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You’d get dizzy trying to make sense of all the options you have for an engagement ring! Do you buy one off the shelf or have one custom made? What kind of stone should you get? How much do you spend on it?
On and on, the questions keep coming. Well, we’re here to make sense of it all for you! We’ve looked around and found some really helpful advice, along with some of the best engagement rings in Melbourne! Let’s start with the basics.
RELATED: The best unique engagement ring designers for when you’re ready to pop the question
A Brief Overview Of Engagement Rings
An engagement ring is a ring worn to signify that person’s engagement to be married, typically by a woman. The usual process involves a man getting down on his knee, and proposing marriage while offering the ring. It is worn on the left hand ring finger. You know the drill.
More interesting is how the ring is made and what it is made of. A classic engagement ring is comprised of a gold or platinum band and a diamond as its centrepiece. Diamonds have been the de facto gemstone for engagement rings since the mid 20th century when diamond cartel De Beers reinvigorated public interest in wedding rings to help with diamond sales.
While many still prefer the classic diamond engagement ring, an explosion of unique metals and gemstones has flooded the market. Unique jewellers have made a career out of custom engagement rings, using a variety of metals, stones, and designs to please their customers.
What To Consider When Looking For An Engagement Ring
Choosing an engagement ring can be a stressful process, whether you’re going at it alone or together with your fiancé-to-be. Here are some things to consider while you search for the perfect ring.
1. Cost
Yes, we’ve all heard of the two or three months’ salary rule. While it sounds like old wisdom, it’s really just a marketing slogan to get you to spend more. If there is a rule regarding cost, it’s stick to a ring that you can afford! Don’t overdo it and buy a ring that’s clearly out of your tax bracket. Pick a cost that you find reasonable and stick to it. You’ll thank yourself later.
2. Your Partner’s Style
It should go without saying that you should get a ring that suits your partner. If they’re going to be wearing it every day, it would be best that it looks good on them or matches their general sense of aesthetic. It even shows them that you pay attention to how they look. If you don’t have an eye for that sort of thing, you can go look together. Most younger couples often buy rings together these days, so don’t feel strange about asking your partner about their preferences.
3. Shape And Stone
The stone’s shape is the biggest visible feature on a ring. If you’re getting one custom made, the shape will determine lots of other factors such as the way it is set or what the band’s design will be. For example, an emerald cut stone will look larger than say, an oval cut stone. It’s important to consider this early on, as different shapes will create different effects when worn on the hand. Do your research!
What kind of stone will also be a huge factor in the look and price. A clear and well-cut white or pink diamond will cause your price to skyrocket, while using a gem like a ruby or even moissanite can make your ring of choice much more affordable. Diamond rings aren’t your only choice!
4. Metal
The metal you choose for the band is important as well. Choose a metal that goes well with the stone of your choice, and pick a colour that suits your partner’s style. The usual suspects for metal are platinum or gold, with gold having several variations like yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold. Platinum is durable and hypoallergenic, but a little more expensive than gold. There are other metals too like Palladium and recycled metal, so feel free to weigh all your options!
5. Don’t Go To Just One Place
There are plenty of jewellers making engagement rings in Melbourne who would be glad to help you on your journey. A ring you like at one place might be overshadowed by a ring at another store. On that note, start searching months in advance so you have ample time to make comparisons and pick the absolute best ring you can. Take your time, this isn’t something you want to rush.
How Much Are Engagement Rings?
So how much are people spending on rings these days? According to a survey in 2017, Australian couples spend an average of $AUD6143 on an engagement ring. Some jewellers would contend that that amount is low, saying that customers spend more in their stores on average.
If you need a rule of thumb to estimate what you should be spending, experts advise following the two month rule instead of three. So expect to probably spend about two months’ worth of salary on an engagement ring.
Finding An Engagement Ring In Melbourne
When you’re looking for the perfect ring, you’ll find yourself looking at different kinds of stores. Most big sellers will have ring options for you off the shelf. Jewellers like Michael Hill have a selection of rings that you can choose from, usually befitting classic styles.
If you’re looking for something unique, there are designers like Rose & Crown who will create a unique ring for you from scratch. These tend to cost a little more but you’ll have a ring that is absolutely unique!
Or if you’re feeling sentimental, choose a vintage piece. You might find one in stores selling older jewellery, or perhaps a family member is willing to pass theirs down to you. If that’s the case, you don’t have to spend much at all!
The Best Engagement Rings In Melbourne
There are endless options out there for engagement rings and it’s hard to decide where to buy one. Melbourne has an outstanding selection of jewellery, so we’ve compiled five of the best jewellers out there!
1. Michael Hill
Price: $AUD8,299
An international brand, Michael Hill opened in 1979 with a stated vision of “making fine jewellery accessible to everybody”. They have over 300 stores in three countries, selling engagement and wedding rings. This particular ring is a 65-facet Southern Star diamond cut on yellow gold. Like many of their pieces, it is classic in feel, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and elegance.
2. All Diamonds Elsternwick
Price: $AUD4,100
All Diamonds is an Australian family-owned business with 30 years of jewellery experience. Located in Elsternwick, Victoria, they deliver diamonds and jewellery to Melbourne as well. This cushion cut double halo ring in 18kt white gold is dazzling and a definite eye-catcher.
3. Rose & Crown Jewellers
Price: Varied depending on custom order.
Masters of Art Deco, Rose & Crown is committed to the art of custom one-of-a-kind jewellery. Definitely one of the more unique jewellers in Australia, be prepared to spend a little more on a custom ring here. Pictured is a classic sapphire and diamond engagement ring set in rose gold.
4. Ellissi Rings And Jewellery
Price: $AUD9,480
Ellissi makes ready-to-wear and custom engagement rings in a variety of styles. The work done by their jeweller Ian Murray have made Ellissi popular not only in Australia, but all over the world. Pictured here is a lovely Solitaire 1ct Radiant cut ring with shoulder diamonds, set in yellow gold.
5. Corky Saint Clair
Price: $AUD1,000
Designed in Melbourne, Corky’s rings are known for their use of raw, rough cut, and rose cut gemstones. Their rings are extremely unique, and about as far away from classic as you can get. And they make men’s rings too! Pictured is their rose cut salt and pepper diamond set in yellow gold.
Conclusion
Be sure to remember our tips and suggestions! Do your best and you’ll be able to find a ring that’s perfect for your partner. Down the line, any of these fine establishments would be happy to supply you with wedding rings! If Melbourne is your city, then you’ll have plenty of amazing options to choose from.
RELATED: The Golden Rules For Buying An Engagement Ring
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