Beginning the journey of finding your dream engagement ring can be overwhelming with the endless choices, designers and style options. We've collected eight tips on how to begin your search and what to expect.
1. Trend isn't everything & either is tradition.
Consider your partner's relationship with jewelry overall -- do they wear yellow gold? Prefer plain gold over diamonds? Love vintage heirlooms they were passed down from family? These questions can get you an idea of how they would approach an engagement ring. Some may have shared inspiration with close friends who can shine light on your search as well. To avoid the narrow traditional look of the typical engagement ring, consider what they would love to wear everyday and stand as a true statement of love.
2. Diamond size isn't everything (unless it is!)
Unless your future spouse is aiming for a large carat weight -- the size of the stone isn't always the most important thing. Depending on their style preference and what they wear everyday, you may discover that a mid size stone with some additional pavé detail could be the best bet. Maybe they are more comfortable with an even smaller or subtle stone. Or, the dream ring is a centerpiece forever in a large carat diamond with a non traditional shape and a simple band.
3. Choosing the perfect stone
If diamond is the chosen center stone for your future ring, consider the source. Whether a natural stone or lab grown, it's worth researching for a full understanding of difference in each. Pricing can also affect the anchor stone, naturals do come with a higher price tag but value in the long term can be much higher than lab. Lab grown is still entirely carbon but may have different value in the long run.
In addition to examining how a stone looks with your naked eye, diamond experts rely on the diamond's "four Cs" (aka color, cut, clarity, and carat). Those are important to pay attention to, but certificate grading should be just one of the many factors in your decision-making.
It’s better to judge a stone by the feeling it gives you rather than the GIA grading (diamonds are graded from D to Z by the Gemological Institute of America) it received. The grade can be a consideration, but should not be the sole determining factor.
4. The setting is important too!
Finding an expert jeweler or designer to assist in the process will really make a difference in how you see how vital a setting can be. The stone is the art and the setting is the frame. One can affect the other and vice versa. Finding a designer you trust and can talk you through the design process can open your world to the experience of finding the perfect whole project for your future engagement ring.
5. Get that measurement right the first time
Whether you need to ask a family member or best friend to accompany your significant other to casually get their finger sized. Make sure to get both ring fingers measured so you know.
6. Give yourself a runway
From top to bottom, engagement ring projects can take upwards of 10 weeks depending on all elements coming together. Hiring a designer you trust to assist in the process can alleviate some time and make the step-by-step much more seamless. Make sure you have the time built in to not rush something so special and forever.
7. Be prepared
At the time of the piece being made for you -- start researching insurance. Always ask the jeweler or designer that you need the piece appraised at the time it's complete to avoid any headaches in getting it insured and secure to be worn freely.
8. Have fun with the steps!
Enjoy the process of learning what designing the perfect ring can look like and be the best representation of your love. That way the final result will be exactly what you both love and your future spouse will look forward to wearing forever.
Interested in meeting with a designer about a bespoke process? Reach out to us at Bespoke@LizzieMandler.com for more information or visit our Bespoke page today for inspiration.
