Engagement Rings & Proposals

[pjgh]

If you want to get her the perfect ring and need her input into that, you can make the proposal a spur of the moment event and absolutely underplay the value of the ring that you propose. It could be as simple as a short length of string with a flower tied into it. Your proposal is the event. Once agreed, you can gain her input, procure the right ring, propose again (this time in front of friends in a faux spur of the moment, photos, facebooked and all that) and get a date set.

I proposed without a ring (both times, actually). Second time, we knew we wanted to get married so I proposed (yesterday was that anniversary in fact, 26th June), we went and chose the engagement ring and wedding ring together (they work as a two piece) and just over a month later (28th July) we were married.

Lovely! Think of just the right non-ring to propose; something that reflects her - be it modern, tidy, wacky, crafty, whatever.

Best of ...

 

[DamianJ]

Great ideas and input gents, much appreciated.

I was going to go for 9ct white gold for harder wearing and her preference.

I know she likes simple and elegant jewellery so a nice simple design would suit her.

Thanks again for the input and good wishes.

 

[sɐǝɹpu∀]

Stainless steel, lovely knurling, artisan maybe?
Then again... I've never been engaged, so what do I know?
SCNR

 

[Sid James]

@DamianJ If you're looking for bespoke I can recommend John Bradley at http://dotthejewellers.com/ and he's local.

I had engagement and both wedding rings designed and made and then a pair of earrings made as a surprise for her on the morning of the wedding day.

 

[Wayne]

I got the missus a 3 diamond set in platinum and the matching wedding ring. If I remember which I do vividly it cost me £330 which was a lot of dough 31 years ago.

 

[chrisbd]

Belated congratulations on your impending engagement. Plenty of good advice in these posts, the only things I'd add:
1. Amethyst might look more dress ring than engagement ring, although a diamond and amethyst setting might work (but it looks as though you've decided against plain amethyst).
2. I was advised years ago by a trainee manager friend at H Samuel that white gold is naturally rather grey in colour, so white gold jewellery is actually Rhodium plated to give it that bright finish. You might want to consider how the ring(s) would look should the plating wear off.

Having said that, it hasn't put off our daughter from getting a white gold engagement ring (set with diamonds and rubies) and she and her fiance will be getting matching white gold wedding rings.

Call me over-cautious but I agree, propose without the ring, then go ring shopping together, rather than take a blind punt on something you hope she'll like.

Good luck for the future.

Regards,
Chris

 

[MPH]

Belated congratulations on your impending engagement. Plenty of good advice in these posts, the only things I'd add:
1. Amethyst might look more dress ring than engagement ring, although a diamond and amethyst setting might work (but it looks as though you've decided against plain amethyst).
2. I was advised years ago by a trainee manager friend at H Samuel that white gold is naturally rather grey in colour, so white gold jewellery is actually Rhodium plated to give it that bright finish. You might want to consider how the ring(s) would look should the plating wear off.

Having said that, it hasn't put off our daughter from getting a white gold engagement ring (set with diamonds and rubies) and she and her fiance will be getting matching white gold wedding rings.

Call me over-cautious but I agree, propose without the ring, then go ring shopping together, rather than take a blind punt on something you hope she'll like.

Good luck for the future.

Regards,
Chris

This is definitely correct regarding white gold. It is rhodium plated, and this WILL wear away over time. Especially if worn next to other rings.

The good news is that many jewellers will be able to re-rhodium plate the ring and this can cost anywhere from £25 upwards. This brings the ring back to pretty much new condition, so it will cost a little in upkeep, but if you do this the ring should stay looking fantastic for years!

... Then of course there's always platinum... Lol.

 

[Northam Saint]

Proposed with out a ring and we shopped together.

Funnily enough both our parents purchased engagement rings from the same Jewellers in Southampton back in the 60's, so we went to the very same place. That was around 30 years ago and we spent something in the region of £350, not a lot these days but a fair sum them. She has a single diamond 18ct yellow gold. The jewellers is still there and trading today.

I'd first wish you all the very best in your future lives together. Then I'd probably say go together, make a day of it by going somewhere to look and choose and go for a nice meal and try to make it an occasion in its self.