Erick Severeyn

The proposal of marriage is one of the most romantic traditions that is still alive today, and although the form has changed, since today it is not the exclusive task of a man, there is one thing that remains unchanged: the power of the engagement ring.

The proposal of marriage is usually accompanied by the delivery of a ring specially selected for the occasion. But, what ring is used to propose marriage? and how should you choose an engagement ring? If you don't know where to begin your search for the ideal engagement ring, here are 7 steps to guide you along the way.

1. Define the budget

Erika Giraldo Photography

Before you buy the engagement ring and because they will come across a wide range of engagement ring prices, the first thing is to establish is the budget they will allocate to it.

And it is that on average ranges from $40,000 to $2,000,000,000 This depends on several factors, among them, the precious metal, the precious or semi-precious stone, the size and the complexity of the design. If you define the budget beforehand, it will make your task easier when looking for the ring, since you will not waste time in quotations that you cannot afford.

Regarding metals, palladium and platinum rings will always be more expensive than gold rings; while gold, whether white, yellow or rose gold, is more expensive than a silver engagement ring.

2. Choose the best style

The Occasion Jewelry

How to choose an engagement ring? If you are not sure about your what are the tastes of the other person to buy the engagement ring The second step requires you to look at your partner's jewelry, so you can find out if she prefers gold or silver rings; thick or thin; simple or elaborate; or in neutral tones or with stones in bright colors. And look at the settings as well, as it will directly influence how comfortable she feels wearing the engagement ring on a daily basis.

The pinned one consists of small metal arms that hold the stone firmly, raising it above the ring.

In the pavé setting, the stones are set adjacent to each other, in small, almost imperceptible settings in the band, so that the surface appears to be paved with diamonds.

The halo setting is characterized by a border of small gemstones around a central stone, while in the bezel setting, a metal rim protects the gemstone and holds it securely in place, exposing only the crown or the top of the crown.

For the tension setting, opposite directions of pressure are used on the band to hold a stone so that it appears to be suspended in place. The rail setting involves placing gems between two metal walls parallel to the inside of the ring.

And finally, in the burnished setting, the stones are embedded in holes inside the ring and are fixed by pressing the metal to cover the girdle of each stone.

If the wearer works at a computer all day, any engagement ring will fit comfortably, but if the wearer has to handle a lot of materials for work, a flat ring will be more practical.

3. Track trends

Torrealba Jewelry

But how many types of engagement rings are there? At this stage you will have to go through engagement ring catalogues and compare prices between different jewellers.

You will be surprised by the many proposals you will find of rings to propose marriage, from the classic solitaire engagement ring with a brilliant cut diamond, to original rings with gemstones in tension setting. You will also find romantic rose gold rings, vintage inspired rings with Ascher cut stones and minimalist rings in silver or platinum with burnished setting, among others.other options.

And with regard to precious stones, in addition to diamonds, rings with red rubies, green emeralds and blue sapphires are among the most sought after.

4. Choosing jewellery

Diez Jewelry

After browsing the different proposals and buying prices, it will be time to decide on a jewelry store. And for that, it is essential to make sure that it is a serious store, with prestige, good reputation and to work under all the quality standards in their jewelry to make sure that the engagement ring is good.

Apart from checking catalogs, a good idea is to check the forums or comments that other brides and grooms leave about the jewelry stores. If you look for your provider in Matrimonios.cl, for example, you will find a section where couples rate with note and detail how was their experience with the store or jeweler, in addition to posting photos. This will be very useful when deciding between one or the other.

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5. Get the size

Think Pretty Pictures

Don't forget! Before you go to the jewelry store, you will have to get the exact size of the ring. How do you know what your ring size is without arousing suspicion? If they can't borrow a ring, there are a couple of methods for calculating size For example, by taking the ring and measuring the inside of the ring with a ruler or tape measure, but only measure the inside diameter of the ring and not from the outside, as the thickness of the material will increase the measurement.

And another way is to download apps, both on iOS and Android, specially designed for this purpose. You will find them by names like "ring sizer" or "ring size". Anyway, in case you have doubts, it will always be better to go for a larger size and not a smaller one. So, if you don't get it right, you can have the jewel cut.

6. Order it and customize it (or not)

Claf Goldsmith

With the design in mind and the size in hand, they will be in a position to go to the jeweler and buy the engagement ring But there is still one detail missing: would you like to personalize the ring by engraving your initials or the date of the engagement on the metal band? Although this is typical for wedding rings, you can also ask for an inscription on your engagement jewellery.

And, furthermore, if you are still not 100 percent sure about the design or really what engagement rings look like If you want the diamond to be the protagonist, the jeweler will suggest you the ideal setting for it, or will clarify all your doubts regarding the 4Cs that determine the value of precious or semi-precious stones, i.e. color, clarity, cut and ct (carat weight).

7. Require certificates

Mao Jewelry

Finally, don't leave the jewelry store without making sure that the engagement ring will be delivered with its certificate of authenticity with the characteristics of the jewel, a guarantee and a maintenance service.

In the case of more expensive or exclusive jewellery, the ideal is to include an annual maintenance service, free of charge and for life, with cleaning, polishing and setting adjustment. And although it is the least likely scenario, find out anyway, in case of any unforeseen event, how the exchange or return policies of the jewel work.

Once you've chosen your engagement ring, then all you have to do is decide how to propose. At a romantic dinner? Unexpectedly in the middle of the day? Either way, the important thing is to discuss it with the right people, or even keep it quiet if you want to keep it a complete surprise. That way you won't run the risk of your partner getting suspicious before you receive the ring.