Getting married is one of the biggest moments in your life and the ring will last a lifetime, so it’s important to get it right!
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Designing your ring
1) Go it alone and guarantee a complete surprise.
Having worked on many engagement rings, I have an understanding of what works really well. I’m always happy to share my knowledge with you and guide you through the process.
2) Ask her/your friend(s) for help in the style and look of the ring.
Both asking her friends and your friends for advice is a great option but choose who you ask carefully, you don’t want them to let the ‘cat out of the bag’. Also think about who she goes shopping with and who knows her style well. I’ve previously worked with clients and friends during consultations.
3) Propose first, buy the ring second.
If you’re really unsure it maybe best to pop the question first, then we can all work on the ring together to create the perfect ring for your fiancé.
If you have a design in mind, for a small extra cost I can make it in silver so that you can pop the question with a ring and then we can check the design with your fiancé before I create the final version.
Another option is to create a few different designs which I can print and place in a presentation pack, so you can discuss your ideas with you fiancé over your engagement.
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How much to spend on an engagement ring
As a bespoke jeweller I create rings for all budgets and I’m happy to work to yours too. I am often asked, ‘how much should I spend?’ and the answer depends on how much you want to spend and what you are looking for!
If you’re thinking of very complex design with lots of diamonds it’s going to have more work than a single stone diamond ring. This is worth bearing in mind when looking at designs.
My prices start at £1,500 for a platinum and diamond ring and go up from there.
One of my clients once said to me ‘I’m only doing it once so I want it to last a life time’ and he decided to stretch himself a little extra to get the next size and quality of sapphire for the centre of her engagement ring. In ‘X’ years’ time I’m sure they will both be glad of his decision.
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How to choose a diamond
If you are one of the 75% of men who go for a classic diamond-set engagement ring then you might have heard about ‘the 4C’s’ – but what does this mean?
Diamonds are graded using the 4C’s (Colour, Cut, Clarity and Carat). All of these will effect the ‘beauty’ of the diamond and its price. Please follow the link to my diamond guide: James’ Diamond guide
My diamonds come with a GIA certificate, unless otherwise agreed. I would recommend being a little careful with other gemological bodies certificates. As with driving licences, the standards vary between different countries. This is also the case when it comes to diamond grading standards. GIA is renowned for being the most consistent and the most stringent in their grading which is why they have the reputation for being ‘the best’.
Just remember diamond grading is subjective and “you’re buying a diamond not the piece of paper it comes with.”
I am a certified Gem-A diamond grader so I am very happy to advise you on stone quality and properties. I check all my diamonds before purchase.
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What precious metal to go for
The main consideration is colour – does she like white (platinum, palladium or white gold), yellow (gold) or rose (gold). More information about metals can be found my metal’s guide: James’ metal Guide
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If you would like anymore information about choosing the perfect engagement ring, please get in touch.
Bespoke Engagement Ring Inspiration
