Which ring should you choose for a marriage proposal?

There are so many styles and types of engagement rings to choose from! The following advice should help you feel less overwhelmed. Bear in mind that setting a budget early on will guide your search, and that when envisioning the perfect ring, some people also think ahead to the wedding band — to ensure the two complement each other.

Which proposal ring could you offer?

Tradition or originality? The diamond solitaire ring is a timeless classic. Several variations exist, however: the shouldered solitaire, with its side stones, or the solitaire set with a coloured gemstone… Certain stones are emblematic, deeply symbolic and truly timeless, such as the blue sapphire. Originality can come from less conventional stones — a grey spinel, for instance.

You have a choice to make between the great icons of the marriage proposal and more unconventional options, which are increasingly common today.

Understated or daring? One can choose a proposal ring in a trilogy or toi et moi style — jewellery designs that are both symbolic for an engagement and relatively understated. For a bolder elegance, consider a diamond halo surrounding a teal sapphire, for example — a sapphire, certainly, but far from conventional.

What makes a piece of jewellery daring, and a proposal ring in particular? Certain stone colours and setting shapes that depart from the conventional, more geometric designs in place of curves — such as twists and spirals — and a sense of volume…

Choosing a stone for a proposal ring

When it comes to the great symbols, the diamond reigns supreme among proposal rings. That said, the sapphire has also been in favour for centuries! Blue, of course. But it is worth knowing that sapphires come in several different colours, all of them perfect for celebrating an engagement.

Embodying passionate love, a ruby engagement ring is another way to offer a jewel rich in meaning — as is one set with emeralds.

Now, if you are unsure which ring to buy given the variety of so-called "precious" and "semi-precious" stones, bear in mind that some are today extremely sought-after, such as blue spinel, pink sapphire, Paraíba tourmaline, aventurine and aquamarine. Contrary to popular belief, these stones do not necessarily cost less than the most traditional gemstones, though some are more affordable alternatives while remaining truly splendid, with a beautiful brilliance.

Consider the shape of the centre stone on a proposal ring. Pear, cushion, baguette, heart… Some women have a strong preference for certain stone shapes, while others appeal to them less.

Round and oval stones possess a classic elegance and offer many advantages in jewellery. These shapes are particularly effective at enhancing brilliance and lend themselves to a wide variety of ring styles. Some stones have a more vintage feel, others a more modern one, owing chiefly to their cut.

Read also:

• Which finger should you wear an engagement ring on?
• Which hand should you wear a wedding band on?
• Where should you wear your engagement ring after the wedding?

Which gold is best for giving your heart with a ring?

Some people have a clear preference for yellow, white or rose gold. When that is not the case, which gold ring should you choose when proposing?

Being the more recent of the three, white gold has a modern beauty. It is luminous and neutral. All stones are suited to a white gold ring, though very dark or very pale gemstones are generally avoided.

Deeply traditional, yellow gold offers a wealth of possibilities for the creation of an elegant proposal ring. It is romantic and warm. Rose gold has grown considerably in popularity in recent years. It is delicate and feminine, and regarded as more distinctive. Yet it, too, is absolutely perfect for a marriage proposal.