Before you can make the choice of a perfect engagement ring, you need to set out some guidelines. These are some points I offer, after more than four decades in the jewellery business to make the perfect selection:

1. Know something about the person wearing the ring. I can hear many of you saying, “I am marrying the person, of course I know them”. Sure, you do but knowing these points are the things that matter and my not be known to you:

a. Color of metal (white, yellow, rose will look different on various skin tones but you don’t want to present a yellow gold ring to someone that loves white gold.)

Rose gold engagement ring with a halo and fancy colored center diamond.

b. Type of center gemstone (sapphire, ruby, opal, etc.) or diamond (white, colored, salt and pepper, lab grown or natural).

c. Shape of center stone (oval vs. round vs, emerald cut) This can make or break the design.

d. Style of the wearer (if you like modern and the recipient likes vintage)

Two vintage inspired rings.

e. Is the wearer super active, working in an office, etc. as this may impact the design (A gym rat won’t do well with a high setting full of prongs, unless they remember to remove their ring before the activity which I know they won’t.  I see it every week.)

f. Shape of hand and proportions of ring. (A person with a very short wide hand might not like the way a wide ring looks on the hand.)

2. Can you sneak into the browser history for rings (nothing else!) of the recipient?  That might give you great insight into the person’s tastes and styles.  And maybe the recipient is casually, accidentally leaving that information for you laying around.

3. Set a reasonable budget that you feel comfortable with.  I get that this may be your first time and it may seem daunting.  Especially when you may not have a clue what engagement rings cost.  Just to give you an idea, in our store, which is above the national average, our average engagement ring sells for about $6500.  Does that mean you can’t find something for less?  For sure you can.  I have rings in the store that can be less than $1000.  Understand that if it’s a one carat natural diamond you want, it won’t sell for $2000.  This is where a quick trip into a store will help you get some idea of costs.

An elegant solitaire with an oval center diamond.  Pictured here is a 1.5ct center diamond.  This can be made in many qualities and sizes to fit any budget.

Do you want to go the custom-made route or in stock? The in stock is certainly easier.  If you want custom, I (and my staff) can walk you through the process.  I have an excellent track record of getting custom orders right.

4. Our industry loves to do surveys and send us statistics.  An interesting couple of statistics is that the average guy and/or couple will look for several months before deciding. The other interesting statistic is that most guys/couples visit seven stores and buy from the last store they visit.  This last stat is likely due to fatigue of the process.  So let me be brazen and just say, come to us first and skip the other six!  And here are some reasons why:

a. Our prices are competitive for top quality jewellery.
b. I have a great selection of engagement rings.
c. I will custom make a design for you and offer my decades of experience to make the ring perfect.
d. I have a great selection of unique custom-made rings in the showcase.
e. With my vendors and suppliers, I can offer a mind-numbing number of options.
f. My staff and I are nice people and care about our customers, hence 40+ years in business and a ton of honest and great reviews.
g. I want you to be a hero for your partner.  If your partner is happy, you will be happy and that will make you a returning client which makes me happy.

I hope this quick primer can help a person choose a great custom engagement ring or something out of my showcase.  I love the process of helping someone find the perfect engagement ring.