We love for our wedding couples to start off their adventure as a married couple in the best possible way, that is why choosing and agreeing on the right engagement ring or wedding ring is essential, and who would be better to give advice on this topic than a jeweller themselves…. Thanks to Orla James Jewellery for writing this useful blog post about everything concerning the engagement rings or the wedding rings.
Congratulations on your decision to get married! Once you’ve decided on getting married, you should start weighing your options for engagement rings. Some couples like the idea of shopping together for engagement rings. And while this might take the surprise element out of the proposal, it is prudent to get precisely what you want. Engagement rings and wedding rings are essential pieces of jewellery that will be worn daily for the rest of your lives, so it’s crucial that you are comfortable with the design and fit of engagement and wedding rings.
For some, choosing these all-important rings can be extremely pressurising and the emotional rollercoaster of this selection process can take a toll on any healthy relationship. Despite the joy of proposing, an unwanted engagement ring can cause some emotional upheaval. If this sounds like you and your partner, then we can help you decide how to select engagement rings together and which designs are the most popular ones. Choosing a ring together can help cement your relationship and maintain the peace and sanctity of your relationship.
Without further ado, let’s get into the selection process!
Budget:
Decide on a budget for the wedding and the budget for the rings. Couples that decide on budgets earlier can get the best value for money. Having your budget set when you go ring shopping also helps you explore all possible options within your budget. Cost of rings plays a vital role in the selection process. While there is no set rule about how much to spend on an engagement ring, you should select one that doesn’t burn a hole through your pocket. The same applies to wedding rings. Picking male and female rings at the same price point will help keep your relationship on equal footing.
Choose ring styles together:
Selecting a ring style can be the most tedious thing ever! Both of you should choose several ring styles together to make life easier. Think about your daily life and what your needs are. If you or your significant other go to the gym regularly or lift weights and heavy objects, you might opt for rings that do not hamper movement. Make a selection of classic, modern, nature-inspired, floral, or heavy-set ring styles that are in sync with your daily lives. Save options from various jewellers and Pinterest boards and go through these ring styles in detail. Once you’re happy with your final selection, narrow down on a jeweller like Orla James that makes the design custom-made, or select one that is closest to your original choice.
Ring settings:
There are many options available in engagement ring settings for women like the 4-claw Round Diamond Engagement Ring and the Slight Twist Round Cut Diamond Ring. Men also have several options for ring setting and styles like the Flat Court Wedding Ring with Beaded Centre and the Flat Court Two Colour 18ct Gold Ring with Grooves. If you or your partner like stones, then opt for something with diamonds or coloured stones.
Select the right metal:
The look and feel of wedding and engagement rings are significantly impacted by choice of metal. The most popular choice in wedding and engagement ring metals currently is platinum. It is highly durable and pure with hypoallergenic qualities that make it an ideal metal choice for people with sensitive skin. The next best is gold – rose gold, yellow gold, white gold, pink gold, and green gold. Apart from platinum and gold, you could also select palladium (slightly greyer than platinum and white gold), or even a ring made with recycled metals.
Select the stone shape and setting:
If you and your partner like the idea of having stones in your rings, then opt for diamonds, rubies, emeralds, tourmalines, opals, and sapphires. Favourite shapes include Radiant, Oval, Cushion, Round, Heart, Asscher, Princess, Marquise, and Pear. Stone shapes vary significantly according to the stone chosen. Once selected, ensure the setting is in the design you have chosen. You could choose embedded stones, bezel setting, pave settings, channel settings, or ones with claws. Classic engagement ring shape and configuration are round cut claw set diamonds in flat or round metals.
Get insurance for the rings:
Ring insurance is another essential aspect of your selection process. The rings are a significant financial and emotional investment. It is always a good idea to get them insured in case of loss, theft, or damage. Couples that protect their rings together can get insurance at lower rates. Opt for a replacement insurance policy that has a long-term benefit for you and your partner.
Author: Katie Jones