How to choose an engagement ring?

Introduction

The long-awaited moment has finally arrived! You're planning to propose soon and you need everything to be perfect! Or do you want to choose your engagement ring with your fiancé? But how do you choose the ideal ring? What are the different tips to ensure that the ring will please them/you? What are the traditions? How do you choose or wear an engagement ring?

These are the main questions we will answer in this article.

Important concepts

First of all, what is an engagement ring? What is the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding band?

The engagement ring is the piece of jewelry offered during a proposal. Wedding bands, usually simple rings worn indefinitely, are the pieces of jewelry exchanged at the time of the wedding. Traditionally, engagement rings are made of gold, yellow or white, and are adorned with one or more stones. The engagement ring is placed on the left ring finger. Once married, you have 3 choices:

• Moving the engagement ring to the right ring finger,
• Keeping the engagement ring in a safe place as a keepsake or for a future inheritance,
• Or combining the wedding band with the engagement ring.

If you want to know more about wedding bands, we invite you to visit our article dedicated to choosing them right here!

Tips to guide you

You might not realize it, but your significant other has probably already unintentionally sounded you out about their dream piece of jewelry. Indeed, depending on their habits or personality, you can easily gather valuable information that can inspire you to create the perfect engagement ring!

Let's start with their interest in jewelry. Check which brands they follow, like, and save on social media or during their shopping sprees. Observe the general style of their jewelry collection; do they own a lot? This can tell you if they would prefer something more discreet, accentuated, or original.

Examine their habits, particularly their clothing taste, whether it's understated or sophisticated, with dark or light colors. What is their favorite material or which one best suits their skin tone?

Analyze their personality. Are they a creative person, do they mix colors? Do they look for particular designs? In addition, does your significant other have a passion? Is there a distinct shape that would have special meaning for them?

By deciphering all these questions, you may be able to decide on certain details such as the choice of stones, the design of the ring, or the choice of material. If you lack inspiration, let us specifically advise you on the different specificities of the engagement ring.

Models & Materials

There are generally 2 main engagement ring models:

• The Solitaire ring: this model is defined by the presence of a single central stone.

• The Halo ring: based on the previous model, the halo ring has several stones arranged around the central stone.

What material for the engagement ring?

It is customary to make engagement rings from gold. Therefore, we recommend choosing between white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold, but we also offer palladium. To make your choice, trust your instinct, their interests, habits, and personality!

Stones & Shapes

Which stone to choose?

Engagement rings are traditionally set with diamonds. A symbol of eternity and strength, the price of a diamond varies depending on its quality. The 4Cs are used as a reference:

• Carat (based on its weight and dimensions)
• Color (shades classified from D to Z, from colorless to light yellow)
• Cut (its shape and size, which affect the quality of its brilliance)
• Clarity (degree of inclusions and appearance)

Inspired by British traditions, it is becoming increasingly common to use sapphires on engagement rings. A symbol of peace and fidelity, this precious stone is an excellent alternative to diamond.

Which stone shape to choose?

We have identified 12 different stone shapes, which we present below:

We advise you to avoid shapes with overly sharp points. However, you can adjust the size of the stone. It's also important to anticipate the potential combination of the engagement ring with the future wedding band and therefore adapt the design accordingly!

Ring size

You are certainly wondering about the width to choose; here are our recommendations:

For women:

• 1.5 mm: this is the classic width for women between 44 and 47
• 2 mm: beyond being the standard size for women, it is the classic width for women between 48 and 52
• 2.5 mm: this is the classic width for women between 53 and 57
• 3 mm: this is the classic width for women between 58 and 62

For men:

• 2 mm: this is the classic width for men between 48 and 52
• 2.5 mm: beyond being the standard size for men, it is the classic width for men between 53 and 57
• 3 mm: this is the classic width for men between 58 and 60
• 3.5 mm: this is the classic width for men between 61 and 63
• 4 mm: this is the classic width for men between 64 and 66

Of course, this is purely indicative and depends on your tastes. For example, you can add half a millimeter if you want the ring to be more visible.

Nevertheless, if in doubt, you can always discreetly borrow a ring from your partner to determine their finger size. But be careful! You must be sure that the ring in question fits their ring finger!

Estimating the budget for an engagement ring

The cost of an engagement ring is generally high, with the price varying depending on the weight of the ring (and thus its size), the material used, and the stones and their size.

In France, it is said that an engagement ring is typically estimated to cost one to two, or at most three, months' salary.

However, the most important thing is to achieve the desired result, choose a model she appreciates, and a brand you trust and can work with. Ultimately, the budget is secondary; what matters is the ring itself and what it represents to you.

Made in France

France is renowned as the most romantic country, so why look elsewhere?

Offer her a piece of jewelry that will mark her life, specially designed in France in our Parisian workshops by exceptional and trustworthy artisans. What more could you wish for? French craftsmanship guarantees you better quality, more eco-friendly consumption, luxurious and refined products, and above all, respected ethical values.

Conclusion

To conclude, know that no matter the ring, your beloved's answer won't change. To avoid putting extra pressure on yourself, try to plan ahead. It's necessary to take your time to think and consider everything while being discreet!