How do I figure out my partner’s ring size?

So, you have decided to pop the question and you are looking for the perfect engagement ring to make it a truly memorable occasion. However, you want it to be a secret. How do you go about finding out your significant other’s ring size?

This is a tricky one - and one which requires a certain amount of subterfuge - but it is worth it to see their face when you present them with the perfect engagement ring.

One method is to wait till they are asleep on the sofa after watching a marathon TV or movie session. Get a small string and lightly wrap it around the base of her finger. When you pull it away, mark the length of the string with a marker and take it the jeweller when you go to pick out the ring.

An easier way is to grab a ring from her jewellery box and take it to the jewellers with you. Just make certain that it is one that she wears on her ring finger, as the size will vary if she wears it on her middle finger or her thumb, of course. Be sure to return it before she notices that it is gone!

Alternatively, you can get the ring and make an imprint in a bar of soap. Or wear the ring yourself, make a mark where it fits and run to the jeweller!

If all else fails, just trace the ring on a piece of paper. Use a pencil, not a pen as the ink can leak onto the band of the ring. Put the ring on the paper and trace its inside circumference.

Different settings and styles of ring

There are numerous settings and styles of ring you can choose from.

The most popular setting is the Prong, which involves three to six ‘claws’ that hold a stone firmly in a metal head. This kind of setting elevates the diamond, making it more prominent. The most common setting of the Prong is the Solitaire setting featuring just one diamond or precious stone. The Solitaire setting draws our attention to the stone with no other distractions.

The Bezel setting is the second most popular ring setting. Instead of holding the diamond with prongs, the bezel setting encircles the diamond, or gemstone with a thin metal rim custom-made to hold the stone tightly in place. Because of this bezel, the diamond is held more securely in place than it would be in a ring that uses prongs.

The Halo setting paces the diamonds or other precious stones in a concentric circle or square around a centre stone. This makes the middle stone look larger and increases the overall sparkle of the ring.

An Eternity band consists of diamonds or other gemstones around the entire band of the ring and delivers a sparkle that circles the entire finger.

The above are just a few settings and styles that you can choose from. Doing your homework about which you prefer before your trip to the jeweller’s will save you a lot of time.

Whatever you choose, make sure you get your ring from a reputable Maison.

Perfection, cut, colour and brilliance are just some of the qualities that identify the Beauty, Cupido and D.Side collections of Damiani engagement rings.

Maison Chaumet has been loyal to its reputation as the ‘Jeweller of Emotions’ for over two centuries, with its Joséphine Eclat, Plume Liens D’Amour, Torsade de Chaumet, Joséphine Splendour, Joséphine Amour, Frisson and Bee My Love engagement ring collections.

Italian brand Al Coro has been making the most exclusive jewellery since 1999, with its stunning collections, including Mezzaluna, Palladio, Serenata. Amori, La Piazza and Goccia.

Piaget’s luxury engagement rings pay tribute to the beauty of love’s sentiments, though its Passion engagement rings.

Recarlo’s Eternity and Eternity Loyal engagement rings guarantee authenticity and superior quality.

Choosing a precious stone… and a precious metal

Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend - and the current number one choice for engagement rings​ - however, other gemstones are also gaining popularity.

The beautiful rich greens of an emerald can turn heads. Moreover, emeralds are very durable and look luxurious.

Sapphires are the third hardest mineral and make the perfect diamond substitute at a cheaper price. Although it will not capture exactly the same sparkle as a diamond, if it is well cut, it can look almost as good.

Like diamonds, emeralds and sapphires, rubies are one of the four precious stones, making them an extremely popular choice for engagement rings with their luxurious red hues.

Once you have decided on which stone you are going to use, it is time to choose the kind of metal which is going to surround it.

First off, Platinum is the rarest of precious metals and is especially sought after as a precious metal for engagement rings for its durability and glistening colour.

The most popular metal for wedding and engagement rings, White Gold provides a timeless look for any style and setting. The colour amplifies the look of the precious stone and is less expensive than platinum (but not as durable or maintenance-free).

If you prefer more of a ‘modern’ feel, go for a Rose Gold engagement ring. An alloy of pure gold and copper, Rose Gold works well with all skin tones and ages, and because it is such a contrast colour-wise to the precious stones themselves, it magnifies their brilliance.

A Two-Tone Gold engagement ring is a ring composed of two different precious metals. It is a great compromise if you cannot choose between two metals and is perfect for someone who wants to stand out from the crowd.

Yellow Gold rings are back to being popular after they fell out of favour a while ago. As classical and traditional as you can get.

Q & A

What finger does your engagement ring go on?

In most Western countries, the engagement ring is worn on the fourth finger on the left hand. The Ancient Romans believed this finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart, the Vena Amoris, meaning 'vein of love'.

What are the most popular diamond engagement rings?

Some of the most popular cuts for diamond engagement rings are the Round Cut, Princess Cut, Cushion Cut, Emerald Cut, Oval Cut and Marquise Cut.

How much should you spend on an engagement ring?

Traditionally, the rule of thumb is to spend around two to three months’ salary on an engagement ring. However, always keep your own budget and personal lifestyle choices in mind when you decide to embark on this investment.

What style is your engagement ring?

As we saw in the blog above, there are many styles to choose from – such as Solitaire, Halo and Eternity. Rather than choosing what is more fashionable at the time, it is best to go with your or your partner’s personal style as this will make your engagement ring all the more special to you.

Why do engagement rings have diamonds?

It was in 1477, that Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned the very first diamond engagement ring on record for his fiancé, Mary of Burgundy. The reason diamonds are still the gem of choice even nowadays is because of a hugely successful 1948 advertising campaign from one of the biggest diamond companies ever – De Beers – who came out with the slogan ‘A Diamond is Forever’, which made diamonds the symbols of of the commitment of marriage.

What does a ruby ring symbolise?

Ruby means ‘stone of nobility’, and Ruby engagement rings symbolise desire, love and passion; red is the colour of love, after all!

How to know if someone's diamond ring is fake or not?

There are various ways to spot a fake diamond. You could pop it into a drinking glass; if it sinks, it is real. Or you can hold the diamond ring and breath on it with a puff of air. A light fog will form on the diamond; if the fog dissipates right away, the diamond is real. However, the best way is to have an expert value it. A certificate by a reputable diamond grading laboratory, such as the Gemological Institute of America or the International Gemological Institute is also a sign that your diamond is of top quality.

How do you maintain an engagement ring?

If you truly want to take care of your precious engagement ring, you should get it checked professionally twice a year and clean it at least four times a year (using soapy water and no abrasives such as bleach or other chemicals).