So, you’ve decided to propose. Now, you must decide on an engagement ring. This can be a daunting task, especially since most men are not in the habit of shopping for or buying jewellery. Of course, you want that special moment when you propose to be as perfect as possible. So, you must learn the basic steps for selecting the right diamond engagement ring. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through it.
Reconnaissance
If your intended is going to be shopping for the ring with you, then this step will not be necessary. But if you want to surprise her with a ring, you’ll need to scope out the jewellery that she already owns. You want to get a feel for her style so you’ll know what you are looking for it when it is time to go to the jeweller.
There are a few important characteristics that you’ll be trying to spot in her jewellery collections. Does she prefer gold or platinum? If it’s gold, does she prefer white gold, yellow gold, or two-tone? Having an idea which metals she prefers to wear will be a big step in ensuring that ring you pick out will match her style and be something that she will love to wear.
Next, you’ll want to pay attention to what shape of stone she prefers. Do not confuse this with the cut, which refers to the angle of facets in the stone. Does she wear oval stones, squared stones, round stones? If her existing rings have a clear preference, then you have another clue as what she would want in an engagement ring.
The final thing you’ll want to pay attention to is the setting that she prefers in her jewellery. Do more of her rings have a bezel setting or more classic four-pronged setting? Is there a pattern to the way the shapes of stones in her rings matches with the setting? Get as much of a feel for the way her existing rings look as you can. Even if you don’t know what you are looking at, or how to articulate it, you may be able to spot it when you see it in the jeweller’s display.
Seek Advice
Of course, if you can trust her best friends or family members not to let on that you plan on proposing, the best thing would be to ask for their advice. She has likely discussed her dream ring with one or more of the women in her life and they would be an invaluable help in finding something that she likes. As long as they are trustworthy then letting them in on your secret might be less likely to tip-off your soon-to-be betrothed than you trying to be James Bond and spy on her jewellery habits is.
If possible, have them actually go with you to shop for the ring. This way they’ll be available to see what your options are and provide you on the spot advice, as well as ask any questions that you may have of them. More importantly, they may be able to answer questions that the jeweller has that leave you scratching your head.
Going Shopping
When it is time to finally go out and shop for the ring, make sure that you try a variety of different jewellery shops and diamond retailers in the Melbourne area to get a good overview of everything that is available. But don’t just go to any and every jewellery store. You want to look at reviews for the stores and engagement ring retailers in Melbourne to make sure that you only go to the shops that have a good reputation.
When at the jeweller, be sure to examine the stones with a loupe. A loupe is that little magnifying glass that jewellers have. If you don’t know what you are looking for, do not panic. Any good diamond ring retailer or jeweller in Melbourne will be more than happy to tell you what you are looking at and what you should be looking for. Use the jeweller’s advice to pick the best stone out of the selection, this usually involves considering the 4 C’s.
How Much to Spend?
At one time, the rule of thumb for buying an engagement ring was one month’s salary. That rule has now increased to as much as three month’s salary. You shouldn’t allow this rule to be a limiting factor, however. You want to buy the best ring you can without breaking the bank. You know your own finances far better than any arbitrary rules on what to spend can account for. The most important thing is buying her a ring that you are sure will fit her style. The tips presented here will help you do just that.
If you want more information regarding your dream diamond engagement ring, arrange a consultation here.
