The unexpected engagement proposal is slightly less common than it used to be. Now, plenty of practical people want a hand in choosing the ring they’ll likely wear for the rest of their life.
But if you’re still a fan of a surprise and you’re the one asking for their hand in marriage, you’ll need to suss out a ring.
Choosing an engagement ring can be a nerve-wracking experience, with lots of influences that play into the final decision.
To help guide your choice, we asked Rebecca Klodinsky, founder of The Prestwick Place – a leading Australian fine jewellery brand specialising in lab-grown diamonds and moissanite – to share three tips you should know before making a purchase:
1. Choose the right stone for your hand shape
Not all cuts are created equal – especially when it comes to your hands. If you’re self-conscious about having shorter or ‘chubbier’ fingers, avoid symmetrical cuts like cushion or asscher. These shapes can create a ‘chubbier’ appearance due to their balanced proportions. Instead, opt for elongated stones like marquise, oval, radiant, or emerald cuts, which visually lengthen the fingers and create a more flattering look.
2. Match the metal to your skin tone
The colour of the metal can make all the difference in enhancing how the ring looks on your finger. Fair-skinned individuals will find that platinum or white gold complements cooler undertones, bringing out their skin’s natural radiance. Conversely, darker or tanned skin tones shine against the warm glow of yellow gold, which enhances depth and richness. To find your undertone, see this guide.
3. Prioritise practicality in the setting
For busy mums, childcare or healthcare workers, or anyone concerned about their ring taking a hit during day-to-day activities, a low-set basket setting is the ultimate game-changer. Not only does this setting offer better protection against accidental knocks, but it also sits comfortably on the finger.
The same goes for having any anxiety about getting a larger stone. Trust me when I say that setting your diamond to a low-set basket is the number one thing that you can do for comfort, security and peace of mind!
