At Lords, we understand that buying an engagement ring is one of the most significant purchases you’ll ever make. It’s a symbol of your love and commitment, and choosing the perfect ring can feel like a daunting task. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the process of engagement ring shopping. We’ll explore five essential options to consider when buying an engagement ring, ensuring you find the dream piece that will make your partner’s heart skip a beat.
1. Selecting the Perfect Centre Stone
When it comes to engagement rings, the centre stone is often the star of the show. Traditionally, diamonds have been the go-to choice for many couples, but there are now more options than ever to consider.
Diamonds: The Classic Choice
Diamonds remain a popular option for engagement rings, and for good reason. Their durability (scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale) makes them ideal for everyday wear. When choosing a diamond, we recommend considering the “Four Cs”: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. These factors, as defined by the Gemological Institute of America, help determine a diamond’s quality and value.
At Lords, we offer both mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular due to their ethical sourcing and lower cost. They have the same physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds, making them an excellent alternative for the environmentally conscious couple.
Colourful Gemstones: A Unique Alternative
For those looking to break from tradition, colourful gemstones can make for a stunning and unique engagement ring. Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are popular choices due to their durability and vibrant hues.
These gemstones can add a personal touch to your ring, perhaps reflecting your partner’s favourite colour or birthstone.
When selecting a gemstone, it’s essential to consider its hardness on the Mohs scale. Some stones, like opals, are softer and may not be suitable for everyday wear. We can guide you through the pros and cons of different gemstones to ensure you choose a stone that will stand the test of time.
2. Choosing the Right Metal for Your Ring
The metal you choose for your engagement ring can significantly impact its overall look and durability. At Lords, we offer a range of precious metals to suit every style and budget.
Yellow Gold: A Timeless Classic
Yellow gold has been a favourite for engagement rings for centuries. Its warm, rich colour complements a wide range of skin tones and pairs beautifully with both diamonds and colourful gemstones. Gold is measured in karats, with 24 karats being pure gold. We typically recommend 18-karat or 14-karat gold for engagement rings, which offers a good balance of colour and durability.
White Gold: A Modern Twist on Tradition
White gold has gained popularity in recent years, offering a sleek and contemporary look. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer the appearance of platinum but are working with a smaller budget. White gold is actually yellow gold alloyed with white metals and plated with rhodium to achieve its bright white colour.
Rose Gold: Romantic and Unique
Rose gold has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to its romantic pink hue. This metal is created by alloying gold with copper, resulting in a warm, blush tone that looks beautiful on a variety of skin tones. Rose gold can give your engagement ring a vintage feel or a modern twist, depending on the design.
Buy here for £1,045.00 – £3,995.00
Platinum: The Ultimate in Luxury
For those seeking the ultimate in durability and luxury, platinum is an excellent choice. This naturally white metal is rarer than gold and is known for its strength and resistance to wear. While it’s generally more expensive than gold, platinum’s durability makes it a smart long-term investment for your engagement ring.
3. Exploring Different Ring Settings
The ring setting not only holds your centre stone securely in place but also plays a crucial role in the overall design of your engagement ring. At lords, we offer a wide range of settings to suit every style preference.
Solitaire: Simple and Elegant
The solitaire setting is a classic choice that never goes out of style. This setting features a single centre stone, typically a diamond, held in place by prongs. The simplicity of this design allows the beauty of the stone to take centre stage.
Halo: Maximising Sparkle
A halo setting surrounds your centre stone with a circle of smaller diamonds or gemstones. This setting can make your centre stone appear larger and adds extra sparkle to your ring. Halo settings can be designed in various shapes, from classic round to more unique options like cushion cut or emerald cut.
Three-Stone: Symbolism and Style
Three-stone settings feature a centre stone flanked by two smaller stones. This setting is rich in symbolism, with the three stones often representing the past, present, and future of your relationship. The side stones can be diamonds or colourful gemstones, allowing for personalisation.
Pavé: Adding Extra Brilliance
Pavé settings feature small diamonds set closely together along the band of the ring. This creates a continuous sparkle that complements the centre stone beautifully. Pavé settings can be applied to just a portion of the band or can cover the entire ring for maximum brilliance.
4. Considering Custom Rings
While we offer a wide range of beautiful engagement rings at Lords, we understand that some couples are looking for something truly one-of-a-kind. That’s why we also offer custom ring design services. Creating a custom ring allows you to bring your unique vision to life, ensuring that your engagement ring is a perfect reflection of your love story.
When designing a custom ring, you have control over every aspect of the piece. From selecting the perfect centre stone to choosing the metal and designing a unique setting, the possibilities are endless.
Our experienced jewellers will work closely with you throughout the process, offering guidance and expertise to help you create your dream ring.
Custom rings can also be an excellent option if you’re looking to incorporate family heirlooms or sentimental gemstones into your engagement ring. We can work with you to reset stones from existing pieces or create a new design inspired by a cherished family ring.
5. Determining the Right Ring Size
Once you’ve selected the perfect engagement ring, it’s crucial to ensure it fits properly. Getting the right ring size can be tricky, especially if you’re planning a surprise proposal. Here are a few tips to help you determine your partner’s ring size:
– Borrow one of their existing rings and have it sized by a jeweller.
– Ask a friend or family member discreetly to help you find out their size.
– If all else fails, choose a slightly larger size. It’s easier to resize a ring smaller than to make it larger.
At Lords, we offer resizing services to ensure your ring fits perfectly. However, it’s worth noting that some ring designs, particularly those with intricate settings or eternity bands, can be difficult or impossible to resize. In these cases, we recommend being as accurate as possible with the initial sizing.
Additional Considerations When Buying an Engagement Ring
Budget
Generally speaking, the old rule of spending one to three month’s salary on an engagement ring is outdated. At Lords, we believe that the perfect engagement ring is one that you love and can comfortably afford. We offer a wide range of options to suit various budgets, and our team can help you find the best ring within your price range.
Diamond Reports
For diamond engagement rings, we provide diamond reports (also known as certificates) from reputable gemological laboratories.
These reports provide detailed information about the diamond’s characteristics, including its cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Understanding these reports can help you make an informed decision when selecting your diamond.
Jewelry Insurance
Once you’ve found the perfect engagement ring, it’s important to protect your investment. We recommend looking into jewellery insurance options. This can provide peace of mind, covering your ring in case of loss, theft, or damage.
The Wedding Band
While you’re shopping for an engagement ring, it’s worth considering the wedding band as well. Many couples choose to purchase their engagement ring and wedding bands as a set to ensure they complement each other perfectly. At Lords, we offer a range of wedding rings that pair beautifully with our engagement rings.
Find The Perfect Engagement Ring Today!
In conclusion, buying an engagement ring is a deeply personal process, and there are many factors to consider. Whether you opt for a classic diamond solitaire or a unique custom design, the most important thing is that the ring reflects your love and commitment.
At Lords, we’re here to guide you through every step of the journey, from selecting the perfect centre stone to choosing the right setting and ensuring the ideal fit.
Remember, the engagement ring you choose will be a symbol of your love for years to come. It’s not just about following trends or spending a certain amount; it’s about finding a ring that speaks to your relationship and will bring joy every time your partner looks at it.
We hope this guide has helped demystify the process of buying an engagement ring. If you have any questions or are ready to start your engagement ring shopping journey, we invite you to visit us at Lords.
Our experienced team is ready to help you find or create the perfect engagement ring that will make your proposal unforgettable and serve as a beautiful reminder of your love for years to come.
FAQs
How much should I spend on an engagement ring?
There’s no set rule at lords. We recommend setting a budget you’re comfortable with rather than following outdated guidelines like spending one to three month’s salary. The ring’s value lies in its symbolism, not its price.
What’s the difference between mined and lab-grown diamonds?
Mined diamonds form naturally in the Earth’s crust, while lab-grown diamonds are created in laboratories. They have identical properties, but lab-grown diamonds are often more affordable and environmentally friendly. We offer both at lords.
How do I secretly figure out my partner’s ring size?
Try borrowing one of their rings for sizing, ask a friend or family member for help, or opt for a slightly larger size. At lords, we can offer a temporary setting for resizing after the proposal.
Can I customise an engagement ring?
Yes! At Lords, we offer custom ring design services. Work with our jewellers to create a unique piece that reflects your style and love story.
Should I consider the wedding band when buying an engagement ring?
While not necessary, it can be beneficial. Many couples choose wedding sets where the engagement ring and band complement each other. We can help you design or choose rings with this in mind.
What are the most popular diamond shapes for engagement rings?
The most popular diamond shapes are round, princess, cushion, and oval cuts. At Lords, we offer a wide range of diamond shapes to suit every style preference.
Is white gold or platinum better for an engagement ring?
Both are excellent choices. White gold is more affordable and requires occasional replating, while platinum is more durable and hypoallergenic. We can help you choose based on your budget and lifestyle.
How long does it take to create a custom engagement ring?
At Lords, custom ring creation typically takes 4-6 weeks. This allows time for design, stone selection, and crafting. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process.
What should I look for in a diamond certificate?
Look for certificates from reputable labs like GIA or AGS. Key factors include the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Our experts at Lords can help you understand these reports.
Are coloured gemstones suitable for engagement rings?
Absolutely! Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are increasingly popular choices. They offer unique colours and can be more affordable than diamonds. We can guide you on durability for everyday wear.