Buying an engagement ring is certainly something that, for many, is a first-time thing. Some couples plan their engagement months or even years in advance, so why not take that same approach when it comes to shopping for your engagement rings. As one of the leading dealers of engagement rings in London, the team from London DE have helped many choose the perfect piece for their special day.
However, since buying an engagement ring can be somewhat overwhelming, we wanted to share a few buying tips, as well as touch on some of the benefits of bespoke jewellery.
1. Know her ring size
This is arguably one of the most important aspects of buying an engagement ring; after all you don’t want it sliding off her finger a few days after you propose right? But if you don’t want to ruin the surprise, you might have to be a bit inventive. You can sneak into her your partner’s jewellery box one day while they’re out and have the ring professionally measured, or ask friends and family members for some insight.
2. Know your budget
How much you want to spend on your engagement ring is entirely your decision, but it’s important before you begin shopping that you have a clear understanding of your budget range. The national average many spend on an engagement ring is around £3,000, but again, this number isn’t set in stone.
3. Know the materials
You’ll have a range engagement ring options available to you, especially if you’re buying a bespoke engagement ring. However, there are some common metals that are industry-standard and popular nowadays, including platinum, which is hypoallergenic, as well as yellow gold, white gold, silver or rose gold.
4. Understand the 4Cs
Diamonds are rated using a system incorporating carat, colour, clarity, and cut. Carat refers to the weight and size of the diamond, and will often determine the price of the stone you’re buying. Colour refers to the tint of colour that appears in a diamond. Most diamonds will have some tint and the more colour that’s present in the stone, the lower the grading. Clarity means the imperfections that can be found inside the stone or upon its surface. Lastly, cut refers to both the shape of the stone and the quality of its cutting.
5. Know her style
This can be another difficult one for some, but it’s important to select the right style of ring and diamond for your partner’s engagement ring. After all, they’ll be wearing it every day, so choose something that aligns with their taste. Again, soliciting advice from friends and family will be beneficial here if you’re uncertain.
6. Plan ahead
Planning ahead is important; you’ll need to give yourself enough time to choose the right stone and engagement ring, as well as having it sized and set before you pop the question. Asking someone to marry you is stressful enough without having to worry about whether the ring will arrive on time, so be sure to give yourself some extra time and plan ahead.
7. Be creative
Nowadays, with the variety of bespoke engagement rings out there, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg to get something that’s creative and completely unique. When shopping for bespoke pieces, you’ll have control over every aspect of the design, from the style to the stone, so don’t be afraid to go this route if you want something truly one-of-a-kind.
8. Consider shopping with your partner
Since an engagement ring is an investment and something designed to last a lifetime, these days, it’s not uncommon to find partners shopping for engagement rings together to ensure they select the very best one.
9. Get some advice
Seeking advice from someone who’s gone through the engagement ring buying process before can help set your mind at ease and ensure you’ve left no stone unturned.
10. Insure your investment
Be sure to add your engagement ring either to your household insurance, or insure the ring separately to protect your investment from theft, loss, or accidental damage.
Before you go, a few words about buying a bespoke engagement ring…
As mentioned above, buying a bespoke engagement ring can give you complete control over its appearance and style. These days, many of the world’s leading jewellers, London DE included, have a team of professional jewellery designers that can help bring your engagement ring vision to life. The process can be both fun for couples, as well as affordable for most, making it an attractive option, especially for those who want something that’s truly unique.
Another important aspect of bespoke jewellery is that it expresses the style of the wearer and creates a stronger bond or connection with your engagement ring. The range of customisation is different depending upon where you go to get your engagement ring; some offer pre-made bespoke sets, while other jewellery teams actually utilize CAD jewellery design software to create a piece that’s one-of-a-kind and unlike anything else out there. Of course, the price will vary on what method you choose, but it can be a great way to add a bit more of a uniqueness to your wedding proposal.
Contact London DE today for bespoke engagement rings in London!
Do you want to learn more about our engagement rings or bespoke jewellery services? If so, contact us online or call +44 207 859 4754. We also specialize in loose gemstones, loose diamonds, and more, so contact us now!
By Victoria Fletcher
