How to choose the perfect Engagement Ring
You’ve decided she’s THE one? Congratulations! Let the planning begin! There’s much to organise in order to pull off a memorable proposal.
Top of your list will hopefully be the task of finding the perfect engagement ring. It’s just one of the ways you’ll want to show her how much you love her, and hopefully it will increase your chances that she’ll say ‘Yes’. But, if you’re a little overwhelmed and not sure where to start, that’s perfectly understandable. We’re here to help.
For 40 years, Pontifex Jewellers has been successful in helping to create magical moments for lovers, just like the special moment you are preparing for, by helping them find that perfect ring. It’s our passion, and our many years of expertise can help make your special moment everything you hope it to be.
So, without further ado, here are some of the main things you need to consider before making your final purchase.
Cost. It’s an important consideration. Of course, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. The ring you choose will depend on your personal circumstances. There is no correlation whatsoever between the amount you spend and how much you love the person.
But generally speaking, the consensus is to spend around two times your monthly salary. Often this purchase will include the wedding ring, as well as the engagement ring, as most people like to ensure that the two together will match, and it makes sense to purchase them at the same time.
Indeed, diamonds are a popular choice when it comes to selecting an engagement ring.
Each diamond’s value is based on the combination of three aspects: the size (or weight) of the stone, its clarity (purity) and the cut. With all these factors affecting the final cost, you may find that a compromise is often needed. Perhaps you are keen on a large stone? If it’s the most important thing, you may not worry too much about the clarity or cut. If a particular cut is desired, then you may be on the hunt for a smaller stone.
Whichever diamond you settle on, it will come with a certificate of authenticity and advice on how to ensure your precious stone retains its value.
Engagement Rings with personal significance
While diamonds possess a certain je ne sais quoi, you needn’t feel confined to the category when selecting your engagement ring. Oftentimes, newly weds will choose traditional wedding rings, so an engagement ring is an opportunity for future brides to flaunt their tastes and preferences for gemstones that may hold more personal meaning.
One such preference may lie in choosing the bride-to-be’s birthstone. There are numerous precious gems that are associated with the months on the calendar, so choosing one to match your future bride’s birth month is often a personal touch.
But since all gemstones come with their own unique symbology (whether they are a birthstone or not), a bride may have a favoured stone that defines her identity or personality, and for this reason it may be the stone you will seek to feature in her engagement ring.
Of course, there’s no one set rule to follow. Another option for engagement rings is to have a combination of diamonds and other precious gemstones. The result is an impressive line up of jewels for a unique, one-of-a-kind engagement ring. For a standout piece, consider some of the more popular combinations with diamonds, including sapphire, morganite, aquamarine, topaz and amethyst.
No matter how much of a rush and thrill choosing an engagement ring involves, it’s still important to keep in mind the kind of wedding band style she wants. If you are opting for an eternity ring, you’ll find it will complement any type of engagement ring regardless of the gemstone.
However, if you have a particular wedding band shape in mind, or a band that includes other gemstones, you may have to settle for a different engagement ring. We highly recommend that you keep this in mind as you shop around.
Size is probably one of the aspects that causes the most stress when selecting an engagement ring. There’s nothing so deflating as producing the ring and popping the question, only to find the ring doesn’t fit in the end. To help avoid this awkward situation, our printable ring size guide is readily accessible, helping you choose the correct size the first time around.
Wedding rings are traditionally worn on the ring finger of the left hand, so if you are able, match a ring that your future bride already wears on that finger to determine the size you will need in your engagement ring purchase.
This is entirely a matter of personal choice. Many heterosexual and same-sex couples today often choose to both wear engagement rings as a sign of their shared love and joint commitment.
And, with so many ring styles on offer today, many men find it quite easy to choose a style that suits their taste, as well as complement the ring chosen by their significant other.
How to care for your Engagement Ring
To get the best out of your engagement ring, it is recommended that suitable cleaning agents only be used to ensure the integrity of the metals and the precious stones.
We stock a range of cleaning kits that are specifically designed for jewellery. They are easy to use, and offer superior cleaning and protection of your prized piece. Our Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik is a brush care kit that will help keep your diamond dazzling at its best. We also stock cleaning foams and liquids to help make a thorough clean an easy undertaking.
Of course, if you are unsure about how best to polish or handle an engagement ring during cleaning, we offer professional cleaning in-store and would be only too happy to help you with this essential service.
To ensure your ring stays in the best possible condition, it is always recommended that rings be removed before doing the dishes or any other household chores. This ensures that other detergents don’t damage the lustre of the jewellery, as well as protects the ring from knocks or bumps that may damage or dislodge the gems. The last thing you want is a precious gem washing down the gurgler with all the dirty dishwater.
If you have followed the rules to perfection and kept your rings in good condition, it is still worth considering having your jewellery cleaned before the big day, especially if you have had a long engagement. When the wedding photographer zooms in for those wedding ring close ups, you can be confident that all the rings are looking their dazzling best!
If you would like to talk to an expert in jewellery, we, here at Pontifex Jewellers, have been in business for 40 years and have an abundance of experience in helping customers find the perfect engagement ring.
If you are able, we’d love for you to visit with us in-store, where we will happily discuss all the elements needed for your desired engagement ring.
If you don’t live in the area and an in-store visit is not possible, please email us with any questions. Our team always responds rapidly with the assistance you are seeking.
We appreciate that this is an important purchase involving time, money and emotional energy. That’s why we offer a hassle-free Returns Policy, to give you peace of mind with your purchase.
If she doesn’t fall in love with it instantly, we will happily exchange it or accept returns, no questions asked.
