So you’ve found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, now all you need to find is the ring she’ll love forever and pluck up the courage to ask for her hand in marriage.
To help you make the right decision we’ve put together the perfect guide to help you find the ring she’ll love forever.
Decide on a budget
The rule is traditionally to spend between one and three months salary when browsing for an engagement ring. However we simply recommend that you spend within your means. We make it our duty to show you a range of options to find the best value ring for your budget. Ring prices start from around £700 to infinity! Luckily for men, the bride-to-be will often gift a substantial present, such as a watch, to their future husband to mark their engagement.
Know her style
Start to make a mental note of the style of jewellery she wears. Does she wear big statement pieces or is she quite understated? Does she have an outgoing personality who love showing off her ring? If this best describes your partner then perhaps consider a halo ring with diamonds around the centre stone and in the shoulders. Perhaps she doesn’t wear much jewellery, if so look for something classic yet beautiful.
Chances are she’ll have talked about her dream ring with her closest friends, so seek out the ones who can keep a secret and ask them! Has she dropped hints about the style she likes, the metal type or the shape of the diamond?
The next hurdle is her ring size. Does she wear any rings? Try to sneak one from her jewellery box, preferably one she doesn’t wear that often so she is less likely to notice that it’s missing. This will give a good indication of her finger size.
Choose a metal
There are three metals to choose from when considering your engagement ring purchase: platinum, white gold and yellow gold. Each metal has different advantages so it’s important to weigh up your options to pick the metal that’s best for you and your partner. Your initial consideration should be how the ring looks. Is your partner into the latest fashion trends? If so, the white metals may be more suitable. If she has a more traditional style she may prefer a classic yellow gold engagement ring. Your next consideration should be the strength and maintenance qualities of each metal. Platinum is the strongest metal at approximately two and a half times stronger than gold. Platinum is also naturally white so will not require re-plating like white gold. It will scratch, as all metals do, and requires polishing every now and again to maintain its shine. Gold is softer than platinum so will scratch easier and will wear down quicker over time. White gold is not naturally white and will require regular re-plating to maintain its white finish. Although platinum is a superior metal to gold it does cost more so its important to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages to select the right metal for you.
Get Educated
So you now know those bright sparkly diamonds that your partner keeps subtly pointing out in magazines and shop windows. Well that sparkle is known as a diamond’s ‘fire’ and is determined by a number of factors. Terms such as cut, polish, colour, symmetry, clarity and carat are all terms that may not be in your vocabulary before you start out on your search but should be by the end of your search! Purchasing a diamond can often seem like a daunting task but by asking questions and gaining a bit of knowledge you can be certain your investing in a diamond ring that your fiancé will be eager to show off to all of her friends!
The John MacIntyre & Son Difference
At John Macintyre & Son our diamond experts are trained to listen to your needs then educate you, from understanding the basic ‘4 Cs’ to choosing the right certificate and understanding diamond terms such as polish, cut and symmetry. Investing in a diamond is one of the most significant purchases you’ll make. Now more than ever there are so many options when it comes to buying a diamond we understand this decision can be even more difficult. An educated jeweller will not only explain the basic principles of diamond quality to you, but be able to explain differences between apparently similar stones. We encourage you to consider a range of different ring mount and stone options that fall within your budget with the aim of finding the right diamond and the right ring that will make her say “I Do!”.
Plan Ahead
Many rings are pre-made and can be purchased and taken away on the same day. However if you choose to have something bespoke made, or if you choose to select your own certificated diamond this process can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 8 weeks depending on the style of ring you choose. If you have an idea of when you would like to propose make sure you plan enough time to fit the perfect ring.
Are you insured?
An engagement ring purchase is a significant investment both financially and emotionally so it’s important to consider how you can protect your investment should the worst happen. Its worth considering itemizing your ring on your home contents insurance however this may affect your premiums and may not cover you for accidental damage, theft or loss outside of your home. TH March offer specific jewellery insurance policies that covers accidental damage, loss or theft. TH March will repair or replace your item within 48 hours with minimum fuss. Simply contact us to make a claim.
The Proposal
So you’ve got the girl, you’ve got the ring, now all you need is the way! Check out our top 5 proposal ideas that will leave her speechless! Well almost speechless, she’s got to get a least one word out.
The Traditional Romantic – Take your partner for a romantic meal for two, look into her eyes as you ask her to spend the rest of her life with you and her heart will melt! Put some thought into the restaurant, choose a place that is special to her or has a history, perhaps where you had your first date or where you first met. You don’t need to choose an expensive up-market restaurant, she will appreciate the thought you have put into it rather than the price tag. Now all you need to do is ASK!
The Shy Guy – If you don’t want to come right out and ask your partner to marry you, try being a little more creative. Write her a love note and end with your proposal. Slip this note into her book or a place where she will stumble across it. When you know she is going to find it make sure you’re near her with the ring in your pocket ready to drop down on one knee as she reads it!
The Showman – Most first dates start with a film and popcorn at the local cinema, wondering if you’ll get to kiss before the film finishes. Take it right back to where your relationship started and make arrangements with your local cinema to make it a grand affair! Be creative, film your proposal and play it on the big screen whilst you’re waiting for your movie to start. Get everyone in the audience in on the secret and make her feel like the centre of attention. Drop down on one knee and show everyone how in love you are!
Role Reversal – Why wait for a leap year? If your guy is a little slow on the uptake take matters into your own hands! Cook your way into his heart and prepare his favourite meal one evening. Once you’re cuddling on the sofa with a glass of wine simply ask him to marry you.
