By Rachael Fagan
Picking an engagement ring for somebody else can be a daunting task. With so many different options to choose from it is difficult to know where to start. Our consultants have come up with a few dos and don’t s that will hopefully give you a little push in the right direction.
DO
– Give yourself enough time. The chances that you will walk into your first appointment and find the perfect ring, in the perfect size at the perfect price are slim. You need to start the hunt at least a few months before you plan on popping the question – we are looking at you Christmas proposers! The less time you give yourself the more likely you are to panic buy.
-If you are looking for your partner, take note of what they like. Have they dropped any hints? Liked any Instagram photos? What style of jewellery do they already wear? Remember, they are the one who will have it on their hand for the rest of their life so please for the love of diamonds – stay true to their personal style. If you really have no idea – propose with a token ring. This gives you the chance to pick the perfect ring together and have a memory you will both treasure forever (plus you know they will love their ring 100%!)
-Research research research! As consultants, we are a wealth of information on all things jewellery but the reality is, you need to know what you want from us. Stones, styles and metals – these are the things that keep us up at night. Go online and find your favourite stone shape, figure out your preferences for the 4C’s and how they align with your budget and search ring styles and metals – this will stand to you during the buying process and help you get the most out of your appointments.
DON’T
– Ask everybody for their opinion. Nothing will confuse the process more than if you ask every friend and family member for their two cents. I’m sure you have heard the saying – too many cooks spoil the broth. When it comes to engagement rings, the same rules apply. Too many opinions can leave you with a sore head, an empty wallet and possibly a ring that your significant other is not too keen on.
– Dismiss a professional opinion. We have seen everything and anything that can go wrong when it comes to jewellery. If we are telling you that we advise against something, you better believe there is a good reason for it. Ultimately the decision is yours of course but we are looking out for your best interests.
– Feel pressured. Don’t feel pressured to spend more than you can afford, we will always try our best to get you the perfect ring within your budget – we can even get it specifically made up for you if needed. Do not let anyone – be it a sales consultant, a friend or your partners family members – tell you that you’re not spending enough. Don’t feel pressured into buying a ring that you are not 100% happy with, any sales person who does this is not someone you want to be working with.
We hope these tips have given you a little more clarity and a little less anxiety about finding that perfect ring. Remember, it’s not about the ring itself but what it represents that your partner will adore the most. An engagement ring is simply a symbol of your love, so put your love into it.
