The perfect engagement ring will look different for everyone. It is a personal choice depending on your personality and preferences of design, gemstone, period, and budget. The good news is that there are now more options than ever when it comes to choosing your perfect engagement ring, with traditions starting to fade and more and more couples looking for a piece that is personal and unique to them. Here we take a look at some of the things to consider when setting out on the journey to your perfect ring.

 

Traditions around engagement rings

 

History

 

Engagement rings are believed to date back to Ancient Roman times and are thought to have been a sign of ownership as well as mutual love. At that time, diamonds and other high value gems didn’t feature highly in an engagement ring, and it was more likely to be made from bone, copper or ivory.

Gold had become the metal of choice by 850 when Pope Nicholas I made the engagement ring an official representation of intention to marry, but it wasn’t until the 15th century that engagement rings began to symbolise unity. At that time, gimmel rings of three bands were popular because of their symbolism – one band was worn by the bride, one by the groom and the third would connect the two on the wedding day. In the 17th and 18th centuries, posy rings with their intricate inscriptions of love poetry came into fashion.

 

Diamonds

 

One of the earliest written records of a diamond ring being given as part of a betrothal is the one given by Archduke Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. Later, in the Victorian and Edwardian period, diamonds were paired with other gemstones to create ornate engagement rings.

But it was an ad campaign in 1947 that sealed the union between diamonds and engagement rings. Run by a diamond mining company, the ad’s slogan ‘A Diamond is Forever’ intrinsically linked diamonds with the engagement ring and led sales to rocket. Recently it’s become popular again to consider other gemstones for engagement rings.

Who chooses the ring?

 

Despite the tradition of the engagement ring being chosen by the man, around two thirds of couples now shop for an engagement ring together. Not only is it a special thing to do for both of you but it relieves the pressure of making the right choice for your partner and ensures they will love the ring they’ll be wearing for the rest of their life.

 

Who gives and wears the ring?

 

Equally, the tradition in western cultures of only women wearing an engagement ring as a sign of betrothal is changing too. As the nature of modern relationships and equality has changed, it is becoming more common for both women and men to give and wear engagement rings to symbolise their commitment to each other.

 

What kind of engagement ring to choose?

 

 

Can any ring be an engagement ring?

 

In the same way that the traditions of choosing and giving an engagement ring have changed, so too have expectations around what the ring should look like.

Traditionally, an engagement ring was expected to feature one or more diamonds or valuable gemstones set in a precious metal such as gold or platinum. Today’s engagement rings come in a huge variety of designs, from simple bands or single stones to extravagant statements.

And a growing number of people now prefer to choose a ring that is meaningful to them and reflects their style and individuality. This means there are no longer any hard and fast rules and pretty much any ring can be given to mark your engagement and commitment to your partner. While traditionally the quality of the gemstone has been a key factor in choosing an engagement ring, there is so much more to it than the stone’s colour, cut, clarity and carat. Choose a ring that is special to you, even if the gems have some natural flaws.

However, if you intend to wear your engagement ring every day, it may be wise to think about the ring’s durability, so your perfect ring will last a lifetime. Some gemstones such as opals and pearls are less durable than others, while some metals wear more quickly than others. It’s also easy to get caught up in the current trends and lose sight of what kind of ring you’ll still love in years to come.

 

Antique engagement rings

 

An antique engagement ring is a great choice if you are looking for a unique piece.

Antique rings can be found in a range of styles and colours that reflect fashions through the ages, including Art Deco, Edwardian and Victorian. Specialist fine jewellers will have an ever-changing selection of beautiful, high quality rings that have been assessed for quality, condition and authenticity.

Some vintage and antique rings come with a provenance that adds an extra depth and meaning to them. Perhaps the best example of this is an heirloom ring that has been passed down through generations of your family and has a particular emotional significance for you. If you’re lucky enough to have a ring of this kind you may wish to remodel, adapt or update its style or size to better reflect your taste. A specialist jeweller should also be able to help you with this.

 

Ethical choices

 

Sustainably sourced gemstones and precious metals are a consideration for many people when choosing an engagement ring. If this is important to you, purchase a ring with gemstones and precious metals that are traceable from an ethical source. Or you might prefer to choose an antique or vintage engagement ring, thereby re-using an existing ring instead of buying one that has been newly produced.

 

Styles of engagement ring

 

From rings with bling to understated, dainty bands, the choice is endless when it comes to the shape, size and style of your engagement ring. The traditional solitaire white diamond is still a popular choice, or you could choose a style with several gemstones, perhaps adding a touch of colour with an emerald or sapphire. Even the black engagement ring has become popular recently.

And how about the cut of the stone? From on-trend ovals to the traditional round brilliant cut, the princess or the timeless cushion, or unique shapes such as the rose cut, again there is a huge choice.

 

Bespoke engagement rings

 

Some people prefer to have their rings custom made to their own design for a truly unique and personal appearance. Bespoke engagement rings can feature specially-sourced stones and different craft techniques such as engraving and filagree for a truly one of a kind piece.

 

Where to buy your engagement ring

 

Many people head to the high street for their engagement ring but there are some other options that are well worth considering.

An independent fine jeweller will not only offer a more specialist and personalised service but will also be able to help you find something unique. If you are looking for a vintage or antique engagement ring, a fine jewellery specialist will be able to advise and assist you in finding a piece with history and provenance. They may also be able to direct you to pieces at auction, which is a great place for finding something individual at a competitive price.

 

Engagement rings at Susan Rumfitt Fine Jewellery

 

Buying an engagement ring with Susan Rumfitt is a wonderful experience in itself. Pay a visit with your partner to the Harrogate showroom to have a chat with Susan about what you are looking for. With her wealth of knowledge and expertise in fine jewellery, Susan will be able to guide you in choosing the perfect engagement ring. You’ll also be able to view the unique pieces specially chosen by Susan for her Fine Jewellery Gallery Collection.

Take a look at our selection of wedding and engagement rings here or book an appointment by emailing us at contact@susanrumfitt.com