You may have just made one of the biggest decisions of your life: to ask her (or him) to marry you. Congratulations! Now there's another important choice to make to delight your other half: choosing the right engagement ring or wedding band.
Here are 10 tips to help you make this once-in-a-lifetime choice.
The 4Cs: the fundamental rule in the world of diamonds
If the diamond remains the gemstone of choice for engagement rings, it's because it represents eternal love and longevity. There are, however, four criteria that define its quality, and they are important to consider when choosing the ring:
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Color: Most diamonds are white. There is, however, a grading scale for this white, ranging from D (exceptional white) to pale yellow. D is of course the highest grade and commands the highest price.
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Clarity: This criterion is assessed with a magnifying loupe. Clarity is defined by the presence of inclusions or slight irregularities, which can sometimes affect the diamond's brilliance. Depending on their clarity, stones are graded on a scale ranging from IF (internally flawless) to VVS 1 or 2 (very, very small inclusions) and VS 1 or 2 (very small inclusions). The lowest grade is I 1, 2 or 3 (included). As you can imagine, the purest stones are also the most expensive.
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Carat: The number of carats is the weight of the stone. One carat equals 0.2 grams of diamond. Naturally, the more carats, the higher the price.
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Cut: Often overlooked yet crucial, your diamond's cut is THE key criterion. The quality of the cut determines the stone's brilliance. The diamond cutter's job is therefore to find the best cut for each stone based on its characteristics, in order to bring out the greatest possible brilliance.
All of these criteria are listed on the certificate of authenticity issued with the diamond. The higher the grades, the higher the price of the ring. You'll therefore need to find the right balance between your budget and the criteria you want to prioritize.
Choosing the right diamond shape
Diamonds come in a multitude of shapes. For an engagement ring collection, the favorite remains the "round brilliant cut." This shape is ideal for bringing out all of the stone's brilliance.
Other shapes are nonetheless interesting for flattering the hand and giving it a slimmer look. The emerald cut and the radiant cut, for example, are ideal for this.
Other shapes are preferable if you want a ring set with layered diamonds, particularly the cushion cut.
You can also choose to coordinate your engagement ring with your wedding band, since the two will be worn together after your wedding.
To discover all the possible shapes, read our article on the different diamond shapes.
Choosing the metal: gold or silver?
A precious stone calls for a precious metal.
If you'd like gold, consider white gold or even rose gold. These metals go beautifully with tanned and olive skin tones.
If you'd like a gray metal, choose platinum (very durable and hypoallergenic) over silver. Silver ages less well and is therefore rarely used for engagement rings.
As with the diamond, the metal used and its karat are stated on the certificate your jeweler will give you.
In France, the hallmark for gold is an eagle's head, and the hallmark for silver is a Minerva head.
Choosing the right setting
Designed to hold the stone in place, the setting you choose affects the overall look of the ring. There are three types of settings:
Prong setting: The center stone is held by 4 to 6 tiny metal claws called prongs. This is the setting used for solitaire ring collections, notably the famous round brilliant-cut diamond. Its advantage is that it beautifully showcases the ring's center stone.
Bezel setting: Here, a band of metal surrounds the stone to hold it in place and protect it.
Halo setting: It sometimes gives its name to an entire collection of rings. It consists of tiny diamonds arranged around the center stone. Together, they create magnificent brilliance.
Know the ring size
For a personalized ring, you obviously need to know your future wife's ring size. Discreetly borrow a ring she doesn't wear often and isn't likely to miss.
If you're worried she'll notice one of her pieces is missing, trace the inside outline of one of her rings in pencil on a sheet of paper. Your jeweler can then determine her size using a ring gauge.
Remember one important thing: an engagement ring is kept for life. Factors such as summer heat or pregnancy can make fingers swell. It's better to go just slightly larger than too small.
Respect your partner's style
As mentioned above, an engagement ring is worn every day, for a lifetime. So make sure you respect the style of jewelry she loves.
To do this, take inspiration from her jewelry box: does it hold discreet rings or, on the contrary, statement rings?
Does she wear mostly gold or silver jewelry?
And of course, listen to her! When you walk past jewelry store windows, pay attention to her comments and preferences. Hidden hints are often there to be picked up!
Solitaire or side stones?
Here again, it's all a matter of taste. Rings set with side stones are an alternative to solitaire rings. They are more dressy, but also more eye-catching.
They're a good choice if you want something original, and if you think your other half will love it too!
Test different lighting conditions
Once again, an engagement ring or wedding band is worn every day, for a lifetime.
So be sure to choose a ring whose stones will sparkle in different circumstances and under different lighting.
From the soft light at the end of the day to the midday sun shining on your terrace, a diamond has the incredible power to capture every ray of light and reflect it.
If you can, test how your piece reflects light in these conditions. That way, you can be sure of how the ring will sparkle once your other half is wearing it.
Remember that if the test isn't conclusive, you have 30 days to change your mind at Laveran.
Choose a certified diamond
As explained above, choosing a certified diamond gives you a great deal of important information. It lists your stone's grades and quality criteria, as well as its traceability.
Your other half will surely be happy to know the story of the stone they'll wear for a lifetime. And it's better to invest in a ring or wedding band whose quality you're sure of.
Choose Laveran
As you can see, there are many criteria to consider when choosing your engagement ring.
At Laveran, we guide you from the beginning to the end of your project. Together, we choose every element of your piece to achieve a personalized result that matches your wishes. You'll be sure you're making the right choice for the ring of a lifetime.
What's more, we guarantee craftsmanship that combines ethics and respect for tradition. Our diamonds are created in an eco-responsible way that respects the planet. We have no middlemen, which allows us to offer much more affordable prices.
The quality of our jewelry is always carefully checked before it is delivered to you.
Feel free to book an appointment with us; we'll be delighted to welcome you and help you!
