Engagement rings have a history dating back to Ancient Rome when women were gifted rings crafted from iron, ivory, bone, copper, or flint. The engagement ring was traditionally worn as a symbol of a contract and to convey mutual love. The American Gem Society notes that in 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria had a diamond engagement ring commissioned for his bride, Mary of Burgundy.
There are many ways to propose, each rich with its tradition and history. And while there are so many books, movies and stories you have heard from friends and family, nobody teaches you how to get engaged.
So, how do you get the all-important ‘yes’? These engagement tips will help make getting engaged as smooth as possible. From the evolution of engagement practices to choosing the perfect ring, this engagement advice guide will help you navigate the intricacies of proposing, including aligning with your style, budget, and relationship goals.
History of Engagement
Engagement Ring Styles Through The Years
Regarding engagement ring styles, there are a multitude of options available. From the 1920s until today, engagement ring trends have been evolving. With each decade, there are new trends and diamond cuts. However, the classic solitaire diamond and halo engagement rings remain crowd favourites today.
To achieve the perfect proportions for showcasing GIA graded natural diamonds, our engagement ring styles have been designed and refined by our family over decades. Our diamonds are hand-picked for superior cut, colour and clarity.
With so many engagement ring choices available, it can be challenging to decide which is the perfect one. Choosing the gem type, style of setting, and type of gold can be a fun and creative process. Our educational resources here are a great first step.
Choosing the Right Ring
Engagement Ring Buying Guide
Set a budget
Before looking for the perfect engagement ring, decide on a budget you feel comfortable with. Your budget should consider your partner’s preferences and your financial situation.
Choose a setting
From a solitaire or halo to pave or bezel, the diamond setting type will determine the style and structure of the engagement ring.
Metal types
Engagement rings are generally available in four types of metal, including white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum.
Ring size
If you’re unsure of your partner’s ring size, use this free printable ring size chart. Alternatively, enlist a trusted friend for help on the correct size. Remember, rings can always be sized up or down!
Gemstone engagement rings are becoming a popular alternative to diamond engagement rings. With celebrities and royals wearing coloured gemstone engagement rings, this trend will only continue. Red rubies, green emeralds and blue sapphires can be crafted into a perfect engagement ring for your partner.
Gemstone Alternatives
For Him
Male engagement rings are a popular way to show a symbol of commitment. With different styles, metals and stones to choose from, more men are designing and wearing male engagement rings.
In the 1930s, the global diamond company De Beers launched an advertising campaign that established the “rule” of spending one month’s salary on an engagement ring. Since then, the suggested amount has fluctuated and will depend on your budget, salary, and the type of engagement ring you would like to buy. Your decision to get married shouldn’t be dictated by financial factors, though. Instead, choose an engagement ring that you both love and can afford.
How expensive is an engagement ring?
The price of an engagement ring will depend on what your salary is and the importance you place on it. Some couples prefer not to get an engagement ring and invest in more substantial diamond wedding bands. Others may decide an expensive engagement ring is required. SH Jewellery’s collection of Melbourne engagement rings covers a wide range of prices for all budgets, and includes ZipMoney payment plans for convenient installments.
How much should you spend on an engagement ring?
Our top 10 romantic places to plan a memorable proposal in Melbourne include:
- A picnic at the Royal Botanical Gardens.
- A romantic dinner at a top restaurant like Vue De Monde or France-Soir.
- An evening proposal at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
- An early morning hot air balloon ride over Melbourne.
- A vineyard tour in the Yarra Valley.
- A high tea proposal at The Hotel Windsor.
- A playful proposal at St Kilda’s Luna Park.
- An adventurous proposal at Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens.
- A moonlight kayak tour proposal.
- A sky-high romantic proposal at the Melbourne Sky Deck.
The Proposal
10 Best Places to Propose in Melbourne
10 Best Places to Propose in Sydney
Sydney has you covered for romantic, once-in-a lifetime proposal experiences including:
- A fun proposal on the Ferris wheel at Luna Park.
- Sunrise or sunset beach proposal at Bondi Beach.
- A garden proposal at Wendy’s Secret Garden.
- A picnic at Barrenjoey Lighthouse.
- A sky-high proposal on a Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb.
- A romantic dinner at a top restaurant like Quay or Icebergs.
- A breakfast picnic at Observatory Park.
- A swim and lunch at Balmoral Beach.
- A unique and memorable proposal in a Bubble Tent.
- A sky-high proposal at Level 36, Shangri-La Hotel.
How to Plan a Perfect Proposal
Use this checklist to plan your perfect proposal:
- Be confident with your decision.
- Decide on an engagement ring or choose one together.
- Plan for the proposal, including the location and what you’ll say.
- Decide how to photograph your proposal — a friend or family member may be able to help!
- Practice.
- Take some water and champagne.
- A river cruise.
- DIY cocktail party.
- A private chef dinner party.
- Winery or brewery bus tour.
- Brunch at a high-end hotel.
- Dress up themed party.
- Karaoke party.
- Live music party.
- Catered picnic party in park.
- A surprise party where you invite friends and family over.
Engagement Party Planning
Your engagement party marks the beginning of your celebrations together as a recently engaged couple. The style, time and place of your engagement party will depend on your budget, who you want to celebrate with and where you would like to host the party.
10 Best Engagement Party Ideas
How to Throw an Engagement Party
Use this checklist to plan your perfect proposal:
- Be confident with your decision.
- Decide on an engagement ring or choose one together.
- Plan for the proposal, including the location and what you’ll say.
- Decide how to photograph your proposal — a friend or family member may be able to help!
- Practice.
- Take some water and champagne.
What’s Next?
Now you’re engaged, there’s the exciting planning around your wedding to organise. But amid this busy period, set aside some time with your partner to consider wedding rings. Our wedding ring-buying guide discusses everything you will need to know about different styles of wedding bands and what you need to consider before buying wedding rings.
Ask the Experts
The friendly team of non-commissioned engagement ring and wedding band specialists at SH Jewellery have an education-first philosophy, and will guide you through a thorough selection process at a pace you’re comfortable with. We recommend booking an appointment to ensure we have a dedicated team member ready for your arrival. Alternatively, you can shop online with free insured delivery, 30-day exchange, and complimentary ring resizing within 6 months of purchase. We look forward to helping you find ‘the one’!
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