A Men’s Guide to Choosing an Engagement Ring

Written by Andy Glibert
3 · 06 · 18
A Men’s Guide to Choosing an Engagement Ring

Aside from a house or a car, an engagement ring could well be one of the biggest purchases that you ever make!

That’s quite a daunting prospect, and not many men can claim to be experts when it comes to jewellery.

How much should you spend? How big should it be? There’s a lot of pressure, so we’ve put together this quick guide to try and help you out!

Budget

The very first thing you need to do is set yourself a budget for the ring. There are lots of supposed rules out there about how much you should spend, but be realistic.

Bearing in mind you’ve got a wedding to pay for, take stock of your financial situation and make a decision that works for you.

There are lots of little compromises that you can make which will help to keep the price down, such as opting for white gold instead of platinum which will work out cheaper.

Style

Perhaps the most difficult part of choosing a ring is picking a style. To do so, be sure to take note of what kind of clothes she likes to wear and what kinds of other jewellery she owns.

Next time you’re out shopping, take note of the kind of pieces that catch her eye, or get in touch with her friends for some insider info!

If you really are struggling then you could always just be upfront with her and ask for her input, but this should be a last resort, because where’s the fun without the element of surprise?

The Four Cs

When shopping for diamonds, you’ll probably hear about the ‘Four Cs’. These are cut, colour, carat and clarity, and it’s important to strike a good balance between all four. (Click here for more information about the Four Cs.)

Cut

While all of them are important, perhaps the one you need to pay the most attention to is the cut.

Many mistake this for shape, but it’s actually how well the diamond will shine in the light, and it really adds a bit of sparkle to the ring!

Clarity

A ring’s clarity refers to how many inclusions (flaws) are present in the diamond. While this is important, if there are internal flaws in the diamond, then you’ll probably barely be able to tell with the naked eye, so it is ok to compromise on this slightly.

Colour

Diamonds range from being totally colourless, which is most desirable, to having a yellow or brown tint.

Carat

Carat refers to the size of the diamond, and while some people prefer a higher-quality, but smaller diamond, for most a big rock which can easily be seen is of paramount importance!

Bands

Another decision you’ll have to make is whether to go for a gold or platinum band. According to Silver Tree Jewellery: “Platinum bands are much more hardwearing than gold, which will wear out a bit faster over the years.

“If you think your fiancée would prefer gold though, it might be a good idea to add platinum claws to hold the diamond as these will loosen through time.”

Traditional or Modern?

Traditionally, engagement rings usually use diamonds, but you don’t necessarily have to stick to tradition!

If your bride-to-be likes to go against the grain, then consider embracing her individuality by opting for something a little less traditional like ruby or sapphire or a less conventional shape.

Remember that the engagement ring is something which will be worn on your fiancée’s hand for the rest of her life, so it’s important to get as much advice as you can before making your decision!

Our previous post: 50 Cute Things to Say to Your Boyfriend in 2018

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Andy Glibert