As with all big purchases, everyone has different opinions on what ought to be done or what shouldn’t be done and we’re often faced with a bunch of conflicting advice. We don’t want to add to that! But what we will do is point out some misconceptions so that you can make an informed decision.
What some jewellers will tell you:
- Only diamonds and Sapphires can withstand daily wear
- Diamonds are the classic/traditional choice
- Spend 3 months of your salary on the ring
What we know for a fact:
Only diamonds and Sapphires can withstand daily wear
It is true that Diamond and Sapphire are the hardest natural gemstones, and that they’re less likely to be scratched. However, there’s a big difference between hardness and toughness. Hardness is the ability to withstand scratches while toughness is about how easily the gem will chip or break. ALL gemstones, even diamonds, can be chipped and broken
Unless you plan on wearing your engagement ring or any fine jewellery while doing heavy duty work or household chores, hardness isn’t a huge problem. Nowadays, many modern brides are choosing stones such as tourmalines and tanzanites for their engagement rings and they don’t have issues — but everyone is DIFFERENT! Some clients can go years without having problems with their rings and others will scratch it on the way out of the door.
Diamonds are the classic/traditional choice
Actually, that’s not true. Before the 1930s, only 10% of American engagement rings contained a Diamond, and that only changed after De Beer’s ‘a diamond is forever’ marketing campaign in 1947. Will you really let a marketing agency dictate tradition?
Coloured gemstones are UNIQUE just like your love. Why would you want to wear the same thing as everyone else? Your engagement ring should symbolise YOUR unique and special love story.
Spend 3 months of your salary on the ring
Once again, this myth was started by our good friend De Beers. In the 1930s, one of their advertising campaigns convinced men to spend roughly one month’s salary on this purchase and by the 1980s, one month’s salary was no longer the rule. It turned into two months and then three! Once again, why let a marketing firm tell you how to spend your money!?
Every budget is a good budget. Whether it’s 2500 or 25,000 – whatever YOU can afford is the best budget. Naturally, the higher your budget the more options you will have, but that’s no reason to overspend because there will always be other jewellery pieces along the way! There’s never not an occasion to treat the love of your life to something sparkly. She’ll love you regardless and there are so many opportunities in the future for you to gift her jewels
That’s 3 out of 3! We hope we’ve shed a little light into the engagement ring purchasing process today. At the end of the day, the engagement is all about the two of you. Not anyone else’s opinion so just have fun and listen to your gut. The perfect ring is not just one that she loves, but also one that you’re proud to have chosen.