Christmas is a time for celebration and being with those you love. So, it comes as no surprise that it’s also the most popular time for getting engaged.
‘While destination proposals have grown in recent years, they still can’t rival the number of engagements that occur on Christmas Day,’ explains Laura Lambert, founder of luxury jewellery brand Fenton. In fact, brands like Fenton see more customers from October onwards each year than at any other time, as prospective spouses start planning to pop the big question during the festive break.
However, while saying ‘yes’ may be one of the happiest moments of someone’s life, picking a ring can be one of the most stressful. With so many options to choose from (and that’s before you add in the possibility of a bespoke design), it can feel overwhelming and impossible to get right.
That’s where YOU Magazine comes in. We’ve sat down to chat with some of our favourite engagement ring experts to discover the biggest mistakes people make when choosing an engagement ring. Read on to find out how to avoid making them, too.
1. Not setting a budget from the outset
Sustainable jewellery brand Lylie has helped thousands of happy couples find their dream ring. But, one of the Lylie team’s biggest tips is to keep to a strict budget to avoid added stress. ‘While we firmly believe an engagement ring’s worth comes from the meaning behind it, money does play a role in determining which you choose. Our recommendation is to set a budget from the outset and stick to it.’
2. Choosing a ring that doesn’t fit their lifestyle
One of the most common mistakes people make when shopping for an engagement ring is choosing a ring without taking the recipient’s lifestyle into account.
‘Some settings and centre stones are not suited to very active lifestyles, and it leaves the wearer in the difficult position of worrying about their ring constantly, not wearing it as often, or risking damage,’ says Fenton’s Lambert. She advises people to consider the practicality, and not just the aesthetics, during the ring search.
Similarly, some designs are much more high maintenance than others, and this should also be considered when making final choices. For example, emeralds are more sensitive to chemicals and heat changes, while claw settings (as opposed to bezel settings) allow dirt to build up behind stones and so require more regular cleaning.
3. Not getting organised early enough
With one in five Fenton customers now opting for bespoke ring designs, Lambert also notes the importance of planning ahead. ‘It can take time to work through the process: both for us, in terms of refining the design and sourcing the perfect centre stone, but also for the customer to take the time to digest all options before deciding on their perfect design.’
4. Not involving their partner
‘I see a lot of stressed people out there, trying to create a once-in-a-lifetime ring in secrecy,’ says jewellery designer Laura Vann. This can add an unnecessary level of stress. Instead, she suggests working together with a partner to find the perfect style. ‘I totally understand the romance of a surprise proposal but, unless you’re certain about what your partner would like, it might be simpler to take the pressure off by getting them involved in the process with you.’
The V by Laura Vann founder says you can still surprise a loved one with an affordable placeholder ring for the proposal, and then work with them after to find the perfect forever style.
5. Guessing your partner’s ring size
Perhaps one of the most common issues when buying an engagement ring is working out if it’ll actually fit. ‘You don’t have to get it exactly right, but ensuring your partner can put the ring on comfortably at the proposal is a reflection of the thought that has gone into it,’ says Rachel Boston.
Many brands now offer guides to help find the perfect fit. We recommend this guide from Rachel’s eponymous luxury jewellery label. Similarly, Lylie offers an online app that can figure it out for you using your phone.
Lylie founder Eliza Walter also suggests that anyone who thinks they may be the recipient of a future engagement ring have their finger sized by a local jeweller. It’s then a great idea to inform your partner, or someone else close to them, the size. ‘Engagement rings can be resized after the proposal, but it’s always best to get as close to the correct size as possible to not affect the integrity of the final ring structure,’ she adds.
6. Prioritising stone specification over anything else
While it’s easy to get caught up in trying to find the biggest, or most expensive, stone possible. This can mean you miss out on some really stunning rings just because they don’t fit your specifications on paper. The clarity rating of diamonds, for example, includes VS stones (which have only very minor flaws) and SI stones (slightly more flawed, and therefore cheaper).
‘Some clients come to me with the exact specification they want, and may not want to look at anything less,’ Laura Vann tells us. ‘However, just because a stone has a better grade on paper doesn’t mean that it looks better in person. I’ve seen some terrible VS stones and some beautiful SI stones, so I always encourage customers to choose based on what they see, not what the paper says – plus it could save them hundreds!’
Now shop our favourite stylist-approved engagement rings…
The Side Cluster Cathedral Oval Ring
Rounded Diamond Ring
Minerva Solitaire Ring
East West Solar Diamond Ring
Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Halo Ring
Emerald Cut Diamond with Green Sapphires Ring
Era Bezel 14k Gold Lab-grown Diamond Ring
Deco Oval Cut Solitaire Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold
Eva Oval Ring
The Floral Diamond Quintet
Ring, £3,600, Sophie Breitmeyer
The Cecil Ring