So, you have decided to pop the question… Famous war campaigns have received less careful planning than the trouble the average chap in the UK goes to. And the engagement ring directs a large part of this angst; the desire to get it right sometimes reaching superhuman levels.
Weddings on Female First
Ruth Donaldson of Heirloom London has helped dozens of clients choose the perfect engagement ring, and here she offers seven tips for anyone looking to surprise their loved one:
It never pays to overdo it.
On average finding the engagement ring takes three months. This is because you'll go online, talk to everyone, go in store, go back online, go to other store etc. If you find a ring you love on the first day why waste another six weeks?
It's your baby now
As soon as that ring passes into your hands - it is your responsibility. So look after it, and make sure that you have it insured.
A practical proposal
The location of your intended proposal may influence what you do with the ring and whether I'd even recommend bringing it with you;
- At a music festival - This is NOT a place to be carrying an expensive diamond ring. You can't guarantee its safety. Instead use a placeholder - this is some kind of symbolic ring that is disposable (for example, something from one of the jewellery stalls at the festival). You can then arrange for the real ring to be handed over after a romantic shower when you are both safely home.
- A beach holiday - If you are in a hotel or apartment with a safe - then you'll have somewhere safe to keep the ring. But if you are in a beach hut this may not be a safe bet. Also think about what you are going to present your ring in; the elegant ring box may not look so romantic full of sand.
- A city break - Care should be taken in romantic locations where pickpockets are known to operate. Also take care, if you are presenting a ring on a balcony, bridge, or anywhere else it could be dropped.
Not a chain, a ring reaction
If your beloved tends to react physically to surprises, maybe you want to propose first, and then present the ring once she has finished waving her arms around (or punching the air triumphantly).
Ringing the right transportation
A large ring box looks very nice and romantic in the store, but if you are going overseas, it is not something that wants to be placed in the hold, with the ring inside it! How do the professionals move rings? Often wrapped in tissue paper, in a discreet little plastic bag. Not the most romantic, but it protects the ring in your wallet, which is a good safe place to keep it secure while you are moving through the airport.
If the ring fits
It is always better with a proposal that the ring is too big, rather than too small. An organised store should be able to provide a ring insert, to ensure that it will at least stay on. If the ring is loose, then it may be too risky to wear until it has been re-sized.
Cherish the moment
Never confuse fashion with style when choosing an engagement ring. Your buying decisions should focus around the latter, rather than former. This is probably one of the longest discussions I have with my clients, but the most rewarding as I can then present eight designs which she will love. For some this may involve a unique ring creation, for all it will create a ring highly personal to her.
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