Getting Married - Engagement and Wedding Rings - Things to Consider
Whether you are a young couple on a tight budget just starting a life together or a couple that have been planning and saving for their wedding for years - buying an engagement ring and the wedding rings will be one of life's biggest and most important purchases. You might feel excited or nervous - but you will definitely want to get it "right" the first time, and choose a design that represents your journey, love and suits the recipient. However, many people don't realise that there are many more things to consider than just choosing white or yellow gold, and what size the stone is!
Make sure you think about :
1. Your budget, 2. Your lifestyle (hobbies & jobs) 3. Ongoing maintenance & ease of care 4. Your style
Make sure you think about :
1. Your budget, 2. Your lifestyle (hobbies & jobs) 3. Ongoing maintenance & ease of care 4. Your style
Your Journey
Are you traditionalists or modernists? If you are carefully planning a surprise proposal with red roses, champagne and a bended knee - you are most likely thinking a traditional solitaire diamond engagement ring. If you are a couple who met whilst holidaying in India - you might consider something unique and spiritual, and if you both love bold colours and clean lines then something modern would be more your style.
Do you want to make a statement to the world - or is this just between the two of you?
What is your budget? I've made engagement rings that have been between $1000 and $100,000! The difference between them is the type of metal, the amount (thickness and size of the ring) and the number, type and size of the stones; and the complexity of the design.
Do you want to make a statement to the world - or is this just between the two of you?
What is your budget? I've made engagement rings that have been between $1000 and $100,000! The difference between them is the type of metal, the amount (thickness and size of the ring) and the number, type and size of the stones; and the complexity of the design.
About Her
An engagement ring should not just represent your love for each other, but also who your fiancée is.
What is her job/career? Jobs that expose the ring to harsh chemicals, or where there is a lot of manual work (chef, gardener) where it could get scratched - will mean that soft metals like gold and soft stones won't be suitable if she wants to wear her rings to work. Carers (nurses, therapists etc) /mothers - might prefer lower profile rings that won't get caught on clothes and scratch fragile skin. Police officers and social workers might want a ring that is more discreet - a delicate band with smaller stones, or a 2nd additional ring that they can wear to work.
What about her hobbies? If she is very sporty - will she need to take her ring on an off to play/train? Does she garden or do art? Then it will be important to consider how the design of the ring will affect how easy it is to clean and how often it will need to have maintenance done.
Is she a quality or quantity girl? Is she the type that wants that one perfect stone, or would she prefer the diamond that is the biggest you can afford even if it has a few small flaws?
What's her style? Look at how she dresses, the clothes and shoes that she wears.
What about her Wedding Ring? The shape and design you choose for the engagement ring will dictate how the wedding ring will need to sit and fit. If you go for a large stone, or low stone in the engagement ring she will need a shaped wedder.
What is her job/career? Jobs that expose the ring to harsh chemicals, or where there is a lot of manual work (chef, gardener) where it could get scratched - will mean that soft metals like gold and soft stones won't be suitable if she wants to wear her rings to work. Carers (nurses, therapists etc) /mothers - might prefer lower profile rings that won't get caught on clothes and scratch fragile skin. Police officers and social workers might want a ring that is more discreet - a delicate band with smaller stones, or a 2nd additional ring that they can wear to work.
What about her hobbies? If she is very sporty - will she need to take her ring on an off to play/train? Does she garden or do art? Then it will be important to consider how the design of the ring will affect how easy it is to clean and how often it will need to have maintenance done.
Is she a quality or quantity girl? Is she the type that wants that one perfect stone, or would she prefer the diamond that is the biggest you can afford even if it has a few small flaws?
What's her style? Look at how she dresses, the clothes and shoes that she wears.
What about her Wedding Ring? The shape and design you choose for the engagement ring will dictate how the wedding ring will need to sit and fit. If you go for a large stone, or low stone in the engagement ring she will need a shaped wedder.
His Ring
Similar questions need to be asked when designing a man's engagement / wedding ring.
What type of work do you do? Regular exposure to harsh chemicals, infectious situations or machinery that might catch your ring might mean you decide to wear your ring on your neck - rather than your finger. This will influence the design. Manual labourers and keen sportsmen will need to look at stronger metals such as titanium and tungsten to give their rings longevity.
What type of work do you do? Regular exposure to harsh chemicals, infectious situations or machinery that might catch your ring might mean you decide to wear your ring on your neck - rather than your finger. This will influence the design. Manual labourers and keen sportsmen will need to look at stronger metals such as titanium and tungsten to give their rings longevity.