Finding the person you know you want to spend the rest of your life is a wonderful thing. As the saying goes ‘When you know, you know’ and gearing up to pop the question can be such an exciting time.
But whether you want to pick the ring as a couple or surprise your other half with a ring you have chosen, the endless selections to choose from and the plethora of opinions on what you should go for along the way can feel daunting and take the joy out of what should be an exceedingly joyful time.
Store manager Elaine Byrne of Fields The Jeweller, Grafton Street has sold her fair share of engagement rings and is just the woman you need to ease any ring-purchasing worries.
Her approach is personable and warm and for her, of all the variations of customers that she has the joy in meeting, a man shopping on his own for the ring holds a certain kind of magic for her.
She says, “It’s a privilege for us to share the secrecy with him while he’s choosing something and to hear how he speaks about her. You can see that he’s excited, and he’s really taking a chance and picking something based on how he’s describing the person in question and their style and also what he thinks they might like.” Every inner romantic will aww at his.
Here are our tips when it comes to choosing the ring:
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH
It can be tempting to get caught up in the romance of the moment and just go for the first ring you see but Elaine says, “The most important thing is to maintain an open mind – your selection is really the start of your journey towards the whole experience.” Elaine tells us the most common style of ring sold in Fields would be a brilliant round-cut diamond – for the simple reason that it gives an incredible amount of sparkle. “You will get the most pay-off with this kind of cut,” she says.
2. BUDGET
Go for a ring at a price that you know is right for you. Whether a small budget or a large one, Fields will be able to carter whatever you can afford with a selection of stunning rings to chose from. Elaine says, “We start with diamond rings in a simple solitaire at €410 – and then they go upwards, to really, the sky is the limit!” They even have instalment plans; a customer can leave something on deposit with Fields, and they also offer Flexi-Fi which is interest-free credit.
3. KNOW YOUR GEMS
They say “Diamonds are a girls’ best friend” and we quite agree, as does Fields. Elaine says, classics are always good – like a solitaire or a three stone ring. Elaine recommends The Fields Setting, an exclusive setting for an IGI certified diamond which offers a range of beautifully romantic classic designs. But what’s most important, she says, is that the wearer feels excited every time they look at the ring on their finger, rather than keeping up with tends or current styles.
4. SETTINGS AND STONES
Don’t forget to take these little details into account. From bar, channel and claw settings, to clusters and multiple stones… don’t forget to savour the process and give some time to thinking outside the box before you make your investment. And as Elaine says, “When you have the ring on your finger you will know. We find that so many customers tie themselves up in knots with the details, when diamonds really aren’t that complex of a subject. They should go with the flow, trust their gut and trust their taste in what they like and that it’s correct for them.”
5. DONT FORGET TO BREATHE
Remember this is supposed to be fun! Make the most of every second of your engagement and try not to let stress overcome the excitement. Your engagement is a ring for life and choosing it should be a special and fun experience, so try not to lose sight of that.
If you have questions, Fields have an online team at www.fields.ie made up of experienced jewellery experts who will help direct couples.
Fields also has a dedicated page on their website that goes through the ins and outs of choosing an engagement ring, including figuring out ring sizes, the difference between diamond cuts and exactly which style is which!
All Fields diamond engagement rings now have a lifetime guarantee, and anyone who purchases a diamond engagement ring is presented with a diamond guarantee book, once the customer returns to the store every 6 months to have their ring checked.
This year, anyone who buys an engagement ring at Fields will get 25% OFF wedding rings and bridal party gifts.