As we head into my favourite time of the year, I want to explore a few options and ideas to help you make that second most important decision. Naturally the most important decision should be, is my girlfriend the one I want to spend the rest of my life with? I can't help you with that, but I can help you with the rest of the process and that all important ring.
There are a few things that need to be considered and I will be here every step of the way to help you. Some of the questions to take into account are, should I propose with a ring? Do I know what style of ring she likes? If not, should I propose with just a diamond? Then perhaps on the proposal itself, how should I propose? That topic though that's covered in my earlier blog where I suggest 10 proposal ideas.
So the two scenarios I want to really tuck into here are the following. Proposing with or without a ring, what are my options?
I suppose the simplest scenario would be to have a ring and plan the proposal. This happens to be so intense and extremely stressful for the guy, and believe me I know. I see so many guys over the weeks, and they are all so very different. There are those few who come to me with pages of notes and questions, all the way down to those who just literally take the first ring they see that fits their budget, and he feels she will love. Now should she not like the ring, and it happens,we can deal with it. Just follow the guide in my previous blog "I hate my engagement ring, now what?"
So let's assume you are going with a ring, here are a few things to determine before you buy the ring. Firstly we need to know the shape of the diamond she loves. I was with a client who asked me to get him a few princess cut diamonds ready for viewing, which I did. We spent around an hour whilst I gave him an education on them and explained the reason why the smaller was more expensive, and why bigger is not always better, and in the end he asked if he could just confirm with her best friend what he had picked before paying. So he called her. It was just as well he did. Another hour later and he went with her favourite shape. A pear shape diamond. This just goes to emphasise the point that you have to remember, and that is you are buying her something which you want her to love, not what you would love. Once this was done we invited her friend into the process and picked a gorgeous style which she loves very much. Needless to say all went well and she loves her engagement ring and they are now very happily married.
If you think you are brave enough and know what she likes, then by all means do come in and have a look around my collection. I have an assortment of styles and rings in my ready to wear collection which start at a very sensible price, and we can always upscale to make sure you get exactly what you want.
However, if you still want to be Mr Romance himself, then here is a suggestion which I absolutely love. How about proposing with just a diamond. Just a solitary diamond in a beautiful presentation box could be all you need to make that special night very romantic indeed. My view is that you do a little homework and discreetly find a shape of diamond she will love. Take her best friend aside and let her into your secret. Then decide on a budget, and I will show you a few loose diamonds to fit your criteria and educate you. Once you have picked a diamond I place it in a presentation box for you to propose with. Once the deed is done you come in together and design the ring. Two weeks later the ring is ready. This way you have the element of surprise and the romantic element of designing the ring together. Having it handmade too also ensures you both get exactly what you want for the money you want to spend.
I do hope that my suggestions have helped make things a bit clearer and should you have any questions, just get in touch.
If you would like an appointment, then please do call for a free consultation in our central London Hatton Garden office and we would be glad to try and help you. Our details are on the main page of the Lewis Malka London website.
Lewis Malka is a recognised expert in making diamond rings as well as being a famous jeweller to the stars. All his blogs are his own opinions. He is a member of the London Diamond Bourse (LDB) and is currently the Chairman of the Young Persons Committee within the Diamond Bourse. You can follow him daily on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you would like any bespoke jewellery made, then please visit his website.
