When it’s time to propose you have to choose the right diamond at the right price.  Whether you are the potential bride or groom, it’s a good idea to be wise to what to look for since there is so much choice.

1. Decide on the money you want to spend.  Obviously don’t get into debt for the sake of a ring – who wants to start married life in debt?  At the same time, save up a little so you have a reasonable amount to spend.  For each person that amount is different.

2. Decide on the setting.  Gold, Platinum or White Gold.  Diamonds are too valuable to set on Silver which tarnishes easily.  Some people prefer gold and a lot of people prefer a cool coloured metal.  You should be able to tell which you other half prefers.

3. Decide on the shape.  Traditionally most people go for a Brilliant, other known as a round shape.  This is known as a Brilliant because the circular shape has the most perfect dimensions for the best amount of shine or ‘fire’ – the thing that makes a diamond just glow.  If your other half is traditional and prefers classic things go for this.  Other popular shapes are the Marquise (like a cat eye shape), Princess (rectangular) or a Square.  Fancier cuts include the Asher, which is square but has a layered look inside and the cushion cut which is oval but has lots of different reflective segments cut away underneath.

4. The size of a diamond is every girls dream!  Many diamond rings for around £500 are around 0.5 carat.  Carats are the way that diamonds are weighted.  1 carat is a generous and stylish size and will cost an absolute minimum of around £1500 (if it has a decent clarity and cut).

5. Clarity is how clear or flawless a diamond is.  There are different grades for diamonds, flawless diamonds being the rarest and most costly.  Few diamonds on the high street are flawless – most have a rating of VSI or VSII which means they have very slight markings (not visible to the naked eye).  A diamond that is huge but has lots of marks inside will not have ‘fire’ and will look dull.

6. Look on the internet as well as the high street! The best deals can be found online especially from the US but don’t forget that you will need to pay tax on it once it arrives in the UK.  Sometimes though, it can still work out cheaper than buying it in the UK but make sure that its from a reputable company.

How do you choose a wedding ring?  It’s just a simple band right?  Well the ring is something that you will wear everyday – it’s a symbol that people see and recognize, that will instantly tell people something about you.  It also plays a big part in the wedding ceremony so it’s important to choose something comfortable you are happy to wear for the rest of your life.

Wedding rings tend to be shopped for by the couple unlike the engagement ring.  Women do tend to take the helm when choosing jewellery but it’s important that both parties are happy with the ring!

Consider the thickness that you want.  Some rings are very thick and chunky which looks good on men with big hands but no so great if you have delicate fingers. Most couples go for the same ring but in a different size.

Rings can come in silver, gold, platinum, white gold and more recently pallidium which is a scratch resistant metal.  Gold is a traditional choice but most people prefer the cool tones of platinum or white gold.  Silver is not recommended fro long term constant wear as it tarnishes very easily. 

Wedding rings can be very plain or they can have all kinds of embellishments.  Simple is a safe choice – the wedding ring isn’t a fashion accessory as such through the middle or some small diamonds.  Certain cultures will have different types of ring – in Asian culture yellow gold is popular and Celtic rings are a popular choice with Irish people.

You can also get rings engraved with your own message for the personal touch.  This is on the inside so it is a personal and private touch.

The Bride and grooms ring doesn’t have to match.  Sometimes the bride will get a simple band that is encrusted with diamonds and therefore matches the engagement ring.  These are usually sold as a set and are very popular in the US – you can get a better deal and price if you buy the band and diamond at the same time. The groom will then have a simple ring in the same metal as the bridge but without the diamonds. 

Finally comfort is very important. This means buying the right size and the right thickness so it doesn’t rub or feel uncomfortable.  A lightweight ring is preferable if you find wearing jewellery cumbersome.

Brides are inundated with jewellery choices – silver, gold, diamonds, crystals, pearls, fashion, simple etc.  With so many choices and potential budgets, how do you know which is right for you?

Diamonds

Diamonds are the classic jewel for brides.  By far the most expensive choice but arguable the most long lasting, diamonds are a girls best friend.

The most popular choices these days are diamonds set on Platinum or as a slightly cheaper alternative, white gold. If your budget can stretch to thousands, you can but more elaborate designs but an affordable choice, Ernest Jones offers simple solitaire diamond necklaces for around £300.  This is a good idea if your dress is fussy and you want something simple to compliment, and you can also buy simple matching earrings and a bracelet.

Pearls

Pearls are extremely popular for weddings.  Pearls can be freshwater or saltwater and when choosing some to complement your wedding dress, think about the shape, lustre, colour and design you want.  The higher the A grade of the pearl, the fewer flaws it will have (an AAAA pearl may have no flaws).  Pearls can be round, semi round or irregular and can come in various shades of cream and white, pink and grey. 

Pearls compliment a classic looking dress such as a silk or satin antique design.  Making sure the necklace is not too short or too long it’s important not to make you look short necked – the perfect drape would lie around your collar bones.

Crystals

Crystals are a cheaper alternative to diamonds and still have lots of sparkle.  There is a lot of costume jewellery made in crystals (not to mentioned coloured gems) so you can be as simple or crazy as you want.  Check out Tarina Tarainto, Cherry Chau and Butler and Wilson.  Debenhams, Claire’s and Marks and Spencer offer extremely good value crystal jewellery; earrings, tiaras, necklaces and bracelets.

Gold

Gold isn’t as popular these days; silver and cool colours tend to look better with a white dress.  However, gold can look great if you have an off white dress as it adds a tad of warmth.  If you choose a coloured dress it can look great (think of Asian bridal dresses). You may want to buy gold jewellery complimented by coloured gemstones or a diamond for added lustre but since gold already looks strong, make sure the design isn’t over the top.

When it comes to wedding rings, simple gold bands are the cheapest, although platinum is probably the first choice of most people these days. A simple platinum band can be picked up for about £200 if you scour the best deals available online

White gold is often a good, cheaper substitute for platinum as they both look roughly the same, but white gold is generally about half the price of platinum. Also if you buy the engagement ring and both wedding rings together, it’s usually a lot easier to strike a deal and get a good discount.

If you still want to save on the rings, consider the following:

1. Consider opting for stones other than diamonds. If you want a ring with a stone, don’t forget that semi-precious stones are also beautiful. It’s a little known fact that Princess Diana had a sapphire ring - you could too!

2. A wedding bands that has been in the family for some time is both a romantic heirloom and free!

3. If you are going on a trip abroad any time soon, consider saving by taking advantage of duty free prices at the airport!

4. Check out the local pawn shops – these shops often have a lot of jewellery in stock.

If you have your heart set on something specific that is just out of your price range today, then you can always strike a deal with each other: start saving today and “upgrade” your wedding rings on your fifth or your tenth anniversary. This could even maybe the opportunity to renew your vows at the same time?!