A proposal is, in its essence, a symbolic gesture to affirm that you are ready for the next stage - marriage. It is a big step, so choosing an engagement ring can cause a lot of stress. On one hand, an engagement ring has romantic value, but on the other, societal pressure, existing preconceptions, and marketing have turned the value of love into monetary terms. To understand what is most essential when choosing an engagement ring, let's look at the practical and emotional aspects associated with it.

Diamonds - a girl's best friend?

Today, the answer to this question is no longer unambiguous. Although we usually imagine an engagement ring as large and sparkling, nowadays, when choosing jewelry, increasing attention is paid to its origin - whether precious metals and gemstones are obtained in a fair and ethical way. How to find out the origin of a ring? In fact, the answer is quite simple - if the website of the chosen brand does not contain the relevant information or if the jeweler cannot provide it, it is advisable to choose another brand or jeweler , as today it has become a standard to be able to openly tell the client about these aspects. It is also advisable to invest a little time to research the specific brand, as each jewelry manufacturer has its own story and values. Since the ring is a purchase for life, it is important that the jeweler's approach and beliefs are understandable to you. Also, perhaps a prominent brand name is important to you, for which you usually have to pay extra, but perhaps for a similar price, it is possible to purchase a more precious ring from a less recognized brand.

Of course, high-quality and skillfully cut brilliant diamonds are a timeless and proven value, so if you stick to this classic value, you should inquire about the diamond's color, clarity, shape, and weight, which determine its value, to be sure that you are paying for appropriate quality. If, however, you want something more affordable, laboratory-grown diamonds are gaining increasing popularity, which, by the way, are also more environmentally friendly. When choosing them, however, it should be noted that they are relatively new, so it is not known what their value will be in the future. This is important if you see the ring not only as a symbolic but also as a financial investment that may also be passed on to future generations. If the sparkle of an engagement ring is important, rather than its exclusivity, you can also consider artificially created brilliant moissanite, the most popular diamond substitute, and the semi-precious stone cubic zirconia.

Providing another answer to the question of whether diamonds are a girl's best friend - it depends on the specific girl. For one, a romantic proposal with a sparkling ring is an important gesture, and she will wear it with pride every day, but another might consider them superfluous ostentation and feel uncomfortable wearing a flashy gemstone daily.

Find your perfect engagement ring here: WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Read also: ON WHICH HAND TO WEAR THE RING?

Engagement ring trends

Of course, an engagement ring is a piece of jewelry that will be worn and kept for a lifetime, so its choice should primarily be guided by personal taste and desires, leaving trends in the background. However, there are some current trends that will definitely stand the test of time.

This year, oval-shaped gemstones are particularly popular, and they don't necessarily have to be diamonds. To add individuality and color to the ring, various gemstones can be chosen; the most popular are emerald, ruby, and sapphire, but you can certainly choose others, only then you need to specifically inquire about their hardness and durability so that their surface does not deform or get damaged with daily wear. It is also current to choose a ring with two different gemstones. Returning to the shape of gemstones - they can be various, but the mentioned oval shape is actually one of the most comfortable to wear, as it has no sharp edges that could get caught somewhere.

Continuing about gemstones, this year rings with smaller stones are also popular. Obtrusive brand logos on clothing and flashy gemstones in jewelry have recently been replaced by quiet luxury, which means that much more attention is paid to quality and timeless, tasteful values. Moreover, a large and expensive stone is not always better - a smaller stone will be much more comfortable to wear daily. Individuality and uniqueness will also gain increasing importance, which is why couples are increasingly choosing diamonds with various apparent imperfections - different shades or small impurities.

The use of different metals in jewelry is an already fairly established trend, so there is no need to worry that the chosen ring might be made of a different material than the rest of the future bride's jewelry. Increasingly, for example, white and yellow gold are combined. Although it is usually recommended to think in advance about what material the wedding ring will be made of, today it is no longer so relevant, as the engagement ring and wedding ring can be made of different materials. The most popular precious metals for rings are silver, white, yellow, and rose gold, as well as platinum.

Heirloom and custom-made rings

A ring passed down from generation to generation has a deeply symbolic value, but the specific situation must be carefully evaluated so that it does not become a burden. You need to think about your and the future bride's relationship with the family. For one, it will be an honor to receive a generational ring, but for another, it can become a burden because she will not feel an emotional connection to the ring. You can consider personalizing the inherited ring by changing some of its details. Heirloom rings are usually in a vintage style, but not all women choose to wear jewelry of this style. However, if vintage matches the future bride's taste, it is a responsible and commendable choice, as vintage rings are more environmentally friendly.

Custom-made rings are undoubtedly very special. However, if you choose such a ring, you must have strong confidence in the chosen design, as such rings cannot be exchanged or returned. It is also important to choose a skilled jeweler who will be able to realize your wishes in the best possible form. By the way, when choosing both a jeweler and a ring brand, you should find out about the possibilities of changing the ring size, exchanging or repairing it, as well as maintaining and cleaning it. Another nuance to discuss with the jeweler is whether the ring can be made from re-melted precious metals. Perhaps there are some family jewels that can be re-melted or gemstones that can be used in the ring. In this way, it is also possible to give the ring additional sentimental value.

How expensive should an engagement ring be?

There is a myth that the price of an engagement ring should be at least one month's salary, preferably even two or three. However, this is an old marketing trick that has become established and created a general perception of how valuable an engagement ring should be. With such a setting, people are encouraged to spend more than they can afford. Rather, when setting a budget for a ring, you should consider your values and financial situation, not follow abstract standards.

Of course, a ring can serve as a status symbol and a confirmation of financial wealth, but today such symbols are gradually losing their meaning, and the symbolic meaning of the ring is much more important. Perhaps the ring is made of less precious gemstones, but it has a special story. Perhaps material values are insignificant to you. These are the nuances to consider to make a conscious and financially sound choice.

What is a temporary engagement ring?

Discreetly finding out the beloved's wishes causes a lot of stress for men. You can try to find situations to subtly talk about jewelry and gemstones, ask for an opinion about an acquaintance's engagement ring. Perhaps even watch a romantic movie, specifically discussing the proposal scene during it. Maybe you regularly give your beloved jewelry, and she receives it with joy, but you can never know - perhaps she does it out of politeness, but in reality, her taste is slightly different.

An engagement ring is still a special piece of jewelry, and you wouldn't want the future bride to wear it just to avoid hurting her beloved's feelings. Many choose to ask friends and relatives for advice, but one must also be careful with this so that the friend doesn't blab, and evaluate whether she truly knows the intended person's taste and won't choose a ring that she herself likes.

Good news for men - a trend has emerged to propose with a simpler and cheaper ring, and after the proposal, to go together to choose the real engagement ring. By choosing this scenario, the element of surprise, so important in a proposal, is preserved, but there is no need to worry about whether the intended person will truly like the ring, as she will have the opportunity to choose it herself.

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If your finger is adorned with an engagement ring worth thousands - congratulations! If you have been proposed to, but the ring does not match your taste, it can certainly be modified, exchanged, or adjusted, just explain your wishes to your beloved with gratitude and empathy. If you have decided to get married but without the classic proposal with a ring - that's also perfect! Regardless of what the ring may or may not be, the main thing is that you know that you and your beloved have symbolically confirmed your desire to start a life together in marriage.

Article author: Renāte Berga