Buying an engagement ring used to be the simple process of choosing a diamond and setting it in yellow gold, or maybe platinum and now, it can appear to be a minefield. This is in our opinion why some people can end up with a ring below par, because they didn’t know what to look for and ‘panic’ bought something without really thinking about it.

Let us reassure you it doesn’t have to be a difficult process, and in our opinion it is actually one of the best life experiences you can enjoy when done properly. We have written our 5 top tips to help you, as a couple, buy a bespoke engagement ring.

1. Don’t Be Afraid To Be Different

An engagement ring is for a lifetime, not just for a few months so be careful not to follow the latest (often impractical) trend you have seen on Instagram or Pinterest.

Have a think about your own style and what you like to wear on a daily basis. What is your lifestyle like? Can you really get away with your ring being that dainty? Or do you need something that will stand the test of time and hold up against the wear your ring is no doubt going to endure.

And if there is a design element that you love, such as filigree or art deco, but it isn’t necessarily in fashion, does that really matter when you think it is beautiful? As a partnership going through life together, it needs to make the two of you say wow, everybody else is secondary.

2. Contrary To Popular Belief, It’s Not All About Size (Unless You Want It To Be)

Unless the two of you together, want the biggest diamond solitaire money can buy (which is okay if you do!) then don’t fixate too much on the carat weight of a gemstone. Other things to think about are the overall quality; are there any obvious flaws? And whether the stone ‘speaks to you.’

When you work with a bespoke jeweller directly, you will have the option to view a variety of gemstones in different sizes and colours, so you don’t have to go with the first one you see. This is an opportunity to think about what is important to you and a word of advice - always go with your gut instinct as you will often be drawn to a particular stone.

3. Tell A Story

Following on from the last point, here at Roseanna Croft Jewellery we believe every piece of jewellery tells a story so use this as an opportunity to tell yours.

An excellent way to begin this is by thinking about where you met, what you want the engagement ring to represent. We designed an engagement ring for a couple recently who were both in the environmental industry, met in Malawi and had sourced an ethical Asscher Cut diamond from Canada. When Roseanna spoke to them, they told her this and together decided to try and incorporate something from Malawi. This could be a gemstone or a design element and actually Roseanna designed the setting with etchings similar to that of the Malawian flag. (We can’t show you the final image yet as he hasn’t proposed but watch our Instagram for the update!) There is so much more to this couple’s moving story but between the two of them they know this tiny detail on their ring is completely unique to them.

4. Don’t Go It Alone

I know people who have had sleepless night when trying to choose an engagement ring. There seems to be so much information out there - how do you possibly choose the right ring? My answer to that is don’t go it alone and find someone you trust to help you. This is why I believe in bespoke jewellery design so much because you have someone who truly cares helping create you your perfect ring that fits all your requirements - guiding you and offering advice where needed.

5. Spend What You Want, Not What You’re Told To

At Roseanna Croft Jewellery we believe only you can know what your budget should be, there is no need to spend more than you want to or more than you can afford. You do not need to listen to marketing campaigns of the past.

In saying that, the rules of how much you should spend can give a good guideline to you if you have no idea how much engagement rings cost (read our blog about the cost of an engagement ring here and download our pricing guide here).

An engagement ring is about symbolising your love and commitment and you can’t put a value on that, its priceless. Hence why only you can ‘know’ how much you think is right to spend and as designers we can help you make the most out of your budget.