The decision to get married is a major step in your relationship, and choosing the correct engagement ring is an important element of the process. An engagement ring is a visible, permanent symbol of your bond with your partner. That means picking it can be a nerve-wracking process. If you are looking for engagement rings in London, here are some things to bear in mind.
1. Style
Remember that this ring is not about what you like, but about what your partner would want. This means you need to do some research. If you are lucky, they will tell you what sort of engagement ring they expect, but you could also take a look at their jewellery box to gain a general impression as to their preferred style.
2. Size
If you are uncertain about what size ring your partner will need, don’t worry. An experienced jeweller should be able to help you make a reasonably accurate estimate, but even if you get it wrong, it is possible to have it resized later. If in doubt it is generally better to go for too large than too small.
3. Metal
Yellow gold is the most iconic and traditional choice for engagement and wedding bands, and for good reason. It is shiny and easy to polish. Platinum is more durable, but also more prone to going dull. White gold rings are particularly popular at the moment, so it also depends whether you want to go on-trend or try for something different.
4. Diamond
There are four factors that affect the appearance and price of a stone. These are the four C’s, or Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat. With a proper setting, a lower carat will not be so obvious, and colour is a matter of personal preference, but you do need the best cut possible. Of course, if you want something really different, you could choose a stone other than a diamond.
5. Setting
There are a huge range of potential settings available. Which one is most appropriate will depend partly on the stone and partly on your partner’s tastes. Talk to your jeweller and test the waters with your partner before making a final decision.
6. Choosing engagement rings in London
You may be tempted to just buy the largest, most expensive diamond you can find, but that may not be the best idea. You could end up spending a lot of money on something generic. It is better to take your time, to consult with experts and to ensure that not just the stone but the setting are designed with care and attention to detail.
If you follow these suggestions, the process of choosing a ring should become much less stressful. You and your partner can continue to plan for your lives together, content in the knowledge that you have the perfect statement of your engagement.