How to Choose the Right Wedding Ring!

Are you looking to pop the question to your significant other? If so, how do you know what to look for in a ring?

This not simply a piece of jewellery to treasure and delight, this jewel is one which is required to last a lifetime. Choosing the perfect ring is vitally important, after all, each time you or your partner glances down at their hand, she will see this precious ring. We’ve compiled a list for you to think on when approaching the various beautiful diamonds on offer in lavish settings.

Whether shopping alone, and surprising that special person on the day, or shopping together, here are some important factors to consider before actually getting down to trying rings on.

Band type:

What type of material do you – or your partner – prefer?

Titanium

Extremely hard, lighter and more resistant to scratches than most metals, titanium has become a popular option for grooms.

Silver

Whilst beautiful is a relatively soft metal and will tarnish over time – so if you’re an active person then it might be better to look for something a bit stronger.

Platinum

The strongest jewellery metal, resistant to damage, and won’t tarnish.

Palladium

A beautiful & cost-effective alternative to platinum, palladium engagement rings are lighter in weight and naturally tarnish resistant.

Gold

There are various types of gold rings available – the colour and style of the ring is very much down to your taste. With gold rings, the higher the carat, the softer the ring and the less durable it becomes.

Gold – Resistant to corrosion, rust and tarnish, gold engagement rings are a timeless choice.

White gold – Finished with rhodium so they’re durable and long lasting

Yellow gold – a great complement to many skin tones, giving a great character and glow

Rose gold – The copper alloy added to the gold, creates a rosy pink tone to the band.

Also remember that if you’re buying for your lady, she might want her engagement ring to match her wedding ring. Many couples like to have matching wedding rings as well, so the colour and material needs to be something you also have an affinity with.

The Four C’s: Take these four C’s into account when you’re looking for THE ring:

Carat

Referring to the unit measurement of the diamond and its weight. Engagement rings are often 1 carat, but this will depend on budget.

Colour

Colours are graded from D (colourless & rare) – most good quality diamonds will be around F and H.

Clarity

Diamonds are naturally occurring and therefore, have imperfections – the less imperfections, the greater the clarity of the diamond, meaning more light reflected by the diamond, thus increasing their sparkle.

The scale used to grade clarity goes from F1 for a flawless diamond, to VVS1 and VVS2 for very slight inclusions, to VS1 and VS2 for very slight inclusions, SI1 and SI2 for slight inclusions and I1, I2 and I3 for imperfect diamonds.

Cut

there are various cuts of diamonds to choose from including:

Marquise – an oval with pointed ends

Cushion – a cross between a rectangle and an oval

Emerald – rectangular with cropped corners and long, stair-step like facets

Asscher – similar to an emerald cut, but square, the ring looks octagonal

Princess – A brilliant square stone

Round – A round stone with 58 facets, it has the most sparkle

Heart- shaped – This diamond is in the shape of a heart

Pear Cut – Shaped like a pear

Look at your, or her, current jewellery. What jewellery is worn all the time, not just occasionally, this will give you a better idea of what engagement ring might be the best.

If diamonds aren’t your main choice of style, then look at other options, coloured diamonds, sapphires and rubies are all popular choices for engagement rings as well – just remember this is your or your partner’s ring – you have to love it.

Whilst these are some of the main things to look for whilst engagement ring shopping, remember to choose a good jeweller.

Johnsons Jewellers has a wide array of stunning engagement rings from around the world, sourced by our in house experts. We can also create a purely unique ring to suit you or your partner with our in house design team. Create a personalised and truly one of kind ring, all for you.

Not only this, but we also have some of the best ring brands in the world – including Hearts on Fire, Kissing Diamonds, Ti Sento and Carat. Browse our collection online and see what takes your fancy, and pop into the store where we can take you through the entire process.

We will create, design or find THE perfect ring for you. Check us out via our profile link above.