How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring

So, you’ve made the call and decided it’s time to pop the question. Congratulations - we’re so excited for you!

Starting your search for the perfect engagement ring doesn’t have to be a daunting process. The Class A team are here to guide you every step of the way! To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of important questions you should ask as you begin your “happily ever after” journey.

What should my budget be?

Traditionally the rule of thumb is to budget the value of 2-3 months of your salary to spend on an engagement ring, but this may not suit everyone. At the end of the day, it’s not the amount of money you spend on an engagement ring that matters, but rather the thought, effort and planning that goes into choosing the ring.



What style of ring is best?

When it comes to ring style, we believe you should throw the rule book out the window, because there is no right or wrong. This is your time to shine (pun intended) and get creative whilst keeping your partner’s tastes and preferences at the forefront of your mind. Click here to view the Class A Collection, for inspiration on ring styles.

 


What stone options should I consider?

It’s no surprise that diamonds are the most popular choice of stone for an engagement ring, due to their value, scarcity and stunning brilliance. You might have heard about the infamous ‘4Cs’ - Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight. These important characteristics determine the quality of a diamond and ultimately the price you’ll pay. You can read more about the 4Cs here.

An alternative to the traditional diamond is a coloured gemstone. This can be an opportunity to create an engagement ring that is truly unique, so don’t rule them out. Popular coloured gemstones include Sapphire, Morganite, Aquamarine and Ruby. 

For those seeking an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to a diamond, we’d suggest laboratory grown diamonds or moissanites.

Laboratory Grown Diamonds: As the name suggests, laboratory diamonds are grown by scientists in a lab. They are still chemically, physically and optically identical to a mined diamond. The main difference between the two is price point, with lab-diamonds costing roughly 30% less than their natural counterparts.

Moissanites: Found in nature, the moissanite stone is very similar to a diamond. Due to its rarity, moissanite today is created in a laboratory to mimic the look of a diamond. It has a colourless appearance and is extremely durable, making them perfect for every day wear. The biggest benefit of a moissanite is that they are extremely cost effective, being significantly cheaper than a comparative diamond.

 

What metal should I choose?

The most popular choices for engagement ring metals are white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum. Platinum is the most hard wearing metal and requires the least amount of upkeep, whereas white gold requires rhodium plating every 12-18 months to keep the ring looking fresh and bright. Learn more about these four different metals here.

One of the best ways to ensure you’re choosing a metal your partner will love, is to take note of other jewellery they already wear.

 

What’s next?

We hope this blog post is a helpful starting point to finding the perfect engagement ring. We’re sure you’ll have plenty more questions along the way, so please don’t hesitate to pop into the store, send an e-mail or give us a call so one of our friendly team members can assist you. Alternatively, schedule an appointment with one of our engagement ring experts here.

We might have an existing style that suits your needs (see our Proposal Ready range) or our Craftsmen can create a custom ring of your (and your partner’s) dreams!