Choosing an engagement ring when you don't know where to start

Choosing an engagement ring is an exciting milestone, but if you've never bought fine jewellery before, it can also feel a little overwhelming. Suddenly there are diamond shapes, settings, precious metals, carat weights and countless designs to consider. 

The good news is, you don't need to know exactly what you're looking for before you begin. A few simple considerations can help narrow down the choices and make finding the right ring a much more enjoyable experience. 

START WITH WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW 

You might not know the difference between a solitaire and a trilogy setting yet, but chances are you already have some idea of the styles you and your partner are drawn to. 

Think about the jewellery they currently wear. Is it mostly yellow gold, white gold or rose gold? Is their style quite simple and understated, or do they gravitate towards pieces with a little detail? Do they tend to choose classic designs, or something more unique. Saved photos can also be incredibly helpful. You don't need to find the exact ring - even a handful of images can reveal common elements such as stone shapes, settings or metal colours. 

Knowing what you don't like can be just as useful as knowing what you do. 

CONSIDER THE PERSON WEARING IT

An engagement ring is designed to be worn every day, so the person wearing it should always be at the centre of the decision. 

Lifestyle can play a part in choosing a design. Someone who works with their hands for example, may have different considerations to someone who doesn't. Setting height, stone shape, band width and the overall profile of the ring can all affect how it feels to wear. This is also where trying rings on can be invaluable. 

A design that looks beautiful in a photograph can feel completely different once it is on your hand. 

EXPLORE DIFFERENT STONE SHAPES 

One of the easiest ways to begin narrowing down an engagement ring is to look at different stone shapes. 

Round diamonds are a timeless choice, while oval, pear, emerald, cushion and marquise cuts each create a very different look. Some feel distinctly classic, while others can give a ring a more contemporary or individual character. You don't need to learn every diamond shape before you start shopping. Often, simply seeing several options side by side - and trying them on - will quickly reveal what you're naturally drawn to.

DON'T FOCUS ON CARAT WEIGHT ALONE 

Carat is one of the terms you'll hear frequently when looking at diamonds, but bigger doesn't automatically mean better. 

Carat refers to a diamonds weight, and two diamonds of the same carat weight can look quite different depending on their shape and dimensions. Cut, colour and clarity also contribute to the quality of a diamond. 

Just as importantly, the proportions of a ring matter. The relationship between the centre stone, band, setting and any surrounding diamonds can make a significant difference to the finished design. 

Rather than choosing a diamond based on a number alone, consider how the stone looks as part of the ring as a whole. 

DECIDE ON A BUDGET THAT FEELS RIGHT FOR YOU

There is no correct amount to spend on an engagement ring. 

Having a comfortable budget in mind simply gives your jeweller a starting point. From there, different combinations of stones, metals and designs can be explored to find an option that suits both your preferences and your budget. 

Being open about your budget can actually make the process easier. It allows your jeweller to focus on the options that make sense for you rather than presenting choices that aren't relevant. 

READY TO WEAR OR CUSTOM MADE ?

You also don't need to decide immediately whether you want a ready to wear or custom made engagement ring. 

You may find exactly what you're looking for in an existing design. Alternatively, trying on different rings may help you discover that you love the stone shape from one design, the setting from another, and would like to bring those ideas together in a custom piece. 

Creating a custom engagement ring gives you the opportunity to consider each element individually, from the precious metal and centre stone through to the setting, band and finer design details. 

Sometimes the process of looking is what helps you discover what you really want. 

Choosing an engagement ring doesn't have to begin with knowing exactly what you want. Sometimes, the best place to start is with a few ideas, an open mind and the opportunity to see what feels right in person. 

At Samford Jewellers, we can guide you through the different stones, setting, precious metals and design options at your own pace. Whether you find the perfect ring in our ready to wear collection or decide to create something entirely your own, we'll help you find a ring that feels right for you.