I’m a Jeweler – 3 Things That Make Your Engagement Ring Look Cheap
THE DREAM proposal is nothing without the dream ring, but whether you leave it up to your partner to pick it out or wait until you pick one out yourself, there are some rings you should avoid, according to this jeweler.
The London-based jeweler and engagement ring specialist caused quite a stir when he shared the three designs he finds appalling.
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In the viral video, he explained that the most common designs make any ring “look cheap,” no matter how much money you spend on it.
First there are halo rings, which usually functions on a larger stone, surrounded by smaller stones.
Although the design makes the main stone appear larger, the professional warned against the design and urged people to stay away from it “no matter what.”
He explained that there are other ways to achieve the same goal of making the stone appear larger without following the trend.
If that doesn’t sound good, the jeweler had another flaw when it comes to rings: the mosaic design.
This style usually involves placing smaller stones together to create a pattern or to make them look like one large stone. However, for the expert, they are an absolute no-go.
He said the mosaic ring never manages to look like one big stone, but instead looks “cheap.”
“It will look like it was made in China,” he said.
Finally, he revealed that high solitaire rings are also absolutely taboo.
They may be worth a fortune, but the height can cause major problems. And the last thing you want is for the gemstone to break or come loose from your ring.
The most important thing of course is that you love your ring, whether it is a large diamond or a simple ring.
And that’s what people on TikTok agreed with when they commented on the viral clip.
One of them said, “Rule number one: choose a ring you like and ignore other people’s opinions.”
A second agreed: “I wouldn’t judge anyone’s ring, it’s about the commitment.”
A third wrote: “I think I’m being stingy, my engagement ring is a mosaic.
“I love vintage jewels and it’s just perfect, but oh well, whatever.”
“I have a halo and I love it. It’s a beautiful and high quality center stone and I get lots of compliments on it,” said another.
Which type of ring is best according to the professionals?
In the comments section, he stated that he is a fan of toi and moi style rings and that they are “so chic.”
Designs with a low bezel are also a success. He indicated that these are his favorite designs at the moment.
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How much should an engagement ring cost?
Buying an engagement ring is a big moment in someone’s life. However, there are many things to consider, such as metals, gemstones, sizes, and styles.
Some people already know exactly which engagement ring their partner wants, while others feel the pressure to choose the perfect ring.
Hatton Garden in London is a popular location for many, where you can buy engagement rings and bespoke designs, while Tiffany & Co, Cartier and De Beers are often popular sources of inspiration for their engagement ring design.
H Samuel, Goldsmiths, Ernest Jones and Beaverbrooks are also popular shopping destinations to get your hands on an engagement ring, while Monica Vinader, Very and Pandora also have beautiful rings that are inexpensive to pop the question.
While finding the engagement ring is an important part of the proposal, it isn’t everything.
When it comes to engagement rings, and indeed any jewelry, it is important to set a budget because there is no limit to the cost.
That being said, it is of the utmost importance that you set your budget and stick to it.
Engagement rings can cost from as little as £65 for a gemstone design in sterling silver, but prices can also rise into the tens of thousands of pounds.
If you would like to have your engagement ring custom made, this is possible, but you may have to pay an additional fee.
There is a myth that a partner should spend two to three months’ salary on their partner’s engagement ring.
However, today this is no longer adhered to so strictly and consumers choose their own budgets, especially now that the cost of living is low.
We recommend spending between £1,000 and £3,000. That is a significant amount of money to buy a stunning engagement ring with very good clarity and colour.
How to make a proposal successful
Thinking of proposing? Follow this checklist from Fabulous’ Deputy Editor Josie Griffiths to ensure a yes.
- Choose the right moment – the average Brit waits between 18 months and two years to get engaged. But you might feel ready after six months, or decide to wait five years or more to pop the question. Only you really know when the time is right, and this is not a decision you want to rush. Falling in love might feel amazing, but of course most relationships do NOT end in marriage – and for good reason…
- Please note – hopefully you haven’t reached the point where your frustrated partner has their laptop open with ‘hints’ at rings they like. Ideally, you want the ring to be a secret, but also something they’d be happy to wear – and for the rest of their life, so a little pressure here. You should pay attention to any comments your partner makes about other people’s rings, what they like and don’t like, and what’s most important to them – size, clarity, specific details. If you’re really not sure, or your partner hates surprises, it’s best to propose with a dummy and then buy the real thing together.
- Family matters – tradition dictates that you ask the father for permission to give your daughter’s hand, but these days it’s not so easy. Maybe your partner is closer to his stepfather, or wants his mother to walk her down the aisle, in which case you should talk to him. Maybe they’ll think it’s weird if you go to their parents first, in which case you can drop the whole thing. Or maybe they’re closer to their friends and it’s best to let your partner’s best friend choose the ring. These things are important and can come back to haunt you later if you get them wrong.
- Plan the setting – does your partner dread being the center of attention, or is he or she someone who would hate it if you proposed at home and scolded you endlessly for not making an “effort”? Plan the location for your perfect proposal – how busy it will be, whether you can get a good photo there, and other logistics involved. Proposing on top of a mountain may sound good in theory, but your girlfriend might not appreciate it if she’s got sweat dripping off her forehead and isn’t wearing the cute dress she had planned for the photos. Personally, I can’t think of anything worse than a public proposal where everyone is waiting for your answer – in a group of friends, in the middle of a restaurant, or with an announcement at an event. So keep all of this in mind and remember that it should be about THEY, not you.
