By
Ashley Bailey, Monday, October 09, 2006 12:00 AM
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Buying your girlfriend an engagement ring or wife a 3-stone anniversary ring may already seem like second nature to you, but an engagement or anniversary ring should be given careful consideration. Here are a few clues to help you get started.
Take mental notes of the rings she already owns. This is an excellent way to find out which styles and colors she likes without tipping her off to your secret plans. Does she normally wear gold or platinum bands? Would you consider her diamond rings and diamond settings to be light and delicate or bold and stylish? Simple observations like these will help you to identify a similar style when you are shopping.
Consider her lifestyle. Many women work in environments that can pose a risk to the safety of their stone. Will she be working around materials that are likely to snag? If so, you might consider a round stone with plenty of protection. High prongs, sharp edges, and elongated diamonds will all increase the likelihood of an accidental tear, chip, or bend. Pay attention to the shapes of her current favorites and consider whether or not her new engagement or anniversary ring will wear the same way.
Finally, pay attention to her proportions and find a ring that matches her personality. You know your girlfriend or wife. Would she feel comfortable wearing a simple, conservative style? Or, would she prefer a more noticeable ring with some extra flash? Also, are her fingers short or long? Consider how the band design might appear in proportion to her physical features. A wide band will often be embraced more readily by those with long fingers and a thin band might be more appropriate for women with smaller features.
These simple reminders show just a few of the cues that you can look for when selecting an engagement ring or anniversary wedding band. If you look close enough, I’ll bet you could find many more. Good luck!
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