Choosing an engagement ring according to your style

Deciding to spend the rest of your life with one person is a major moment that requires careful consideration. The same can be said of choosing your engagement ring which you need to be certain you’ll love forever. Here’s how to match this special accessory to your style to suit every outfit and occasion.

 

1. Identify your style

Taking time to identify your personal style rather than getting caught up with trends is the best way to ensure you end up with a timeless design you’ll love forever. If you’re not sure where to start with finding your style, analyse your wardrobe and jewellery box and come up with three words that unite your collection, such as ‘bold, colourful and sharp’ or ‘delicate, floral and vintage’. This is the easiest way to reveal the foundations of your dress sense and guide you towards an engagement ring to match.

 

2. Find corresponding designs

Keep these three words in mind when looking for engagement rings online or in-store to find corresponding designs. This will help you filter down your choices to make the process straightforward from the start. Styles range from sleek and minimalist to intricate with period features, so you’re sure to see plenty of options that fit with what you’re looking for.

 

3. Coordinate metals

Most of us have a preference for gold or silver coloured jewellery, so consider this along with the other unifying features of your style. Your engagement ring needs to work with your everyday pieces and will stand out in the wrong way if it looks incongruous. Recently there has been a trend for mixed metal jewellery, and while you can create a cool look by combining gold and silver-coloured rings, be aware that this could damage your engagement ring. This is because each metal has individual properties in terms of hardness and durability. For example, platinum is harder than gold and will inevitably scratch the metal over time if worn together. It’s best practice to match the metals of your engagement ring and wedding band for this reason.

 

4. Get personal

As well as representing your love for and lifelong commitment to your partner, your engagement ring should reflect you and your personality. Opting for a design that connects with who you are will help ensure the ring is naturally in line with your style. Possible ways to personalise the piece include adding an engraving or featuring your birthstone. You could even go all the way and create your perfect design from scratch, aided by the advice and skills of artisans.

 

5. Prioritise practicality

Even if your style is flamboyant, you must prioritise practicality when choosing your ring. It needs to work with your outfits, but more importantly should suit your lifestyle. If you use your hands a lot or spend much of every day outdoors, look for secure settings and resistant metals.

Stewart Thurlow

Stewart Thurlow

I once shared a lift with Meryl Streep & Julianne Moore. Oh, & Victoria Beckham smiled at me. UK Editor for ADDICTED.
Stewart Thurlow

@stewartthurlow

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