Engagement Rings SAY IT WITH…

Engagement Rings

SAY IT WITH…

IT’S USUALLY AN EXCITING AND MEMORABLE MOMENT WHEN A COUPLE GETS ENGAGED. BUT WHAT CAN MAKE IT EXTRA-SPECIAL IS THAT ZING YOU ADD WITH YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING. TO DO THAT, YOU MUST GO THROUGH A SERIES OF STEPS, SOMETIMES STRENUOUS, TO MAKE SURE THE RING IS JUST RIGHT

DIVINE SOLITAIRES

    As high profile celebrity engagement rings are closely watched by people and the media alike, jewellers too, are keeping up with trends. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind: 

Not going by the looks

• Jewellery designer, Farah Khan Ali says, “It’s the ring that gets every woman excited, especially because it is a commitment ring. While buying an engagement ring, it’s important to know your woman. Buy the right diamond—one that makes you fall in love with it when you look at it. Buy one from a well-known brand or your family jeweller; someone who will always be around to service your ring.”
    Engagement rings come in a variety of options, catering to all types of preferences.
“To start with, it is important to collectively consider a few options before choosing the right ring. Your budget is important, along with how much time you have to customise your ring. Designs can be made or altered depending on it. You can have a design or words carved to give your ring that special touch. Some people use precious stones, which are carried as heirlooms within the family and further passed on with modern designs,” says Gautam Ghanasingh, creative director at Ghanasingh.
    While you select a ring, there are a few factors to keep in mind. The four Cs—cut, colour, clarity and carat weight, directly determine the price of your ring. However, Rupak Sen, regional director-marketing at Gemfields stretches the four Cs to seven Cs. He says, “In fact there are seven Cs, which are colour, clarity, cut, carat, credibility, certification and character. While choosing gemstones, buy them from a responsible source. In terms of certification, a report from a licensed gemological laboratory can confirm the characteristics and qualities of your gemstone, including not only its colour, clarity, weight and dimensions, but also its origin (when known) and any artificial treatments to which it might have been subjected.” Ali echoes this sentiment as she explains, “Always buy a certified stone from a well known grading laboratory. The most prominent labs are GIA, HRD and IGL. If price is an issue, buy a stone that is smaller in size, yet of good quality.” 

Trends
• When Prince William popped the question to the Duchess of Cambridge, with the now-famous blue sapphire ring, a trend was born. Halle Berry’s emerald ring set in gold given by beau Olivier Martinez had the same effect. And naturally, coloured diamonds and gemstones is a popular trend in the engagement ring section.
    “While white solitaire diamonds are still a preferred choice for engagement rings, intense and vivid diamonds in yellow are also in demand. And then there are those
who want something a little special and look at fine Colombian emeralds, tanzanites and rubies as well,” says Biren Vaidya, managing director at Rose Group of Companies.
    Fashion stylist, Allia Al Rufai who works for films and celebrities predicts the latest trends in ring styles: “For some women, it is all about evoking relaxed elegance, but for others it could be a statement piece. Vintage
    designs have been reinterpreted in a new way; you see Art Deco influences and lavish detailing with finer cuts. Today, the engagement ring is no longer about the size of the solitaire!” 

Common mistakes
• While it is easy to get very involved in the look and authenticity of the ring, some people often make common mistakes while buying an engagement ring. “It should not be considered an investment! More like a symbol of a lifelong promise of love. Focus on personal taste and see if it matches your existing jewellery. This is a good indicator to help decide if the ring fits in with your lifestyle. An engagement ring should not be based on the flavour of the moment. Instead, it should be a symbol of enduring commitment and affection!” says Arunima Bhaumik, head of design at Ganjam.
    As much as the size of your solitaire
matters, experts advise against compromising on quality. “The general mistake is enforcing your choice on your partner rather than finding out her taste and also investing in a poor quality diamond just because it’s bigger in size,” says Sen.
    Similarly, looking at the practical aspect of the ring is a wise idea too. “People sometimes lose out on the important perspective of quality—just so that they get a bigger looking stone. Over time, these low quality products lose colour and form and with poor finishing, we see precious stones falling out. Strongly treated metal also stains the finger over time and loses its shine,” informs Ghanasingh.
    Ali considers the aesthetic value of the ring while placed on your finger. She explains, “Long fingers can carry emeraldcut diamonds very well, whereas round looks better on shorter fingers.”
    With plenty of options in styles and cuts available today, it is up to you to woo your better half with not just the right ring, but also the effort you put forth in finding it.