So you’re thinking of popping the question? Congratulations! Have you chosen your engagement ring yet? Don’t worry if you haven’t, we’re here to help. Shopping in London can be a frantic and daunting experience; here are some tips to find the right engagement ring for you.
Location
Anyone living in London will tell you to visit Hatton Garden. It’s the centre for diamond and jewellery trade in the UK. Since its infancy in the 19th century, over 300 businesses and 55 shops have opened in the jewellery industry in this district. While this collection and density are impressive, it’s another example of the overwhelming nature of London shopping.
So, if the highstreets and busy retail sectors aren’t for you, where should you shop for your engagement ring? Thankfully, there are plenty of hidden gems dotted around London. Take Savvy and Sand, located only a stone’s throw from the distinguished Hatton Garden. They supply renowned and bespoke Verragio Rings who strive for uniqueness in every ring, among many other brands.
Online Shopping
Visiting jewelers and viewing physical, tangible rings and gems is a unique and time-honoured tradition, the modern Londoner doesn’t always have time for it. Thankfully, you can browse a far larger collection that is fully customizable online. Not only do you have access to more stores, but you also don’t have the pressure of any representatives trying to push a sale for the purpose of a commission.
Know Your Budget
Prices for an engagement ring will vary wildly. Set yourself a generous budget, as you’re likely to go above your initial estimate. You may find the perfect ring just by spotting it, but it’s more likely that you will have to make a compromise between your budget and your satisfaction.
Educate Yourself
You don’t need to be an expert on the subject, but if you want the right ring at the right price, a little knowledge is needed. You’ve probably heard the term ‘the four C’s’ if you’ve started looking for rings already. In essence, each ‘C’ (carat, colour, clarity and cut) refers to the quality of the diamond/gem. Each ‘C’ can go into a rabbit’s hole of depth (more of which can be found here) and is the difference between a bespoke ring and a run-of-the-mill ring. Knowing the meanings will help you more efficiently spend your money where it counts. For instance, if your partner doesn’t like clear gems, you can save a fortune since your gem doesn’t need to have a high clarity rating.
Educating yourself on your partner, however subtly you like, is just as important. As mentioned before, if your to-be spouse isn’t particularly bothered by a particular aspect of a ring or gem, you can tailor to that specifically. Some modern designs avoid gems entirely, while others opt for many, smaller gems as opposed to the traditional centre set stone. Know your partner and you’ll have an easy time finding your engagement ring.