Engagement Ring Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Vogue is fast becoming our go-to publication for engagement ring advice, second only to this blog of course. Recently they’ve published definitive guides on caring for your engagement ring, engagement ring trends, and now they’ve put together a list of ‘engagement ring mistakes and how to avoid them’. We’ve outlined them below and added our own thoughts for good measure. Here’s what you should know…

Don’t Get Caught Up in Trends

Vogue argues that your engagement ring should be a ‘timeless, classic symbol of your love’ and something you’ll want to wear every day for the rest of your life. We say yes, that is true. But who’s to say what’s a lasting trend and what’s a passing fad? Furthermore, choosing a ring design you like right now will forever remind you of the person you were and of your life at that time. We’re not ones to be stuck in the past by any means, but a little sentimentality now and again can be nice sometimes. Overall, we say pick you like and to hell with everything else.

A Stone Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect On Paper

The fashion experts say we place too much emphasis on a diamond’s grading report. A diamond doesn’t need to be flawless to be beautiful, and the grading should be taken as a starting point only. We couldn’t agree more with all of the above. Your certificate is very, very important because it proves the traceability, authenticity and technical aspects of your diamond. But that’s it. If you love it, go with it and don’t worry about some piece of paper saying it’s not quite as perfect as it could be.

Don’t Go it Alone

Vogue says to turn to trusted friends for jeweller recommendations and aesthetic advice, because if you’re buying for your other half they will most likely have talked about what kind of engagement ring they’d like at some point. Or failing that, a good friend will at least have a good idea of their tastes, likes and dislikes. We agree, but beware of taking on too many different opinions. Stick to one close confidant and nothing more, or before you know it’s either a) not such a secret anymore or b) all too overwhelming.

Size Only Matters if You Think It Does

We would take a less diplomatic approach with this one; size does not matter at all. There’s a reason why you see billionaire celebrities walking around with flawless diamonds bigger than their knuckles; because they’re the only people who can actually afford them. There are more important things in life to spend cash on than shiny rocks. There’s nothing wrong with wanting the traditional and symbolism of a diamond engagement ring, don’t get us wrong. But if’s important to remember the meaning and symbolism behind it too.

The Setting Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought

This is a very important thing to consider, so kudos to Vogue for highlighting it. A good quality diamond is vital, but a good quality setting is even more so. Without one, your diamond will be lost before you can say ‘I do’. Stylistically the setting is what pulls the overall design of the engagement ring together too; it’s important that you choose a setting that reflects your style. As Vogue says, think of your centre stone as a piece of artwork and your setting as the frame. Would you hang a Picasso in an old wood frame, or something more fitting?

Don’t Commit.

Don’t worry, Vogue isn’t telling you not to get married and neither are we! This one means don’t commit to a binding contract with your jeweller, particularly if you’re planning a surprise proposal. Any decent jeweller will let you exchange your ring within a certain time period if your bride to be doesn’t like it, and some are nice enough to offer refunds if she says no! But before you hand over any cash, check their policy and don’t forget to read the small print!

Read the full guide here: http://www.vogue.com/13480214/buying-engagement-ring-avoid-mistakes/