How to choose the perfect engagement and wedding ring

Getting engaged can be one of the most meaningful moments in a girl’s life.

Rings by Forum

As if the mere decision to get married isn’t exciting enough, next comes the exhilarating (and sometimes stressful) task of buying the “rock”.

Follow our comprehensive guide for grooms-to-be to make sure you choose a ring that dazzles.

Determine a budget

How much you spend is a personal matter, but most often it will be determined by your income. However, according to research conducted by diamond experts Diamond Trading Company, most guys agreed a month’s salary was an appropriate amount to spend. So if you haven’t already, get saving.

Learn what she likes

This part of the buying process will take a bit of research; for something this important you should have an idea of what she’d like.

Think about her overall tastes – would she prefer a classical design, such as a solitaire? Or is she a fashion junkie who might prefer the latest fancy-cut stone or unusual setting?

Make life easy and ask her friends or relatives, pay special attention to her reaction to other women’s diamond engagement rings.

Find a reputable jeweler

If you already have a trusted jeweler, your pre-purchase preparation is done. If not, ask around for suggestions. Look for a retailer with an excellent reputation. Many of the area’s top jewellers advertise in this very magazine and will happily take time out to explain the 4Cs – cut, colour, clarity and carat – of a diamond’s quality and value.

Get the size right

If she’s in the habit of leaving any of her rings lying about, make an impression of one. A bar of soap, a piece of clay or even a piece of bread can be used to take a reliable measurement.

Simpler still, just put on of her rings on your own fingers. Push it down as far as it will go and then mark the spot with a pen.

Then just show the marking to your jeweller who can measure it for you.

Wedding Rings

The engagement ring was the big surprise, but you really should choose your wedding rings together.

Many women will already have an idea of what they want, but there are a few things to consider.

Decide whether you want matching or separate bands – it is possible to buy rings together so they co-ordinate.

You may also want to match the wedding ring to the engagement ring.

Consider your lifestyle and whether you really want a huge rock – probably not ideal if you use your hands a lot for manual labour.

Choose a band metal – the three most popular are yellow gold, white gold and platinum. Yellow gold is more traditional, but white gold tends to go better with both gold and silver, while platinum is more expensive, but stronger.

Look through some catalogues to get an idea and visit your jeweller to have a chat about what you want.