• Fashion

    Some Tips to Shopping for Engagement Rings in Melbourne

    Selecting the right engagement ring can be overwhelming. There are seemingly endless styles and designs, as well as metals and sizes of stones available. Melbourne has a lot to offer in terms of places to buy engagement rings. Regardless of where you end up shopping, here are a few tips to help you make the right decision.

    Scour their current jewellery

    Do this on the sly if you’re intending your proposal to be a surprise (which most are), but while your partner is out one day, take a look through their current collection of rings and, if possible, take their favourite ring with you while you shop. This will not only help you choose the right size but will also help inform you and the jeweller about what style and colours they like and what design and stone might best suit their taste.

    If you can’t take them with you, or don’t want to risk it, make an outline of the ring’s inner circumference on a piece of paper (or take an impression in a piece of plasticine), and take a photo of their ring collection to show the jeweller or designer for inspiration.

    Take a photo of their wardrobe

    Since you’re snooping, take a look at their clothes and take a photo that you can also use to find a stone colour matched to their fashion style. Do they prefer certain tones and colours? Is their wardrobe mostly made up of vintage and retro clothing, or do they wear modern designs? Are they simple in their style or extravagant? Their style will generally say a lot about their personality and can help narrow the selection of designs and stone type.

    Consider their work and life activities

    When selecting a ring, it’s a good idea to consider their lifestyle. What do they do for work and pleasure? If they’re very active or work in manual labour, a large stone could get damaged or fall out, so a subtler ring and smaller stone could be the best option.

    Consider the best place to shop

    Many people’s first port of call is to your contemporary brick-and-mortar jewellery store, but there are other options available. Bespoke engagement rings are a special way to show you care, while also ensuring your ring is one of a kind. You can turn an heirloom piece of jewellery into a ring, bringing the element of family history into the design.

    Diamond wholesalers can offer a cheaper alternative as well, so you can get more for your money. And lastly, shopping around at thrift and second-hand stores can also turn up some beautiful and surprising results, so don’t simply assume you have to go to a traditional jewellery store to find quality or the perfect ring.

    This is your special moment, and the possibilities are only limited by your imagination, so have fun with the process, and best of luck finding the perfect ring for your perfect person.