Our engagement ring guide is for the man looking to buy an engagement ring. Whether you’re venturing out on your own or proceeding accordingly with ‘saved’ Pinterest images in hand, this article is for you.
Step 1: Found the ‘One’
Step 2: Asked permission (if you’re the traditional kind)
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Step 3: Engagement Ring Price and Budget
I know this is by far the least romantic part of the proposal but it’s where all the decisions regarding acquiring the perfect engagement ring begin. I always recommend being realistic regarding your affordability and buying within your means. This is when acquiring the services of an experienced and caring jeweller will benefit you greatly. They will know how to ‘work your budget’ and suggest suitable alternatives to get the look and feel you’re after within, or very close to your budget. I recommend at all costs avoiding the mistake (with good intentions), of turning a special purchase into one that comes with regret and anxiety after the proposal!
Step 4: Ring Style
There are four main styles of engagement rings. The list below is in order of popularity;
2. The Halo setting, features a central diamond or gemstone that is surrounded by small diamonds or coloured gemstones. The halo draws attention to the centre stone and creates the illusion of size.
3. The Trilogy setting, is a cluster of three stones set side by side. The centre stone is often larger, or set higher than the two side stones, which are traditionally identical. The three stones symbolize the past, the present, and the future.
4. The Bezel setting, is a tube of metal that encases the central stone while overlapping its edges. The bezel setting may fully or partially encircle the stone.
5. The Cluster setting, is set with multiple diamonds or a combination of diamonds and gemstones. The stones are often set close together in a group in a symmetrical or asymmetrical pattern.
6. The Toi Et Moi setting, meaning ‘You and Me‘ in French, refers to a ring that has two diamonds or a combination of diamond and gemstone set side by side often in an asymmetrical composition.
Step 4: Metal Matters and choosing the perfect stone
Engagement rings in South Africa are crafted in 9k or 18k gold and Platinum. Your choice of metal will depend on your budget and her preferred metal colour. 9k and 18k gold is available in white, yellow and rose gold (18k yellow gold is slightly more yellow in colour compared to 9k yellow gold). Engagement rings should be maintained regularly to ensure longevity, however, 9k and 18k white gold rings require re-plating over time to keep their bright white appearance. Because 9k and 18k gold are durable metals I recommed letting your budget decide, if you’re on a tight budget opt for 9k, if not, 18k gold holds more value. Platinum is naturally white and harder wearing, making this metal the perfect option for women who experience skin sensitivity or, are hard on their hands. Platinum is a denser metal and heavier per gram making platinum rings more expensive.
There are 3 suitable options for stones in engagement rings, they are diamonds (traditional and most popular), gemstones (sapphire being the most popular) and Moissanite. If budget allows, natural diamonds and gemstones maintain the most value however, laboratory-grown diamonds and moissanite offer clients on smaller budgets the opportunity to purchase larger stones without the value.
Choose a jeweller who uses eco-friendly recycled gold and platinum and, responsibly sourced diamonds and gemstones.
Step 5: Ring size
Getting her ring size right the first time around is the first prize. If your soon-to-be fiancee is aware of the proposal, you can visit a reputable jewellery store and they will measure her finger to get an accurate ring size. However, this is easier said than done when you are planning a surprise engagement. In this case please read our guide to measuring ring size on our blog. Rings without diamonds in the band can be resized with ease for multiple sizes, however, rings with small diamonds set into the band can only resized 1 or 2 sizes up or down. If you have supplied your jeweller with the incorrect size they will normally charge a small fee to resize the ring.
Step 6: Buying an engagement ring in South Africa, bespoke vs ready-made
When it comes to purchasing a diamond or gemstone engagement ring, you have the choice between traditional South African jewellery stores, smaller bespoke jewellers and online jewellery stores. Post covid there has been a substantial increase in the number of jewellers online and on Instagram. The experience you are looking for will determine the jeweller you choose. A bespoke jeweller will give you a more personalised and tailored experience.
Bespoke is not necessarily more expensive. More often than not a bespoke jeweller will be able to customise a ring to suit your requirements and budget. When purchasing a ready-made engagement ring from a jewellery store, choose a ring that is well-made with a sturdy band and sufficient claws to keep stones in place. Be cautious when buying illusion set rings, as these are almost impossible to properly repair when a stone falls out. Unfortunately, a lot of imported jewellery is made for price and not necessarily longevity, keeping in mind an engagement ring is worn daily and needs to stand up to more wear and tear.
Step 7: The Proposal
You’ve got the ring and now it’s time to plan the proposal. There are only two rules to the perfect proposal…make it personal and memorable and, this is not a rule but a suggestion…whenever possible try not propose the week of her sister’s or best friend’s wedding. If you are looking for some proposal inspiration head on over to our Camera&Carat blog ’20 Creative Proposal Set-Up Ideas To Make Your Moment Unforgettable’
I hope this condensed guide has provided more clarity on the process of acquiring the perfect engagement ring. I hope you get to enjoy the experience as much as she will enjoy wearing her ring!
