While there have been many pandemic-induced break-ups, it seems that COVID has also brought many couples together and acted as a catalyst for engagements. As reported by Brides and according to jewellery retailers, engagement ring sales are up since COVID 19 hit. Perhaps it will be happily ever after, after all.
If you’ve decided to add to that figure and concluded that it’s time to pop the question, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed by the choice available when buying an engagement ring.
There once was a time where choosing an engagement ring only needed a few questions answered; white or yellow gold? Emerald or princess cut? What size? Now there are a whole host of new things you need to consider before you take the plunge and buy a ring.
When it comes to important purchases in your life, engagement rings can be one of the most stressful and exciting items you’ll ever buy, especially when combined with planning the proposal. Confidence is vital when it comes to a proposal and we’re here to help you feel less overwhelmed and worried about buying your engagement ring. With that in mind, here ‘s how to buy the perfect engagement ring for your post-pandemic proposal.
BUDGET EXPECTATIONS
There has always been conflicting information out there about how much you’re expected to spend on an engagement ring. Some say you should spend at least £3,000 and others claim it should be at £1,000, at the very least. Both figures were likely dreamt up by Big Jewellery, but there you go…
There are even online engagement ring calculator costs, to help you decide how much to spend.
As reported by the News Break, the average spend on engagement rings in the UK has increased by 12% over the last year, to a shade over £7,000.
Considering that This is This Is Money reported only back in 2016 that the average spend of an engagement ring was £573, this increase feels staggering at a time when annual average wage increases have stagnated.
This could be because some are choosing to spend more on engagement rings as the trend continues towards smaller, more intimate weddings. Or, it could simply be because some people have more money than sense (although diamonds are known for retaining their value, so perhaps they are sensible).
Don’t be sucked in by ‘average spend’ or swayed by peer pressure; the actual amount you should spend on an engagement ring is whatever you are comfortable with spending, and you should create a budget early on to understand what you can reasonably afford, whether that’s £100, £1,000 or £10,000.
Everyone’s magic number is different. Most jewellers can advise you on what options fit your budget; whether you are looking for a bespoke package or a ring you can walk away with the same day, there are engagement rings that will suit every level of funds.
Read: 4 IDEAL tips on how to save money on an engagement ring
LENGTH OF PROCESS
Some are unsure of how long they should spend looking at engagement rings before they actually buy one; this process is entirely up to you and what type of ring you are looking to purchase. For example, if you’re looking for a bespoke engagement ring, this process can take from four to six weeks before the ring is ready to be collected or delivered.
It is always best to take your time looking at different rings before you make a decision, whether you’re buying online or from a jeweller. Speak to the jewellers either online or directly to gain as much information about their services as possible; this will assist you when choosing designs and for helping you look at only the rings within your budget.
It’s important to remember that you should not feel pressured to make a decision on the spot, even if, in the moment, you’re sure the ring is the one; take the time to have a cup of tea or coffee before you buy to ensure that it is the right ring for you and your partner.
VINTAGE IS POPULAR
Speaking of the length of the process, if you’re looking for a quick turnaround time then consider a vintage ring.
Ashley Zhang, a New York Jewelry designer, told the Zoe Report that there’s been a significant turn towards vintage rings. She posits that “there’s so much uncertainty in the world right now. People don’t want to wait months for an engagement ring or to get married — they want to keep it simple, fun, and spontaneous!”. It seems that buying an antique ring that can be resized fills all those requirements.
When buying online, it’s hard to get proper advice on buying second hand engagement rings, not least that you can’t try the ring on. A trip to the jewellery Lanes of Brighton, London’s Hatton Garden or Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter could be just the ticket on your quest to find the ideal ring for you, allowing you to sample a few before you buy. Even if you don’t, it’s a great excuse for a day out!
THE RIGHT STYLE
It can be stressful when choosing jewellery for someone at the best of times, but it can be an extremely daunting process when it comes to the engagement ring. When someone is buying a ring, they want to be sure that the recipient will love the style and often ask how they can be sure. You know your partner better than you think, but we have some helpful tips to help you find out what style will be best:
- Current jewellery: take note of what your partner already wears; what style do they choose for watches, rings, bracelets, necklaces, or earrings? Is there a pattern or particular metal they tend to go for? All of the pieces they wear daily or own will tell you what you need to know about what they like.
- Take pictures: If you’re still unsure, take some pictures and show a jeweller; they will be able to spot distinctive styles that your partner likes and direct you to the closest matches in rings. And if that match just isn’t close enough, then rest assured that you can buy custom engagement rings, designed to your most detailed of specifications. This may well help you get the exact stylistic concerns of your partner nailed.
- Ask their friends or family: confide in your partner’s close friends or family that you plan to propose. They will be able to help you with styles and can tell you what your partner likes. If you want to keep things a surprise, be sure to swear them to secrecy.
- Hints: a great way to piece together what your partner’s dream ring will look like is to pay attention to any hints they may be dropping or drop some yourself to gauge their reaction. Comment on rings you’ve seen family and friends wearing that have recently gotten engaged or married as a good way to get their opinions without them knowing what you’re planning.
STONE CHOICES
There are many choices when it comes to what stone to choose for your engagement ring, whether you’re looking for a timeless classic aesthetic or you want something more unique and elegant with a little colour.
Moissanite
This earth-friendly stone is one of the most popular choices for couples in 2021, due in part to the sustainability of moissanite as well as it having a higher brilliance and fire than diamonds.
Moissanite engagement rings are second only to diamonds on the hardness scale, making them extremely durable and resistant to scratches. With the slowest refraction of any stone, including diamonds, they offer some serious sparkle.
Another reason why these stones are so popular is that the jewellers that produce and sell moissanite support green initiatives, which means when you use their services, you are also helping towards a better planet for all. The guys at infinitydiamondjewellery.com tell us that because it’s ‘’man-made…you can be positive it’s created in an ethical and sustainable way’’.
The same often can’t be said for diamonds…
Diamond
A classic choice for engagement rings, diamonds have become less popular in recent years as more couples look to sustainable and earth-friendly alternatives. If you’ve got your heart set on a diamond ring, consider lab-grown or synthetic varieties.
Ruby
When looking for a romantic alternative, rubies are a fantastic choice. The deep red looks impressive in any setting, especially when surrounded by a halo of small clear-coloured stones.
Sapphire
Sapphires have become increasingly popular since we saw one on the hand of Kate Middleton. This elegant stone is a wonderful option when you want to add a little colour to an engagement ring.
Emerald
The unique bright colour of an emerald ring is bound to catch the attention and bring out the green envy of your partner’s friends or family.
CUT STYLES
If you’re buying a ring that will hold a stone, you’re bound to be asked what style of cut you want for the stone. Surprisingly, this question stumps most people. The cut will determine the overall aesthetic of the engagement ring you buy, but we’re here to help explain some of the more popular styles of cut available:
- Round: A traditional shape for engagement rings, you can’t go wrong with this look as it allows plenty of light into the stone for a fantastic sparkle.
- Radiant: This cut has a square shape with cropped, flat corners. Often the cut of choice for those who prefer quirky styles.
- Oval: Similar to the round shape, the oval cut allows more light to pass through for a more brilliant finish.
- Emerald: If your partner is a fan of vintage styles, the emerald cut is perfect for them. A stylish and sleek cut traditionally used for emeralds that compliments any type of stone.
- Princess: A sharp, square shape, the princess cut is a popular choice for engagement rings, especially if it is accompanied by multiple stones in the same cut.
- Pear: Also known as the teardrop cut, this shape is more unusual and is often thought of as a quirky take on the round or oval cut.
- Trillion: This cut is typically used on accent stones but has become more popular for the main stone in recent years. A triangular-shaped finish, this cut is also known as a trilliant cut.
- Baguette: A slim, rectangular usually found accompanying an emerald cut stone and adds a unique twist on a typically vintage style.
Of course, if sustainability is a concern for you, why not consider buying a second hand engagement ring? Once a purchase treated with caution, people are now fully embracing the chance to make an ethically sound purchase. And let’s not overlook the neatness of the phrase ‘second hand’ in relation to such an engagement ring.
But what if you bought a piece of jewellery and it doesn’t fit? Or what if your jewellery breaks and needs to be fixed? If these rhetorical questions turn into reality, then check out this article at SenseOrient; it will answer your questions about jewellery resizing and provide some tips for how to ensure the size of your jewellery fits properly.
Anyway, we’re in danger of wittering on here. Instead, we’ll redirect you to these 5 tips for buying second hand engagement rings.