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.

For more articles & tips, join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/trinidadweddings or visit our website http://www.trinidadweddings.com

 

 

The Be-jewelled Bride

From classic to the dramatic! Tastes in bridal jewellery span a wide spectrum of choices. Some brides feel it may be better to be demure and understated with their jewellery choices, others feel quite the opposite.

These are the brides that won’t shy away from “glam-ing” it up with a statement necklace, a bold pair of earrings, a glamourous cocktail ring or a show-stopping bracelet. Ideally, your jewellery should accentuate your best features like your eyes, cheekbones, décolletage, neck and hair.


The only word of caution is to be careful not to over-accessorise, so that your natural beauty and gown can bask in the limelight and not your baubles and bangles!


Here are some tips when choosing your bridal jewellery:


1. Use the embellishments on your dress as the starting point – for example, if your gown is adorned with crystals, pearls, silver or gold embroidery; your jewellery could reflect those accents.


2. Know what metal types will complement your dress – Some fashion experts recommend that brides who wear “bright white” gowns should stay away from gold wedding jewellery and should choose platinum, silver hues or pearls instead. They also claim that off-white gowns match well with gold or silver wedding jewellery, as well as rose-gold. Gowns in shades of ivory tend to look best with gold jewellery.


3. Match your jewellery with your personality – If you’re a traditional or classic bride, jewellery encrusted with pearls, crystals, diamonds and cubic zirconia are all excellent choices. If you veer more to the unconventional, you can try Marcasite jewellery, coloured gemstones, or pearls in shades of blue-grey, black, cocoa, pink, peach or lavender. If you love medieval-inspired looks, you can even try “browbands” which are romantic and worn across the forehead, reminiscent of medieval princesses.


4. Match your necklace to the neck-line of your dress – V-neck dresses lend themselves well to Y-drop necklaces, lariat-style necklaces or necklaces with a drop pendant. Halter dresses do not necessarily have to have a necklace but brides can opt for elegant earrings and a bracelet instead. Sweet-heart necklines can follow the same rule as for halter dresses or a choker or pendant necklace can be worn.

Asymmetric or cold-shoulder necklines usually do not require a necklace either, since this can sometimes be distracting and take away from the cut of the gown. Round necklines tend to go well with round necklaces or chokers.


5. Selecting your headpiece – if your gown is very ornate, it may be best to go with an understated headpiece; however, if your dress is simple, you can use a more eye-catching headpiece such as a jewelled or beaded tiara or even a jewelled bun-wrap.

Return to: http://www.trinidadweddings.com