Whether you’re shopping for mainstream or vintage engagement rings, there are a few important things you need to know before you close the sale. Beyond the 4Cs, understanding more about her style, and more about the stone itself, will be important for helping you find something elegant and timeless. Here is some advice anyone looking to propose can use to find a ring she’ll cherish for the rest of her life.
Her Style
Someone who knows his fiancé’s style can walk into a room full of estate jewellery, and find the perfect piece to complement her. One great way to learn more about what she likes without asking her is to pay close attention to the patterns on her clothing.
Experts at Cynthia Findlay Antiques recommend learning a few “touch points”, or basic concepts, that define her style. Does she like something very geometric and rigid? Does she wear a lot of whimsical ivy-patterned dresses or blouses? Is she constantly searching for bright new colors, or does she like darker and more muted colors? Does she love flashy things, or is she awed by the glamorous and simple? These are the important questions to ask yourself as you’re shopping.
Stones
You probably didn’t think about it, but there are quite a few engagement rings that don’t use diamonds as the primary stone. Art deco rings, for instance, are known for using emeralds, sapphires, jade, onyx and rubies in addition to diamonds.
You can also swap out settings, or have something custom built if you’re not sure about the added color. Talk to your jeweler to learn what they can and cannot do.
