Choosing your engagement ring
You've decided to get married. Your next decision is choosing the engagement ring. Whether you're buying a ring together or choosing it for your bride to be, it can be exciting, yet a little scary.
- How much should I spend?
- What style should I choose?
- What size does she wear?
- How do I choose a diamond?
Did you know...
The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring as a promise of marriage began in 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a gold ring set with a diamond as a token of love. This royal tradition has lived on over the centuries and the giving of a diamond ring has become as much of a milestone as the engagement itself. Today, almost 70% of brides receive a diamond engagement ring.
How much should I spend?
The rule of thumb is one to two months' salary but this is just a guideline.
What style should I choose?
If you're buying together, take your time and try on different styles. Remember that a wedding band will eventually sit next to the ring so the two must fit together.
If you want to surprise her with a ring, look out for styles she likes on friends, in advertisements and in jewellers' windows. Does she prefer traditional or modern jewellery? Does she wear yellow, white gold or platinum jewellery?
The most popular engagement rings are diamond solitaires, followed by clusters and the increasingly fashionable three stone ring. Emerald, sapphire and ruby also make beautiful engagement rings.
What size does she wear?
The easiest way to find out is to pinch a ring from her jewellery box and take it to your H.Samuel jeweller for sizing will size it. Don't forget to replace it before she notices it's missing.
How do I choose a diamond?
Consider the 4 Cs - carat, clarity, colour and cut. The combination of these characteristics determines the value, rarity and beauty of a diamond.
Think about the shape of the diamond. The most traditional is round brilliant, but there are many others including pear, emerald, oval, heart, marquise and princess.
For full information about buying a diamond, take a look at our Diamond Buyers Guide. The experienced staff at your local H.Samuel store will also be happy to provide you with expert advice.
At H.Samuel, you'll find a beautiful range of engagement rings to suit all tastes and budgets. Visit our Engagement Ring pages or your local H.Samuel store.