Guys have an understandably hard time picking out engagement rings. Without a lifetime of jewelry-buying to bolster their knowledge of stones and settings, it’s no wonder they find themselves floundering when it comes time to purchase the most important piece of jewelry you’ll ever wear. However, the process may become even more complicated if you, yourself, have no idea what style you prefer. If your jewelry collection is as eclectic as Madonna’s catalog of albums, then perhaps you should take the time to sift through the many styles you’ve embraced over the years and pare down your preferences to an easily identifiable set of markers that will have your honey picking the ring of your dreams. Here’s how to peg your personal style.
Once you have chosen the stones you like and the metal you find most appealing, you’ll have to select a style. Do you want a simple band, or one adorned with filigree? Is a single stone enough, or do you need accents on either side (or a pave halo)? And do you think a large central stone fits your aesthetic, or is something less ostentatious to your liking? Would you prefer something straight from a retailer, an authentic antique, or a custom-made creation? All of these questions are important if you’re trying to pinpoint your personal style.
A good bet is to consider your long-term aesthetic. Since you’re probably planning to wear your engagement ring for the rest of your life, you’ll want to choose something that will suit you as well ten or twenty years down the line as it does today. Take into account not only styles that you have appreciated in the past, but also what will continue to match your personality down the road. If you are a quiet and reserved person, for example, you may want to choose a style that is more traditional and enduring, such as the classic Tiffany solitaire. If, on the other hand, you prefer something that is off the beaten path (and you always have), you might opt for a style that is a bit more indicative of your penchant for individuality.
Only you can determine the style that will suit you best, but by taking the time to work out your basic aesthetic when it comes to jewelry, choose the type of ring you want, and plan out the components, you have a much better chance of receiving an engagement ring that will continue to take your breath away over the long years. As a bonus, you’ll also earn the eternal gratitude of your husband-to-be by telling him just what you want.
