Engagement! A major milestone in any relationship. It is not just a promise to love and be with your partner forever. But it is also an opportunity to show them how much they mean to you. And to make that moment memorable for both of you, your partner deserves to have the shining reminder of how much you love them, it not only firms the bond but also makes the wedding an eye-catcher for everyone. Hence, to make the event even more special, you will want to get them the perfect engagement ring.
But how you can afford the right engagement ring for your partner? After all, the perfect engagement ring should be both a reflection of your partner’s style and meaningful to them. It should be a reminder to them of your love at all times good and happy, whether you’re together or away. It is a memento that keeps healthy marriages going on even after one departs from life.
Choosing engagement rings is not as hard as it may seem at first thought. With proper steps and the right research, you can find the perfect one that your partner will adore.
Importance of Engagement Ring
An engagement ring also referred to as a promise ring or a betrothal ring is a symbol of commitment and love. And a betrothal means that you are of that person and have responsibility and selflessness towards them. The engagement ring in modern society also becomes a sign of commitment and shows the world that you have a person that cares for you. This is why many engagement rings are family heirloom rings that are passed on as signet rings. Showing how both of your families are together and you’ll have good faith in each other in all aspects of life. It serves to commemorate the special event of exchanging wedding vows or announcing your intention to marry. It is also a sign of your enduring love, loyalty, and affection for your partner.
The engagement ring is primarily worn on the ring finger of the left hand. This is because the ancient believed that this finger contains the vein of love, which directly connects to the heart which is unfortunately not true. But we continue to wear it on the fourth finger as a tradition but you can wear your ring on any other finger as well, there are no restrictions. Also, in most western countries, engagement rings are only worn by women. However, in some countries, such as in Asia and other regions, both men and women wear engagement rings.
History of Engagement Ring
The history of engagement rings can be traced back to ancient Roman times. But, some historians believe that the ancient Egyptians were the first to use them as a symbol of eternal love. For them the ring represented a circle that has no beginning or end, meaning that the souls being put together in marriage have always been together since time eternal. Doesn’t that make it infinitely romantic? So, when Alexander the Great conquered the Egyptian pharaohs he was intrigued by the ritual and adopted it to Greek weddings.
In those days it was, in the beginning, a representation of the wife belonging to the husband along with the dowry. Which then later was changed when the Roman conquest of Greece had them adopt the same ring ritual as a romantic memento for lovers in marriage. The rings are given then, which were mostly worn by the woman, were made of copper and iron. The common metals got replaced with the rare metal gold in the 4th Century. The ritualistic design of the ring was the key ring inscribed with Greek letters as Poulchrīs, meaning ‘beauty’s ring’, and implies that the husband sees his woman as the most beautiful one. Rings with gems were not seen throughout history for a long time but historians have documented the first use of an engagement diamond ring to be in 1477.
It was when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented a sparkler to Mary of Burgundy during their betrothal ceremony at Vienna’s imperial court. This, in turn, prompted the upper echelons of society and those with considerable wealth to present diamond rings as tokens of affection. The tradition has since been passed down the years, and engagement rings have become an integral part of any marriage proposal.
Types of Engagement Rings
When it comes to choosing the right type of engagement ring for your partner, there are a wide variety of options available. It is essential to understand the various types of rings and their characteristics, so you can pick the one that best suits your partner’s style.
Classic Rings
These are the traditional solitaire and three-stone rings, which feature a single diamond or multiple diamonds in different settings. They offer timeless beauty and elegance. These rings are for the sweet innocent person in your partner that likes to keep the relationship a class apart. Just like the diamonds in the ring which stand out of the ring. You can choose from a variety of metals, such as gold, platinum, and white gold.
Vintage Rings
These rings feature unique designs from a certain era in history. They can be ornate and intricate, making them perfect for those who appreciate antique styles. They offer timeless elegance and have a way of appeasing a partner who is a bit old school in their love language. The designs available on these rings are enough to cheer up a Victorian or Georgian-era enthusiast who likes old relic store goods. These rings come in a variety of metals, such as gold, platinum, white gold, and rose gold.
Modern Rings
Modern rings feature contemporary designs with a modern twist. They can be edgier and more daring, making them perfect for the fashion-forward partner. The rings can get pretty unique and you can choose to get a ring with a design that you think represents your feeling for your partner in the best way. Some of them are made intricately into palms joined together or the crystals on a ring making them appear like a small bird or butterfly. They can even be molded with excellence into a complex animal shaped like a hummingbird or an owl, depending on whether your partner likes the day or the night! This is a safe bet if you are unsure about your partner’s style.
Now that we’ve discussed the various types of engagement rings, it’s time to focus on finding the one that perfectly suits your partner. Here are some tips that can help you pick the perfect ring.
How To Choose the Right Style For Engagement Ring
We understand that choosing the right engagement ring style for your partner can be an overwhelming task. To make it easier, here are some useful tips that you can follow:
Get To Know Their Style
One of the most important factors when choosing engagement rings is understanding your partner’s style. Do they prefer minimal jewelry? Or do they like more ornate pieces? Do they often wear silver or gold or love rose gold jewelry instead? Answering such questions will help narrow down the type of engagement ring to choose for your partner.
To find out more about their preferred ring style, go through your partner’s jewelry collection. You can even ask for their opinion on rings or other jewelry they have seen in online and offline jewelry stores. If you don’t want to be direct with them about the ring, you can also discreetly ask their friends and family to give you insight into what type of rings they would appreciate. This will give you a better idea of the type of engagement ring your partner would love.
Choose an Ethical Source
Diamonds are rare artifacts of nature. They are carbon, a waste product of creation, which is hammered and polished by nature itself to create a stone that shines like a star when treated. This is why the diamond business of the world is more than half full of unethical people who extort the poor and thrive on slavery. When choosing engagement rings, it’s important to ensure you are getting them from a reputable and ethical source. You want to make sure that the diamonds you purchase for the engagement ring come from a responsible source with no human rights or environmental violations.
Engagement rings with lab created diamonds are the best option if you want to ensure that your ring purchase is ethical and sustainable. Lab created diamonds, as the name suggests, are produced in a laboratory. As a result, there is no mining or damage to the environment with lab created diamonds. Also, there is no human exploitation involved in the creation of such diamonds. This ensures that your ring is beautiful as well as sourced ethically.
Try Experimenting with Unique Styles
When experimenting with gemstones and colored metals, you get a large palette to determine your partner’s perfect choice. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with unique styles and designs. Think outside the box and go for a unique ring, one that stands out from the rest. You can also add personal touches like engravings or birthstones to make it truly special.
The only thing to be cautious about is to make sure that the style and design are still something your partner will love for a long time. If you’ve been fortunate to know your partner for a very long time, you must be knowing their likes, dislikes, and mindful interests. Watch what they look for and always see the kind of jewelry that they appreciate when they shop or when you gift them something. This way, you can ensure that your engagement ring is special, meaningful, and timeless.
Some ideas to consider are vintage-inspired rings, rose gold bands with diamonds, geometric shapes like hexagons or squares, and ornate designs. You can also mix and match various stones, metals, and designs for an extra special touch.
Research Popular Diamond Cuts
Engagement rings come in various diamond cuts. The most popular cuts are round, princess, cushion, emerald, and oval cut. Each shape has its unique characteristics and reflects light differently. Thus, it’s best to research the different shapes and determine which fits your partner’s style.
For example, the round cut is the most popular, timeless shape. It has a classic design and brilliance. The princess cut has sharp edges that sparkle. Finally, the cushion cut is best suited for those who appreciate vintage-style engagement rings.
Set Your Budget
Engagement rings can range from affordable to extremely expensive. So, it’s essential to set a budget and stick to it as much as possible. Knowing how much you can spend will narrow your search and help you focus on the type of ring that fits your budget. It is also important to consider factors such as metal type and carat size when setting your budget.
Again, Lab created diamond rings are a great option for anyone looking for a more affordable and trendy engagement ring. These diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically similar to mined natural diamonds. But, they cost much less compared to them. They are priced at about 50% less than mined diamonds without any compromise on quality.
Moreover, researching ahead of time can help you find the best deals. So, you don’t have to break the bank to get a beautiful ring.
Consider How It Will Complement the Wedding Band
When shopping for an engagement ring, it’s also important to consider how it will look with the wedding band. The two rings should complement each other. They should create a balanced look when worn together. The wedding band is something you wear every day at home or work, but when the two of you are going to socialize in a public place, the wedding ring shall look like it was meant to be on that finger.
Remember, the engagement ring and the wedding band are, in a sense, two halves of the same story. You want them to come together in a way that is meaningful and beautiful, one that symbolizes your love and commitment to each other.
So make sure to consider the style of your partner’s wedding band as well when selecting an engagement ring. If you’ve been in a relationship for a substantial time, you might be proposing with a surprise, so the wedding band might not be pre-planned. So once you’ve got the right ring for the proposal, both of you can design the wedding bands accordingly. This will ensure that the two rings look perfect together. They will make an unforgettable statement of love.
Remember the 4 Cs
The 4Cs are the cornerstone of engagement ring shopping. They represent the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Cut refers to the shape of the diamond or other stones used in the engagement ring. The different cuts affect the way a stone reflects light, which in turn determines its brilliance and sparkle.
Color is the hue that a diamond or stone has. The color can range from colorless to yellow or brown. Clarity is a measure of the quality of the stone, where inclusions can affect how clear and bright it is. And finally, carat weight is a measure of the size of the stone or stones used in an engagement ring.
By considering these 4 Cs carefully, you can ensure that your engagement ring is of the highest quality. It will also ensure you get the best value for your money. So take the time to do your research and understand each of these factors before making a decision.
Think About the Metal
Another factor to consider is the metal. Popular metal options for engagement rings are yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum. Each has its own unique look and feel that can be tailored to fit your partner’s style.
Yellow gold is a classic and timeless choice. White gold, on the other hand, has risen in popularity in recent years. This is due to its contemporary and sophisticated look. Rose gold is perfect for those who prefer a modern look. Finally, platinum is ideal for a luxurious feel.
Based on your partner’s preference and sense of style, you can choose the metal that will make your engagement ring extra special.
Don’t Follow Trends Blindly
As with any piece of jewelry, it’s important to remember that trends come and go. For instance, a while back, halo engagement rings with diamond clusters were all the rage. Now, solitaire and three-stone designs are taking center stage. Tomorrow, some other trend might become the rage. And then afterward, something else. Remember you only want to give a ring to your partner but make a memento of a successful relationship that will be appreciated and drooled upon for a long time.
Your goal should be to select an engagement ring your partner will love and appreciate, no matter the trend going on. After all, what matters most is that it symbolizes the special bond you share. So don’t get too caught up in the trends, but rather focus on what will make your partner happy.
Get the Right Engagement Ring Size
Finally, you’ll have to make sure your partner’s ring is the right size. The best way to do this is to sneak a look at their existing rings or ask one of their friends for help. You can also go to a jeweler and get your partner’s finger professionally sized if you want to make sure you get a perfect size.
If you can’t get the right size at the first instance, you can always resize it later. This will ensure that your partner’s engagement ring fits perfectly and is comfortable to wear. In most cases, you will have to pay extra for resizing. So make sure to get the right size the first time around.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Buying An Engaging Ring
When it comes to buying an engagement ring, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid.
Compromising on the Quality
Most people opt for a lower-quality natural diamond ring to save money. While it can be justified to a certain extent, it’s important not to compromise on the quality of the ring to a huge extent. A very low-quality ring won’t last. Moreover, it will not have any significant meaning or value attached to it. In short, it will cost you more in the long run instead of saving money.
Choosing the Wrong Metal
It’s important to remember that the metal of the band is as important as the stone. The metal should be chosen based on your partner’s preferences, skin tone, and lifestyle. For instance, if your partner has sensitive skin, then you should opt for a gold or platinum band. However, if your partner is an active person, then a titanium or steel band would be better suited.
Not Shopping Around
It’s essential to shop around for the best deal when it comes to buying an engagement ring. There are some great online and offline retailers that offer excellent deals on quality rings. Take your time to compare the prices and features of different stores and choose the one that you think offers the best deal.
Not Considering Your Partner’s Preferences
It is essential to consider your partner’s preferences before you pick a ring. Take the time to understand their likes and dislikes and make sure that you are buying something they will love. Remember, an engagement ring is a symbol of your love and commitment, so it should reflect the tastes of your partner.
Not Buying the Right Size
Lastly, don’t forget to get the ring sized correctly so it fits perfectly and looks stunning. While you can resize the ring at a later date, it’s best to get it right the first time. This will save you time and money and prevent any unnecessary hassle.
By following these tips, you can make sure that your partner will love the engagement ring you choose for them.
Conclusion
We hope you have a better idea of picking the right engagement ring for your partner now. Engagement ring shopping isn’t easy. When armed with ample research and proper preparation, you will be able to select a ring that your partner is sure to treasure for years to come – one that radiates their uniqueness and celebrates your love.
Considering the various factors mentioned above can help you find the perfect ring for your partner. So, take some time to do your research. Ensure that your engagement ring shopping experience is a pleasant one. After all, it’s an important milestone in your life! Best of luck!