Your engagement ring will be something you’ll wear every day. Not only will it be a continued symbol of your love and your relationship, the commitment and happy memories, it should be able to transcend trends and grow with your evolving style.
So, it’s understandable that choosing an engagement ring can feel daunting!
Finding an engagement ring that reflects your personal style means looking for something that can fit seamlessly into your wardrobe, while also suiting your lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for a unique antique engagement ring, a vintage-inspired show-stopper or want to design a bespoke betrothal ring, in this guide, we will take you through all the things to consider when choosing the perfect engagement ring.
Engagement ring basics
Firstly, there are some key considerations when it comes to choosing an engagement ring:
- Your budget
- Your ring size
Once you have an idea of the more logistical side of ring shopping, you can focus on the fun things, and select an engagement ring that is perfect for your personality!
Selecting your stone style
While it’s important to find the perfect engagement ring shape, it’s equally important to understand the different styles that these stones can be arranged in. From classic to contemporary, there is a style to suit every finger.
Solitaire
A solitaire engagement ring is a classic, timeless style, made up of a single stone, usually a diamond. It can be subtle, yet stylish, or make a real statement with a sizable stone.
Solitaire rings are good for versatility – they can complement both a casual jeans and t-shirt and a luxurious evening gown!
Trilogy
Trilogy rings are made up of three stones, usually one central larger stone surrounded either side by a smaller stone. Traditionally these could all be diamonds, or a coloured stone with smaller diamonds creating a beautiful contrast.
These three stones are meant to represent the past, the present and the future of your relationship, making them a perfect engagement ring for those who love symbolism and sentimentality.
Halo
A halo ring is a development from a Solitaire and trilogy ring, this time with a central stone that is encircled by smaller stones. Again, typically halo rings consist of diamonds, but you can create interest and contrast with colourful gemstones, too!
Halo engagement rings are great for those who really want their ring to sparkle and capture attention!
Toi et Moi
First emerging back in 1796, the ‘toi et moi’ style, (that’s ‘you and me’ in French) has been having a resurgence in fashion in the 2020s. It is a contemporary style that features two unique, differently shaped stones side by side. It is meant to represent the union of two souls.
This style allows you to really express yours and your partner’s style in the form of gemstones – you could pick your favourite coloured stone or shapes that subtly represent each other for a truly unique engagement ring.
Cluster
Cluster engagement rings consist of multiple stones. Traditionally these could be arranged surrounding a central larger stone, while more modern cluster rings play with size and irregular configurations.
Cluster rings are the perfect choice for creative, eccentric individuals who aren’t afraid to shy away from colour and convention.
Metal matters
When it comes to choosing what metal you want your engagement ring to be made from, matching your jewellery to your skin tone – with icy metals like silver suiting cooler skin tones and glowing gold looking great on warmer tones.
Secondly, you might want to consider what metal the rest of your jewellery collection is, while also thinking about metal strength. For example, if you usually wear silver jewellery, try platinum, which gives the same cool-toned finish but is much more hardwearing compared to silver.
Gold engagement rings are a strong metal choice that come in a variety of shades, from warm yellow, to neutral rose gold and cool-toned white, meaning you can find the perfect gold for your style, maintaining durability and design.
Balancing personality with practicality in the perfect engagement ring
While it’s important to be swept away in the romance of getting engaged, when choosing your engagement ring, be sure to take a moment to think practically too!
Lifestyle
This is an important piece of jewellery that you’ll likely want to wear every single day. That means it has got to fit in with your lifestyle. So, if you work with your hands, something less large will probably work better for you, perhaps with a Bezel setting for extra security and durability.
Similarly, if you often feel overwhelmed by large, statement jewellery, opt for something more subtle, and instead prioritise simplicity and comfort.
Maintenance
Another thing to consider when selecting your perfect engagement ring is the ongoing care and maintenance it requires in order to keep it safe and sparkling for years to come. Here are our top tips to help maintain your engagement ring:
- As with any jewellery, ensure to take it off while showering, swimming or exercising to avoid damage.
- Keep jewellery away from any potentially dangerous chemicals, including harsh cleaning products.
- When not wearing your engagement ring, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Treat your ring to regular cleaning, by either cleaning your jewellery at home with simple household materials or booking a special jewellery cleaning and maintenance service every few years.
Final thoughts
While you’ll want your engagement ring to reflect your personal style, the most important thing to consider is that it represents your love, commitment and relationship, not only now, but forever.
Prioritising practical elements such as secure settings and durable metals, and injecting personality with colourful gemstones and unique stone styles or settings will ensure that your engagement ring is a truly meaningful memento of your marriage.
