Symbolising love and commitment, getting engaged is one of the most special events in an adults life. In Western cultures, engagement rings are traditionally designed with diamonds or other gemstones, however they increasingly come in a range of styles and materials.
Traditionally, the man would choose the engagement ring and presented it to his lady when asking for her hand in marriage. Today though, with the limitless choice and styles available, it might be wiser for partners to choose the ring together.
The following guide will give you some top tips on choosing and maintaining your engagement ring.
Finding the Right Engagement Ring
Here is some useful advice to keep in mind when shopping around for an engagement ring:
Buying an engagement ring can be an expensive exercise, so try to choose a reputable retailer to avoid being sold a poor quality stone at an inflated price.
Its often a good idea to purchase an engagement ring online, since jewellery stores have expensive overheads which can be passed on to the consumer.
Decide on a budget and keep this in mind. The 4Cs of diamonds Cut, Carat, Clarity and Colour will determine its price and quality.
While diamonds might be the traditional choice, there are some stunning gems you can opt for which are generally less expensive and can also be decorated with smaller diamonds. Sapphires for instance have become extremely popular since the engagement of Princess Di.
Keep your personal tastes in mind as well as the jewellery you already own, so that you can make a complimentary buy.
Do choose the right metal. Platinum for instance is the metal of choice in todays modern society but white gold is half the price and palladium is even cheaper (both look like platinum). And for those with a warmer skin tone, yellow gold would be a great choice.
Remember that while you might not be able to afford an expensive ring now, you can always upgrade it at a later stage by thickening the band and adding more gems.
If youre opting for gold, you should generally go for 18 carats as anything purer will be too soft for an engagement ring.
If your preference is white gold, at its best it should be plated with rhodium approximately every twelve to eighteen months to keep it in top notch condition.
From the traditional solitaire to more modern designs, the setting of your engagement ring is a very personal choice, so do take some time to browse the enormous ranges that are currently available.
Caring for Your Engagement Ring
Once youve finally found the perfect engagement ring, youll want to ensure that it stays in excellent condition for a lifetime. Here are some useful tips:
Handle the ring with care - always pick it up by the band and not the stone, as this prevents natural grease from building up around the stone and smudging it.
Take your ring off before household cleaning or cooking, especially with greasy and floury substances.
Platinum and white gold will not tarnish but may become scratched. If this happens, the damage can always be removed by a specialist jeweller.
Common chemicals around the house can cause permanent damage. Chlorine for example is an absolute no-no.
Clean you ring by soaking it in warm water with a mild detergent, then gently scrub with a very soft brush. Following this, dry with a soft cloth, preferably a jewellers cloth.
If you really want to ensure your engagement ring has the best clean possible, you can always take it into a professional jeweller.
Have your ring checked regularly for defects such as a loose setting. This is important since if you dont, you could run the risk of losing the pricey gemstone.
Insuring you Engagement Ring
When buying your special ring make sure to ask for a Certificate of Valuation or Appraisal. If it is very expensive, you might even want to get a second opinion. This certificate plus your receipt will be needed by your insurance provider for full cover of your ring.
Do no assume that your ring is automatically insured against damage, theft or loss on your normal insurance coverage. Make sure you have the necessary cover as not only is your engagement ring an expensive item, but it also has a highly sentimental value which cannot easily be replaced.
Here are some insurance options to consider for your engagement ring:
Home Contents Insurance
With this type of cover, you can include your ring on your home contents insurance as a separate item. You may have to pay a premium to do this, but you will then be insured against loss or damage both inside and outside the home.
Specialist Jewellery Insurance Policies
There a number of these available through different providers and some jewellers also offer them.
Actual Value Policies
These are the cheapest and most common type of insurance for jewellery. Do check the type of policy however as some will only refund the value of the ring after depreciation.
Conclusion
Engagement rings are not only a monetary investment, but a personal and emotional one as well. Your ring is a commitment to marriage and traditionally symbolises eternity, so choose the perfect one with love and care.
