When it comes to the engagement ring selection process, you should always be the person who decides which ring to choose. However, it is not always that simple. There are a lot of things that go into the selection process. While it should be as simple as designing the ring of your dreams, sometimes things can get more complicated.
Your fiance may have planned a surprise proposal, choosing a ring that he thinks you will love. He may have proposed with a heirloom ring that has been handed down from many generations. Your family may have a ring that has deep sentimental value.
If you fall in love with the ring at first sight, there is no need to worry about challenges that may arise from the selection process. If you wish you’d been more involved in the process, you may end up feeling torn between telling your fiance that you’d prefer to choose your own ring or wearing a ring that doesn’t reflect your personal style. Should others have any say in your engagement ring selection? More importantly, how do you let them know that ultimately, it will always be your decision?
Do Others Have a Say in Engagement Ring Selection?
Here are the main parties that will be consulted at some point in the engagement ring selection process…
You
Obviously, you are the person who will always have the final word when it comes to your ring. This is the most important piece of jewellery you will ever own. It is a symbol of your love but it is also something you will wear every single day. If you don’t love your ring, you may end up with ring envy or regret. You may end up taking it off (and leaving it off). You may find it impractical for your lifestyle. You may even feel resentment at not being able to choose your ring yourself. At the end of the day, you should always love your ring.
Your Fiance
With that said, however well-meaning, your fiance may propose with a ring that he thinks you will love. As we mentioned earlier, this may be a special heirloom ring. He may have asked your family and friends. They may not always be sure of your style. He may ask a jeweller, who doesn’t know you at all. He may make a guess based on styles that are popular or classic. He may choose something with a setting that he thinks looks good, even if it’s not practical. He may want to make a big impression when he proposed, and choose something with a large stone rather than something more subtle.
Your Families
Families can be tricky when it comes to having input into the ring. If your future fiance has spoken to both parents, he will likely get a lot of advice – not all of it good advice. Your family may simply be happy to go with a ring he chooses or they may know you well enough to give him tips on what to choose. One or both sides of the family may have a ring they’d like to hand down. There may be cultural aspects that also need to be considered.
Trying to keep everyone happy shouldn’t have to mean that you aren’t happy with your engagement ring. One good thing to remember is that there are many ways to customise a ring. If your fiance proposed with a ring you mostly love, you can make changes to the stone or add details that suit your style. If it’s a heirloom piece, you could speak to your family about how to preserve the history while making small changes to make it your own. Being honest about your thoughts and telling your loved ones how you feel will make the process much easier for everyone. At the end of the day, what is most important is your upcoming marriage. If you are happy, your fiance and families will also be happy.
Whether you’re dropping hints to your fiance about styles you love or looking for a custom design service, Cape Diamonds is here to help you find a ring that you will truly love. Contact us today to find out more about finding your dream engagement ring.