This December, men all over the world will be popping that all important question, but prior to the big proposal, most of you will be tortured with thoughts of, ‘how should I do it?’, ‘where should I do it?’, ‘will she say yes?’. First thing’s first though, have you got the ring?
GMINI enlisted the help of Danielle McGrath from award-winning engagement ring specialist D & K The Jewellers in Cookstown to get the rundown on what every man needs to know when it comes to choosing the ring…
STONE
The most popular shape of diamond is a solitaire. With anything else you need to be sure it is what she likes because a girl who likes a pear cut diamond will not like an emerald cut diamond.
METAL
Try to find out what colour of metal she likes i.e. does she wear rose gold, white gold or yellow gold jewellery? TIP: Check her jewellery box; this may help you decide what type of metal her engagement ring should be made from.
SIZE
Finger size is tricky. If in doubt, you can adjust the size after the proposal as its best not to keep altering an engagement ring size.
LOOK
If you can find other rings that she wears and bring them with you when choosing your ring; this might help the jeweller get a sense of her jewellery style and her size.
LISTEN
Keep a check list of information that you have picked up from your girlfriend about engagement rings i.e. her opinion of friend’s and sister’s rings, etc. Does she like her mum’s engagement ring? Are there any celebrity engagement rings that she has commented on, etc? Girls drop lots of hints, some of which men miss. Listening is key.
ASK
It is worth asking her best friend or sister if your girlfriend has ever pointed out or mentioned rings that she likes. Girls talk about things like this and for all you know, her best friend might know the very one she has her heart set on. All you can do is ask.
TRUST
If you are going to enlist the help of someone when choosing the engagement ring, make sure you can trust them to keep their lips sealed as you don’t want the proposal to be spoiled.
CONFIDENCE
Have faith in yourself; you know your girlfriend better than you think; you’re planning on sharing the rest of your lives together after all so have confidence in your choice.
Danielle said that while it isn’t vital to have an engagement ring, it does show that you have given time and put thought into the proposal. She said: “It also shows that proposing wasn’t a spur of the moment decision and you were actually brave enough to venture into a jewellers to try and choose something special. If you don’t want to purchase a ring then having a special piece of jewellery such as a pendant of locket engraved for the occasion would be a very thoughtful alternative.”
Some couples decide to choose their ring together after the proposal and Danielle adds: “This is equally as nice. It may suit the lady who doesn’t like too much of a surprise.”
So what if you have put the time and effort in and carried out our research but your new fiancée isn’t enamoured with her new ring? Danielle has this advice: “Don’t have the ring sized as it is better for a jeweller to size her finger and get the most accurate size. Also we are always happy to exchange a ring which has not been adjusted or made especially for the customer. It’s a win, win situation really – the lady gets a surprise but has the opportunity to change it if the ring is unsuitable.”
To find out more, Phone: (028) 8675 1180, or visit www.dandkjewellers.com
