An engagement ring marks the beginning of a beautiful journey built on love and trust between two people. In our bespoke establishment here in Singapore, the meaning behind an engagement ring is made more special by weaving careful attention and thought into the details of the ring. The design of each ring is unique given our cultural diversity and is even more heartfelt when it is intertwined with your personal stories.
Choosing the right engagement ring for such a significant occasion should resonate deeply with your preferences while aligning with what your partner is fond of. Start by setting a realistic budget, understanding your partner’s style, choosing between a diamond or coloured gemstone, selecting a suitable metal, deciding on the ring setting, and confirming the ring size. While it may sound complicated, having the right jeweller to guide you can make the experience a little less daunting.
Before deciding which engagement ring to buy, you should set a budget to help manage your ring-shopping needs. With a set budget, you can determine what elements to incorporate in your desired engagement ring without breaking the bank. The wish list for details can be made more concise while capturing the essential details of the engagement ring.
Here are some tips to start you off on crafting your engagement ring.
Diamonds are the most popular precious stones for engagement rings due to their elegance, brilliance, and durability. With lab-grown diamonds gracing the market, you can now have a diamond on the engagement ring without over-splurging for its natural counterpart.
Whichever your choice of diamond may be, natural and lab-grown diamonds are graded with the same method set by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which entails the 4Cs relating to Carat, Colour, Clarity, and Cut. Usually, larger diamonds have an official diamond report or certification that details the 4Cs.
The brilliance of a diamond is a highly desired quality where, in summarised explanation, the better the diamond is cut, the brighter it will shine. Some elements that define a well-cut diamond are:
The colour-grading scale ranges from D to Z, with D colour being the most colourless diamond with hints of yellow, in which the yellow hue gets stronger as the diamond moves down the scale towards Z colour. In general, colourless diamonds tend to be the more desirable option due to their magnificent sparkle.
Clear diamonds are not to be confused with fancy-coloured diamonds, which can come in stronger yellow, blue, pink and more hues. You might consider a fancy-coloured diamond if you want to incorporate a pop of colour in your engagement ring.
Clarity refers to the number of imperfections on the surface or within the diamond. Diamonds with fewer imperfections are graded with higher clarity. The clarity scale ranges from flawless (FL) to I3 (obvious inclusions).
Carats are used to measure the weight of diamonds. The larger the carat of a diamond, the proportionally heavier it is. However, a larger size does not translate to a heavier carat weight. Depending on how well the diamond is cut, you may find a seemingly smaller diamond with a heavier carat weight.
Aside from diamonds, there are plenty of beautiful coloured gemstones that have their unique charms. You could choose a gemstone in your partner’s favourite colour or one relating to their birthstone. Here are some examples to give you a clearer idea:
Various types of precious metals are used for ring bands in jewellery, and they possess different properties that influence their durability and style. Be sure to choose the metal that best complements your and your partner’s skin tone, sensitivity, and daily activities.
White gold is the most popular precious metal for rings due to its lovely hue and versatility. The silver-white coat is made from Rhodium plating, which adds durability to white gold. Almost any gemstone and design can look beautiful on white gold bands.
Yellow gold is the natural and original colour. It is often mixed with other metals for added strength. Yellow gold bands are the perfect choice if you prefer a ring with a classic, vintage vibe.
Rose gold has a pink blush due to combining pure yellow gold with copper alloys, in which copper also helps increase the gold’s strength. Rose gold bands almost always go perfectly with most gemstones and rings with intricate designs and have a more feminine and elegant appeal.
Platinum is one of the most durable precious metals with a relatively higher density. Higher-grade platinum may be ideal for those who prefer to wear rings containing fewer metal alloys to strengthen rings. Its silvery-white complexion makes it perfect for pairing with diamonds and coloured gemstones, allowing the stones to dazzle brilliantly.
Choosing the ideal engagement ring style is essential to reflect the couple’s tastes and preferences. The ring’s style, design, choice of metal, and gemstone should be compatible with the wearer’s personality and lifestyle. With these factors in mind, you should choose a ring style that symbolises your love and commitment to each other and an evergreen design that could stand the test of time.
Below are some of the popular styles for engagement rings that you can consider best for you and your partner.
A solitaire engagement ring is perfect if your partner prefers to keep it classy and traditional. It highlights a single gemstone, usually a diamond, in the centre and is enclosed in. There are several solitaire styles: basket, bezel, cathedral, and trellis.
A halo engagement ring features a prominent diamond in the centre embraced by a “halo” of smaller diamonds. The halo style is ideal for weds-to-be who desire a bit of feminine flair and sparkle.
At times, simplicity goes a long way. Simple engagement ring styles often help display the elegance of the chosen gemstone while keeping the band’s design to a bare minimum. This humble style is for those who opt for practicality while still flaunting grace.
A three-stone engagement ring is an evergreen style. Staying true to its name, this style features a prominent gemstone in the centre of the ring and is surrounded by two more medium-sized gemstones. The three-stone style is perfect for those wishing to balance the solitaire and halo look, both captivating classics.
Unique engagement ring styles range from slightly rare antique and vintage styles to more modern and popular ones. Whatever the case, unique styles are tailor-made to match your or your partner’s personality or preferences as part of what is known as bespoke jewellery.
Adorning bespoke engagement rings creates a more profound significance for you and your partner. Bespoke engagement rings are custom-designed rings that incorporate your story into the piece of jewellery, from the choice of gemstone to the ring band design, which is personalised to you.
Understandably, customised rings may be more expensive than readily available rings due to factors like the intricacy of design and the materials you opt for. However, the sentiment behind bespoke rings is designed to be more memorable and unique to you and your partner. After all, engagement rings symbolise the start of a journey to forever.
Plus, having your ring custom-made by professional jewellers will guarantee you an accessory that is not only evergreen and personal but also of high quality.
To ensure authenticity, diamonds are commonly graded and certified by official gemology bodies such as the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America Inc. (GIA). These certifications will detail the grade and specifications of the diamond, such as the 4Cs, providing additional assurance to buyers.
If you or your partner are active in physical activities or frequently travel, whether for work or leisure, consider insuring your engagement rings for safety. Insuring your ring will offer financial protection, especially when covering accidental loss, damage, and theft.
When caring for your engagement rings, you should send them to your jeweller for professional cleaning and service. Try to get your rings cleaned at least once a year to keep them bright and dazzling for a longer time.
Entering the engagement phase means being one step closer to starting a life-long journey with your partner. Commemorate this joyous and heartfelt occasion by getting you and your partner a pair of bespoke engagement rings at Ling Jewellery at affordable rates. With our meticulous artisans and use of high-quality gemstones and bands, we can bring your desired engagement ring designs to life.
Ling Jewellery is passionate about helping you craft an exclusive symbol of your love and devotion to your partner. Contact us or book an appointment today to learn more about our bespoke process before we get started on your dream engagement rings.
111 Somerset Road
#03-28 TripleOne Somerset
Singapore 238164
* By Appointment Only
* Closed on Public Holidays
