7 tips to buy the perfect engagement ring

22 July 2014 | Esther Ligthart | Trends & Inspiration

Engagement rings are a big deal in many countries all over the globe. There may be many differences in how to give them and of course, in style too. There is something about this type of ring that makes us gasp always a little. And of course: it’s the Ring of rings.

Solitaire ring by the Italian company: Bibigi

Symbolism is what solitair rings are all about

The most symbolic one next to a wedding band. Solitaire rings might be given traditionally for weddings but often they are given also at anniversaries or when a couple has a child for example. For me, there are no rules. Like marriage itself, it is a couple that decides what a ring means to them.

The celeb couple we maybe talk way too much about....but what a beautiful ring

Gasp and glance

But it is funny to witness that even those women who aren’t into (traditional) jewelry so much also get that glance in their eyes when confronted with an engagement ring! The sealing of an eternal promise on their finger.

Very simple but yet very elegant: engagement ring by Blue Nile

Eternal love

It’s the simple beauty of a stone and often a modest design, combined with the dream of many women about the day they receive it….and the promise of eternal love.

Buccellati has its very own style. I love this ring

Get the best possible for your budget

If you go shopping for an engagement ring you will need to get real. There is absolutely no need to get yourself into financial problems for a ring. But there is so much out there and I am sure that you will be able to find something beautiful whatever your budget is. Here are a few guidelines to help you pick the best one!

Less traditional style by Bulgari, the Bzero line is very popular and this is the solitair version of this collection.

7 tips to buy the perfect engagement ring:

Browse for different styles first in magazines, blogs, and on the internet and try to get an idea of which style you and your fiancée love.
Decide if you go for the big brand names like Tiffany or Chopard or if that is not important to you at all . Big brands are significantly more expensive. (But if it should ever be sold, the ring definitely has added value because of that name)
Decide if you go for size or purity*.
Read a little more about diamonds. The various cuts and what is important, what determines the price of a diamond.
Try to get the size right. Bring a ring, that she wears on the hand she will wear the ring on and take it with you to the stores. Although I am sure that many stores will take great pride in their quality of goldsmiths, it is better to not alter the size a solitaire ring too much.
Once you have bought it and she wears it, have it checked now and then. Just to see if the setting is still ok.
Although diamonds are still favorite, do check out the fancy diamonds and other gemstones too!

* Some people prefer a big stone. Even if that means that you’ll have to accept that the purity and clarity are less. Others prefer the purest and best color they can get and care a little less about the size. It is just a matter of opinion and taste.

Harry Winston engagement ring

Tip 8 is maybe the most important tip :-)

Maybe my biggest tip is to really think about the occasion itself. How and what it really means to you, promising her (or him of course) to love her or him and stand next to them in life. In the good times and the not so good times....Make something beautiful of your proposal so you create a memory for both of you for the rest of your life!