Kimberley Selwood - Designer Jeweller

How to find the perfect engagement ring

Posted by Kimberley on July 24, 2010

As many of you know I’m now a blushing bride to be! I was so excited when my gorgeous boyfriend proposed after 5 and a half years. Down on one knee in the stunning setting of the Lake District, he presented me with the most beautiful handmade wooden box, containing a Haribo ring!  (in orange- his favourite flavour!!). Then it was up to me to choose the diamond and design the ring.

Everyone I know thought I must have had the design done for years. But actually I suddenly had no idea what I wanted; I panicked! I had seen so many different styles, shapes and designs; I was so confused.  What did I want?! I’m so used to helping others I had to do it for myself.

So here’s my advice of how to find the perfect engagement ring:

• Look around and choose the style of diamond you like. I went for a cushion cut, it’s perfect for me, different but with a classic look.  But go for what suits you. I first thought I wanted a radiant cut but actually it was too square and hard looking for my hand. I needed a softer look.

• Try ring on. Look at the thickness and see if you want white or yellow metal, set with diamonds or plain.

• Think if you want Classic or Modern or someone to combine elements of designs you like

• See what you don’t like, this can be as helpful as knowing what you do like.

• Size doesn’t always matter! You may want a rock of a diamond, but it’s important to make sure you get a beautiful stone with the right colour and clarity. It’s better to have a slightly smaller stone with a great sparkle, than have a larger one which is more yellowy and flat looking.

• Always bare in mind how the wedding band will sit with it. If you need a shaped band or will a plain band do. There might be times when you will want to wear the band on it’s own, so make sure this looks beautiful on it’s own too.

• If you want something truly beautiful, see somebody like me who can show you a range of diamonds that you can choose from and will do sketches of designs that will suit you. And will get all elements of the design of both rings perfect for you.

• Go to someone you trust. Getting a cheap deal usually means something is not quite right. You want a certified conflict free diamond.  There’s no such thing as a free lunch!

• My last bit of advice is about budget. I have been Reading many bridal magazines where the budget for both rings is about £450! This is so minimal you won’t be able to get beautifully designed rings, just plain gold thin bands. No platinum and certainly no diamonds. But remember after the day the rings will be with you for the rest of your life. These are the only things left from the day. So leave a bit more for the perfect rings. Budget by getting flowers in season, loosing the canapés, forgetting the chair covers (who really notices them anyway?) and having sparkling wine instead of champagne. Then you can have the ring of your dreams forever that truly sparkles.

I have designed my ring and I’m making it as we speak. I will show you the finished item, when I’m back from holiday at the end of August  – so stay tuned!!

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