Have you decided to take the leap and propose? Congratulations! At OzPropoz, we understand that preparing to propose is exciting, but it can also be a very stressful time. That’s why our team support you throughout the organization of your proposal, from your first thoughts,Ā for example on the ideal choice of symbolic jewelry for the occasion, right up to the day of the ceremony. Until the big day, OZPropOZ is there for you! Here weāve gathered all the information you need to find the perfect engagement ring without breaking the piggy bank.
Here are the key topics to discuss together:
1. How to choose the right style of engagement ring?
2. Determining the shape of your diamond: traditional round or more unique?
3. Selecting the ideal diamond
4. Considering other gemstones besides diamonds
5. Choosing a metal for the ring
6. Properly measuring your/her ring finger: what is the finger size?
7. Consider how your engagement ring will complement your wedding band
8. Ensuring the characteristics of your stone: what certification?
9. Why work with a jeweler?
10. Keeping the secret, but also seeking advice from your loved ones
1. How to choose the right style of engagement ring?
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Nowadays, there are endless options when it comes to engagement rings. The challenge is to find THE ring that perfectly matches your future fiancĆ©e’s taste. Start by getting inspired by her style: You know her better than anyone. What kind of jewelry does your partner
usually wear? Does she prefer gold or platinum jewelry? Does she like “statement” pieces or more discrete ones? Or maybe she loves vintage style? Is she into fashion jewelry or high-quality pieces? Take note and be ready to describe her style to the jeweler in order to select the perfect piece she will want to wear every day.
2. Determining the ideal shape of your diamond: traditional round or more unique?
The choice of shape is not only a matter of price but also depends on the overall style of the ring. No shape is better than the other, but it will determine the type of ring setting. Our expert Aurore Guiot points out that “Diamonds have a cubic crystallization system. Inserting a round diamond into a square shape generates more waste during cutting. A ‘fancy shape’ will make better use of the rough diamond. Moreover, due to the strong influence of DeBeers and its lobbying, the standard today is to wear a brilliant solitaire…” Depending on your loved one’s style, the next step will be to consider the shape of the diamond (also known as the “cut” of the diamond). Each diamond shape has a different price depending on the number of carats. Round shapes are the most prestigious and expensive, so if you have a limited budget, we recommend considering oval or pear-shaped diamonds. If you want a larger stone, don’t despair. Just explore other shapes besides the classic round diamond. Although, as mentioned earlier, the most popular options are pear or oval-shaped diamonds, there are many other options available.
3. Selecting the ideal diamond
Once you have a general idea of the style and size of the diamond, it’s time to search for the stone/diamond of your dreams. This is where things get a bit more complicated because there are several variables to consider: carat weight, clarity, and color of the stone. Like most of your purchases, you may need to make a compromise between “quality and quantity,” the famous quality/price ratio. Some people prefer a large diamond over a higher-quality white diamond, while others, on the contrary, will want the most brilliant diamond regardless of its size. Get an idea of what might be more important to your partner for her engagement ring, especially when it comes to size, as remember that it is a piece of jewelry she will likely want to wear regularly or even every day! Even if some will tell you that size doesn’t matter, it’s always better to think about what your partner values the most and her daily habits. If size is essential for her compared to the quality of the stone, you can play with the other two diamond criteria, namely color and clarity. Thus, you will surely find the ideal stone within your price range. But as our expert Aurore Guiot points out, “other criteria, which few sellers talk about, such as fluorescence or cut quality, are very important. Being well accompanied by a trusted professional is therefore essential.”
4. Considering other gemstones besides diamonds
And why stick to the traditional choice of a diamond? Why not consider other colored gemstones this time? A world of colors opens up to you! In this perspective, colored precious and semi-precious stones like yellow, green, or blue stones can be beautiful alternatives to diamonds for an engagement ring. And even more interesting, these stones are associated with symbols and specific birth months, which could be a way for you to give your engagement ring a special meaning. To help you in your decision-making process, here is some information about some of the most common options for colored gemstones:
Sapphires: Sapphires are a popular choice for engagement rings due to their brilliance and hardness. The birthstone for the month of September is not limited to blue but can also be found in a wide range of shades, from pink to green and even yellow, with some stones changing color with light. Associated with symbols of truth, wisdom, loyalty, and peace, it is an ideal stone for an engagement ring.
The ruby: In addition to symbolizing passion, desire, power, and love, the ruby is the only precious stone among the four that exists in only one color: red. However, it can vary from carmine to vermilion, with the most prized being the “pigeon’s blood” hue. Associated with the month of July or the astrological sign of Leo, it can be a beautiful symbol during your marriage proposal.
Emeralds: As the birthstone for those born in May, emeralds are very popular due to their deep green hue, symbolizing spring and renewal. As they are also known for their visible natural inclusions, called gardens, it is rare to find a flawless natural emerald. That’s why emeralds with perfect color are considered true treasures. However, due to these very characteristics, emeralds require much more care and are more fragile. Thatās the reason why our expert Aurore Guiot strongly advises against using emerald as an engagement ring (to be worn daily) as it is too fragile. These are just a few suggestions, but alongside the world of precious gemstones, there are also semi-precious stones, which is also a vast and fascinating field. For example, stones such as spinel, morganite, or tourmaline (although our expert Aurore Guiot points out its fragility) could add much more meaning to your beloved’s engagement ring and your marriage proposal. If you opt for these options, make sure that the stone you consider is properly certified. MEDIAMSuisse, for example, offers excellent certification services. But keep in mind that not all stones necessarily require a laboratory certificate. According to Aurore Guiot, it is important to differentiate between a jeweler’s warranty certificate (verifying compliance between their claims and the purchased piece) and a laboratory certificate, which serves as the stone’s identification card, starting from 0.50 carats for white diamonds and from 1.00 carats for others (with exceptions), and so on…” And as Aurore emphasizes, “choosing a stone is a very intimate decision that should reflect your relationship, your history as a couple, so there is no wrong option, and you are the best person to choose the best one!”
5. Choosing a metal for the ring
Engagement rings (and wedding bands too) are traditionally made of yellow gold, white gold, gold-plated, or even platinum. Silver, on the other hand, is not necessarily a wise option, according to Aurore Guiot, “because it oxidizes and is very malleable, so besides deforming, the setting will be compromised.” Recently, rose gold has become a trendier option. Platinum or white gold may seem similar, but the prices vary significantly, especially for platinum, which is not only more expensive “but also and above all more difficult to work with (it has a much higher melting temperature than gold) and has a higher density, so for the same piece, a platinum ring will be heavier,” points out Aurore. Your lifestyle will also determine your choice of metal, as some metals are more prone to scratches than others. As you may have guessed, the options don’t stop there! Consider the possibility of having gemstones set in the ring or what you desire for a wedding band because they can and should likely coexist.
6. Properly measuring your/her ring finger: what is the finger size?
It seems obvious, doesn’t it? But it can’t be emphasized enough: make sure you have the correct ring size. Nothing will disappoint you more, after popping THE question, than a ring that your partner can’t fit on their finger.
But how can you do it without arousing suspicion? You’re probably wondering. Well, here are a few suggestions: Find a ring that they wear often (on the right finger) and take it to a jeweler to have it measured. You can also ask a friend or a family member to check for you. And if you’re still having trouble finding the exact size of the perfect engagement ring, it’s better to go bigger than smaller. On the big day, your future fiancĆ©e can still slip it on, and in that case, you can always have it adjusted later at your jeweler.
7. Consider how your engagement ring will complement your wedding band
After all the questions about the engagement ring that we’ve tried to provide you with rough answers to, you might think you’ve thought of everything. Well, unfortunately, not quite :)… There’s one more element to consider: the future wedding band, an important part of the equation. Depending on the setting of the engagement ring, whether it’s just a central stone on a precious metal band or adorned with several small diamonds… the engagement ring may not align or match well with your future wedding band. But don’t worry too much; when the time comes and you’re planning the wedding, you’ll have plenty of options for different bands, and this time, you won’t be choosing alone but with your fiancĆ©e! Nevertheless, it’s good to anticipate and have a rough idea in mind of your future wedding bands š
8. Ensuring the characteristics of your stone: what certification?
An engagement ring is a significant investment, so take your time and approach jewelry stores with caution. Once you’ve finally found the diamond or gemstone that suits you and decided on the style of the engagement ring, make sure it’s a certified stone from an accredited laboratory. We recommend GIA or HRD for diamonds, GRS (GemResearch Swisslab AG), Gubelin, SSEF or AGL for colored gemstones. There is a notable difference between laboratories, with some certifying diamonds as flawless when that may not be entirely the case. So don’t let your enthusiasm overpower you; this is a trick often used by diamond dealers.
9. Why work with a jeweler?
If you’re going to spend what may seem like “a small fortune,” you might as well seek advice during the purchasing process and design the engagement ring of your dreams with a jeweler. It’s an opportunity to have excellent exchanges with a professional, be actively involved in the creation process, and have a much more personal experience. It’s also a great way to ensure your partner’s preferences since you’re participating in the making of their engagement ring. And don’t hesitate to openly express your wishes and your partner’s expectations during your meetings with the jeweler. Who said you couldn’t mix a bit of vintage style with a more modern-inspired engagement ring?
10. Keeping the secret, but also seeking advice from your loved ones
Finally, after reading this article, we sincerely hope that finding the perfect engagement ring will be a less intimidating and tedious task. Even if you feel confident, you can always seek help from your friends, family, or inner circle. Remember that colleague who got engaged last month? They might have an excellent jeweler to recommend to you. And don’t forget about your partner’s best friends. They might have heard a thing or two about what your partner likes, making your selection much easier to manage. Once again, a big thanks to our custom jewelry expert Aurore Guiot for her valuable advice! On our social media, you’ll also find our interview with Aurore, where she shares some tips and other interesting information. At OzPropOZ, we know how challenging it can be to come up with an original and personalized marriage proposal idea, keep it a secret, and prepare for the big day. That’s why our team of experts is here to guide you in your search for personalized proposal ideas and help you execute a memorable proposal. If you’re curious to learn more, don’t hesitate to explore our marriage proposal suggestions and reach out to us so that together with our expert Aurore, we can start designing your dream proposal.
“Love doesn’t make the world go ’round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.”
Franklin P. Jones
