How to choose an engagement ring

It's important to take your time when choosing an engagement ring, a piece of jewelry that will symbolize your love. Whether you're looking for it alone, to create a surprise, or as a couple, there are many decisions to be made. We're here to guide you, giving you useful pointers about the most crucial choices.
Determining the ideal engagement ring budget
Let's start with the least romantic part of choosing an engagement ring, but one that will allow you to explore the world of gemstones with peace of mind: having a price range! It will be easier, given the extremely varied price ranges and all the alternatives to diamonds, not to get lost or feel overwhelmed by the options.
Then, depending on your budget, decide what compromises you're willing to make. For example, few people are willing to forego 18-carat gold (a wise decision, as it's more durable), but many will happily turn to more affordable (yet beautiful) stones, instead of a diamond engagement ring.
Another common situation: for similar prices, it's often possible to choose between an engagement ring with several small stones and one with a single, larger stone (although prices also depend on the metal and quality of the gems).
Bonnot Paris creates engagement rings to suit a variety of budgets.
Find the best ring style
If stones have a meaning, for the most part, ring styles have one, too, linked to the idea of commitment. The solitaire is a symbol of eternal and unique love. The diamond halo evokes endless love and protection. A three-diamond ring is a nod to the stages of a relationship (beginning, present, future).
However, many couples choose an engagement ring with an eye to elegance or beauty. Whether it's a marquise ring, a pavé solitaire or another design, what counts is that the ring pleases the wearer above all else. Above all, try to favor timeless designs rather than short-lived trends.
Fancy a passionate red? If we can create a ruby engagement ring, don't hesitate to take a look at a stone that resembles it: rhodolite garnet.
Also read: how do I make an engagement proposal?
Selecting the perfect stone shape for an engagement ring
Being able to obtain the ideal stone is one of the great advantages of making your engagement ring to measure. Color, shape, carats: everything can be balanced to suit your budget.
On this complex point, there can be several approaches to choosing the right engagement ring. The eye is drawn to the color of the gems, but don't lose sight of the shape. It largely influences the style of the jewel. It can also affect the way a ring catches the light.
The cushion cut is a very popular choice, especially for maximum sparkle. The oval is often perceived as sophisticated and can give an impression of volume. The princess cut is resolutely modern. Round stones have the gift of adapting to all types of frames.
With some stones, you have a little less choice of shapes, for example, for an emerald engagement ring, a stone with a rather delicate crystalline structure and often rectangular with cut sides. Others are cut in all sorts of shapes, as in the case of tourmaline engagement rings.
About stone color
If you say "no" to diamonds as a main stone and "yes" to color, here are a few tips to help you avoid getting lost among the multitude of shades available. Basically, it all depends on your taste!
When choosing an engagement ring, you can:
- stick to historically prestigious stones (long-established traditions), like the sapphire engagement ring,
- to go for more original colors, like teal sapphire, to further personalize the ring.
Alternatively, play the bold card, with less conventional stones, such as gray spinels or two-tone sapphires, which can help reflect a personality or story. If you prefer lighter or pastel stones to the bright or rich colors traditionally favored, consider a ring with an aquamarine.
Also discover: what finger should an engagement ring be worn on?
Which gold to choose for an engagement ring?
Some are in platinum, but the majority of engagement rings are in gold. Considered the most traditional, yellow gold is not lacking in modernity. You could choose a yellow gold engagement ring if you like diamonds or stones with deep hues, such as ruby, emerald, natural softness or warm brilliance. Find out here how much an emerald costs.
Now a must-have, white gold gives a much more neutral sense of sophistication. It blends perfectly with diamonds and other light-colored gems. There may be something "icy" about it, but it's perfect for a piece of jewelry that's both elegant and understated. Choose a white gold engagement ring, if you like cool brilliance, clear stones or modern, sober styles.
Rose gold is of course very popular, but less often chosen for an engagement ring. So it's an excellent choice for a woman looking for a hint of originality. The warm, slightly coppery, soft color adds a romantic aura. This metal enhances diamonds and lighter stones, creating a subtle contrast.