Top 5 Tips to Choosing a Ring (Brides look away now – these tips are for your groom!) A ring is as individual as the person that’s wearing, so how do you make sure you get the right ring for you or your soon-to-be fiancee? 1. To pick or not to pick? We’ve all seen the movies – boy plans elaborate ruse and surprises the love of his life with a ring that’s perfect (amazing how that happens every time!), but times are a-changing. Some girls like to pick out their own ring, others prefer just to wear a wedding band so if you think your girlfriend would prefer one of these options but you still want to make a grand entrance why not try a ‘stop gap ring’ – something funny like a jelly sweet ring or something you picked up from an accessory store until you can both go shopping together. However, if you know a ring is the needed for that big moment, read on! 2. Pick up the clues and enlist the help of a cohort! Have a look at the jewellery and accessories that your girlfriend has bought for herself. Keep an eye out for the colour. For example, if all your girlfriend’s jewellery is silver, you should probably stay clear of yellow gold as the metal! Other things to look out for. Is her jewellery large / chunky / modern / classic / small / understated / with stones / plain etc etc. The clues are there for the taking. Also, pick one of her friends that you can absolutely trust to keep a secret and get their opinion. 3. How much should you spend? The jewellery industry has done an excellent job in telling the world that you should spend about 2 months salary on an engagement ring, but here’s the thing – it’s in their interests that you do, so we may have to question that advice! You should a) only spend what you can afford and b) spend it on something that suits your partner even if it goes against conventional wisdom. After all, she’ll be wearing it for a very long time. 4. Types of metal & stone Here are a few of the favourites. Again, the main thing here is to go for a look you know your girlfriend will like. Tell the jeweller if you have a budget to see if they can achieve that look for you by adjusting the metal / stone – they are, after all, the experts! Your main metals are: Silver, Gold (yellow & white), Pladinum, Platinum, Titanium. Stones and gems come in a variety of colours, shapes, sizes and cuts so again, pick something that you know suits your lady! If diamonds are the way forward for you, bear in mind the 4c’s: Colour, Clarity, Cut, Carat. Sometimes going down a little in carat weight will afford you the luxury of upping the clarity of the stone. 5. Interview the jeweller Will you get a certificate of authenticity if with your ring if it contains diamonds? Will the jeweller alter the size of the ring free of charge if it needs changing (you can help out here by taking one of your girlfriends rings to the store with you)? Will they give you and your fiancée a discount on your wedding bands if you buy them at the same store?