We know choosing an can be stressful, but it does not have to be. You should be happy and confident in your choice because after all this is a to be treasured and worn every day, long after the wedding, as a symbol of your happiness.
A Few of the Practicalities to Consider
Given that this is such an important decision, you may decide that you would like your partner to be involved in choosing their ideal If this is the case, Annoushka are happy for you to buy a “proposal ring”, which can be credited and put towards a ring you can then choose, or design with your partner. This option allows for the romantic surprise proposal, but with far less pressure!
If you decide to do it alone, we understand that this might be one of the biggest purchases you have ever made, but it does not have to be painful. We are here to guide you through the process and make your engagement experience smooth, relaxed and most importantly, fun. Give yourself time and remember that your will probably take around six weeks to be made.
You might already have a budget in mind, or if not, tradition suggests three months’ salary is an appropriate amount to spend. Whatever your budget, here are the other practicalities you might want to think about.
Getting the Right Size
With a surprise proposal, getting the right size is key. To help with this, we have a very discreet and easy to use ring-sizing card, small enough to slip into your wallet, which we can pop in the post on request. Use this to measure a that they wear, most ideally on the third finger of either hand or, better still, bring a into one of the Annoushka boutiques where we will size it on the spot.
Choosing the Right Style
When it comes to style, ask yourself what kind of person they are, and what type of lifestyle they lead. Thinking about how they like to spend their time will help you decide the style and setting of the ring. If they are an active person and intend on wearing the every day, bezel set rings, where the stones sit flush against the band, are more practical than claw settings, where the stone sits on top of the band. This is because flush set rings are less likely to catch or be impacted by sports and can easily be worn underneath gloves. If that’s not a concern, a claw setting is a versatile and traditional option, often allowing a single stone to take centre stage.
Deciding on the Metal
Gold has long been the first choice for many when it comes to At Annoushka we believe solid is the ideal metal for crafting fine jewellery and we are proud to say that our Love and Commitment collection is exclusively made using recycled gold. 18ct solid gold shines with lustre while still being durable, it will always keep integrity by retaining its colour and value. The only decision you would have to make is between 18ct yellow, white or
The rarest, purest and hardest of all metals is platinum: its natural white colour will last a lifetime and it works just as well when used in both modern and vintage settings. If you need direction on this, it’s useful to look at what jewellery tones your partner already wears, or if they don’t really wear jewellery, we can help guide you based on their skin tone: paler skin tones tend to suit yellow and rose gold, whereas olive and darker skin colours can carry any colour of gold.
Selecting the Best Stone or Diamond
may be a girl’s best friend, but when considering the stone or stones for your ring, Annoushka celebrates both the traditional and the more modern in a variety of diamond, precious and semi-precious gemstones – in our view there is so much beauty in the subtlety of the colour, shape and inclusions of a stone. Should you be in the pursuit of a more traditional diamond, you may want to consider “the 4 C’s”, which we have outlined below. It is worth noting that all Annoushka diamond come independently certified as standard.
If your partner likes colour and favours something a little less traditional, there are many lovely precious gemstones to choose from and Annoushka Ducas uses many different stones both precious and semi-precious within her Love and Commitment rings.
In recent years, (Prince William’s choice for Kate Middleton), emeralds and rubies and other semi-precious stones have become increasingly popular as an alternative to diamonds or combined with diamonds. Annoushka’s own which was the first piece of jewellery she had ever designed, features a bezel set central ruby surrounded by pavé set diamonds, with baguette rubies down the shank.
Before visiting the jewellers, Annoushka had been determined to have an emerald, and it was only when she tried a ruby against her hand, that she appreciated how striking it was on her skin tone. As such, we always encourage you to keep an open mind, as there is there is a lot to be said for the unexpected.
Consider the Cut of the Stone
Whether you choose a diamond or a coloured gemstone, the shape and cut of the stone is another decision we can help you navigate. The options are varied, each name referring to the way the stone has been faceted or cut, allowing for optimal light refraction, or sparkle. While the differences in faceting are subtle, there are obvious shapes to look out for – the more traditional round brilliant cut, boat shaped marquise cut, vintage looking emerald cut or popular cushion; these simple line drawings are an easy visual aid.
Old Versus New the Things to Know
If your partner has hinted that they might like a vintage or antique ring, this is great insight into their taste, but it is important you know the facts. Older while filled with sentiment and individuality, were not designed or crafted to withstand our modern lifestyles.
Consider what comes next - now!
As with any significant decision, it is always wise to consider the whole picture, and the engagement ring is just the start.
Traditionally this ring is worn alongside a exchanged on the big day, which is why it makes sense to consider this at the same time as choosing the so that the two are a perfect fit. Beyond the big day, anniversary milestones, as well as births, can also be marked with a simple ring set continuously with small stones. While this all might seem a long way off, it is worth ensuring that the you choose, allows other bands to sit alongside it perfectly.
Whether you are at the beginning of your journey and looking for some expert advice or feel confident that you know what you are looking for, we are extremely happy to help.
Pop in-store and have a chat over a glass of Champagne or book a consultation online and let us do the hard work for you.
