Choosing the Right Ring

 By Darrell Hubbell

When it comes to choosing engagement rings, things have certainly changed in the last while. Fifteen or even ten years ago it was most common for the man to pick out the ring, now it is quite often a joint selection process. After all, a smart man wants the woman he loves to love her engagement and wedding rings. Remember the old saying: “Happy wife, happy life.”

In choosing an engagement ring there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost is your lifestyle. Are you an active, outdoors woman who loves camping, hiking, and sports? Or do you love to dress up and sip wine at art openings? Are you the kind of woman who will take your rings off to work in the garden, or do your rings need to be able to take whatever you do? Fortunately, there are a wide variety of design styles, and metals, so it is not a problem to find a ring that will work with your lifestyle.

The next thing to consider is personal preference. Personally, I am always a bit wary of fads and whatever is the latest design that is being heavily advertised on TV. Remember, this ring is about you and your relationship, and you are unique. So, don’t be afraid to look at rings in sections. For example, how high is the centre stone? Is the setting four claws, a bezel, semi-bezel? Are there small diamonds with it, or small coloured stones? Is the overall ring wide or narrow? Does it feature straight lines or curved? As you look at rings this way you will find out what you like in each section of the ring, leading you to a picture of what your ring should look like. When I design engagement and wedding sets I find it very helpful to discuss the key attributes that make the relationship successful. This allows designs to be created that are even more meaningful for the people involved.

Of course, a major consideration, for most people, is price. I’m sure that everybody understands that, as a rule, lower priced rings are either lower quality, have smaller stones, or both. It is always a balancing act to stay in a certain price range without sacrificing quality too much. I always encourage people to make sure their diamonds are well cut. When it comes to a diamond being brilliantly alive with sparkles of colour, it is better to have a very well cut stone with minor inclusions, that a poorly cut stone that is flawless.

When purchasing an engagement ring it is also a good idea to look at wedding bands. You are not limited to whatever comes with your ring, all sorts of options are available. For example, we often produce ring jackets as wedding rings. These look like two rings, one on each side of the engagement ring, but they are joined at the bottom. The engagement ring slips between them when you put it on your finger. The rings stay in place as though they were soldered together, but you can still remove the engagement ring to wear by itself if you want to. Jackets are also a great way to add design elements to existing engagement rings.

When it comes to the groom’s ring, lots of men do want something a bit different, with a bit more personality than a plain band. Don’t be afraid to explore this with him because it is equally true, a smart woman wants the man she loves to love his wedding ring. As an aside, the bride is supposed to pay for the groom’s ring but most men seem pretty easily talked into helping out with it.

In my opinion the most important consideration in purchasing engagement and wedding rings is finding someone you are comfortable with and trust implicitly. (I’m not talking about your fiancé here, although that is important too, but where you purchase jewelry.) Make sure the person you are dealing with is knowledgeable enough to guide you through all of your options and make sure you understand what you are purchasing.

As a designer and maker of one-of-a-kind jewelry since 1984, I really enjoy creating a piece that perfectly suits a person. On the wall in our store is a sign that says “Our purpose – to make the world a better place for each person who walks through our door.” If you feel like this with the people you are dealing, you are, no doubt, in good hands.

I hope this article has answered some of your questions, and caused others to arise. The purchase of engagement and wedding rings is significant enough to put time and effort into it, but always remember, it is the relationship that the rings represent that is the most important thing.

~This was first published in the 2006 Prince George Bridal Guide.