A Groom’s Ring Guide

From classic to the dramatic! Tastes in engagement rings span a wide spectrum of choices. So it’s easy to see why a groom can become slightly overwhelmed.

Some couples prefer to go ring shopping together. This is particularly so if the bride is very specific on her likes and dislikes. However, if this is a solo job for the groom-to-be, it means having to do some research on her preferences for diamond cut, gemstone colour, diamond size, ring settings and type of metal (gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum etc.)

Here are some tips when choosing an engagement ring:

1.  Setting your budget – The majority of grooms spend about 10-15% of their annual income on the engagement ring. Of course, this varies, but it is important to have a price range in mind before you venture out ring shopping.

2.   Use her existing ring styles as a starting point – This can clue you in on her style; for example, some brides feel it may be better to be demure and understated with their jewellery choices, others feel quite the opposite! Observe whether her rings are more simple or more ornate or whether they are more antique or more modern.

3.  Know her ring size– The last thing you would want to happen is to try to propose with a ring that just won’t fit her finger! It is much better to err on the side of the ring being a bit larger, since then, it is easier to re-size. A good tip is to place one of her rings on your pinky finger and make a mental note of where it stops or if you can manage it, without her seeing, trace the inside of one of her rings on paper.

4.  Research what diamond cut she prefers – Modern brides have many choices in terms of diamond cuts. The most popular one is the traditional round cut (circular diamond). However, others are also gaining in popularity such as the “emerald” cut (rectangular), the “princess” cut (square-shaped), the “marquise” (which looks like a teardrop that is pointy on both ends) and the “pear” (teardrop). |

5.  Colour – Clear diamonds are the favourite of the majority of women. However, some more unconventional ladies may not mind a coloured gemstone at all. Popular colours now are pink and yellow diamonds and even sapphires, after the fashion of the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton’s ring.

6.  Find out the store’s policy – Be sure to ask the jeweler about the policy on returns and refunds and also about repairs, adjustments and diamond upgrades.

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