You just had The Talk with your significant other about building a future together. Next, comes the moment where you’ll have to get down on one knee and pop the question! It is certainly an exciting milestone that both of you are looking forward to, but there is one issue: how do you find the right engagement ring? It has to be the best one that she deserves – especially when you’d want to achieve the most ideal and memorable proposal. Put your worries aside as we share the answers you’re looking for.
You just had The Talk with your significant other about building a future together. Next, comes the moment where you’ll have to get down on one knee and pop the question! It is certainly an exciting milestone that both of you are looking forward to, but there is one issue: how do you find the right engagement ring? It has to be the best one that she deserves – especially when you’d want to achieve the most ideal and memorable proposal. Put your worries aside as we share the answers you’re looking for.
The symbol of the engagement ring
Engagement rings are not a contemporary idea; they have actually existed since ancient times. The ring has always symbolised a union between two people, however it didn’t carry the same romantic connotation as we see today. In the olden times, a marital union is viewed as a convenient proxy alliance.
With that said, engagement rings still had a romantic symbolism even if the martial union wasn’t based on love. For once, the ring has a geometric shape that is circular and has neither beginning nor end. Circles carry the representation of wholeness, eternity and perfection. Additionally, the ancient Romans were believed to introduce the practice of donning the engagement ring on the left ring finger. Why this finger in particular? It was in reference of the Latin phrase vena amoris, or the vein of love, a traditional belief that this vein runs from the left hand’s fourth finger to the heart.
Most marriages today are founded on love and commitment. And thus, engagement rings can aptly encapsulate the couple’s fidelity, devotion, and lifelong promises of a future together.
Diamonds make the ideal engagement ring
With a variety of engagement rings available in the market, there is one that has remained the top choice for centuries. The classic and timeless diamond ring needs no introduction. Back in the 15th century, Austria’s Archduke Maximilian commissioned the very first diamond engagement ring for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy. Of course, this kickstarted a trend for diamond rings and it remained popular among European aristocracy and royalty, including Queen Victoria.
Its popularity did not wane ever since, as majority of the proposals today still see couples turning to diamond engagement rings. Many remained attracted to a diamond’s alluring qualities, such as its visually-stunning sparkle that will last a lifetime. In addition, diamonds are also known for their high durability as the world’s hardest known material, which perfectly embodies the strength of one’s eternal love and commitment of marriage. As such, diamonds continue to be the highlight of any proposal.
The attributes of an ideal diamond ring
There are several facets you will have to carefully consider when shopping for a diamond engagement ring. It is perfectly reasonable if you’re feeling a tad confused or overwhelmed initially. Look into what the 4C diamond grading entails – it is the perfect place for you to get started in this journey as it breaks down the characteristics of the diamond into 4 parts: Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat. Different grades illustrate various differences that make one diamond vary from the other.
The ideal diamond ring is also subjective depending on the individual. Focus on the factors that are the most important to you and what you personally value in a diamond, so you can find a ring that satisfies your standards. At the same time, figure out your partner’s preferences – whether she’d like a classic solitaire or one with a paved setting – before making your purchase!
What should be my budget for an engagement ring
You may have come across the general rule of purchasing an engagement ring that is equal to three months’ worth of salary. Take note that this arbitrary measure is not feasible for many people. Plus, conscious luxury appeals to modern consumers today who are more eager for value-for-money purchases – so they won’t have to go out of budget when making a significant purchase.
Besides, engagement rings symbolise love and commitment. Hence, there isn’t a necessary requisite to equate them to a price tag. What’s more important is how well the ring suits her personality, and the joy your partner will experience when you eventually pop the question.
So, if you wish to propose with an exquisite ring that falls within your budget, look no further than the lab grown diamonds. Created in the lab, they make for the ideal alternative for mined diamonds. They are grown in a controlled environment that replicates the natural diamond-growing process, without the billions of years involved. Made from pure carbon, they display the same optical and chemical properties as mined diamonds. With our Star Carat collection, our lab grown diamonds undergo the stringent 4C diamond grading requirement and are also categorised as Type IIA (they make up 1-2% of mined diamonds that are the most chemically pure).
To add on, these lab grown diamonds have a significantly lower price than the average mined diamonds. A 1 carat diamond ring at Star Carat costs about the same as a typical 0.5 carat mined diamond. This means you get to spend less for a bigger stone without getting a lower quality that’s less than desirable.
How do I propose
Once you’ve attained the perfect engagement ring for your significant other, now comes the time for you to pop the question! Plan the special affair by incorporating both of your personalities into the proposal. If your partner is more of a hopeless romantic, go glamping at the beach and surprise her with the ring under the stars.
If she prefers a little privacy, ask for her hand in marriage by having an intimate dinner-for-two at home. One good tip is to ensure you get her ring size right! Otherwise, it is best to get one that’s a size bigger so it can be resized in person after the proposal.
Shop for diamonds and discover the perfect engagement ring with our Star Carat collection. Browse through our stunning range of lab grown diamonds, ideal for those who desire luxurious jewellery that won’t leave a significant dent in your finances. Aside from diamonds rings, there are also lab grown jewellery pices like earrings and necklaces to gift your loved one. After all, your expression of love does not need to be limited to rings only. Book an e-appointment with our diamond specialists for a remote consultation so you can find the best jewellery that truly epitomises your love.