Be
Surprisingly, contrary to what most will think, thereβs a lot more room for experimenting with style for male engagement rings.
From the choice of metals to accent gems, choices are endless, and you can curate some of the most unique pieces based on your partnerβs taste in fashion.
Here are our top picks for men's engagement ring designs.
Classic gold/platinum bands
If your partner has a very simple taste, you can never go wrong with a solid gold or platinum ring. Although it doesnβt have to be plain, you can add patterns and engravings to make it fancy but still maintain the monochromatic look.
You can also look for bands that have slight stone accents to add that little bling which is suitable for your special day.
Modern mix metal rings
If your fiance isnβt a big fan of traditional gold and platinum and their taste is a little more edgy and modern, you can pick a mix of metal bands that are made of materials like black titanium, black diamonds, onyx, and slate.
Or, if you still want to stick to traditional metals, you can go for accents of contrasting metals.
Vintage or maximalist styles
But in case your partner is a fashion enthusiast and loves vintage fashion, you can go all out and pick a maximalist design with all the bling and sparkle.
Finally
Remember that as much as the gift matters to them, it will equally be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So remember to enjoy the process to the fullest.