At Aurum jewellers we understand that planning a proposal is a major event in your life, so we’ve put together a list of things that you should at least think about before you get down on one knee….

1.Are you going to ask the parents?

In earlier times it was definitely expected that you would ask the parent’s permission to marry. These days, most couple marry later in Life and not everyone asks the parents any more. However, in some families it is expected and it is a good idea not to upset your future parents in Law!

 2. Do you know your partner's taste in rings?

This is going to be a piece of jewellery that your partner will wear everyday for the rest of their life, so it’s important that you choose something they’re going to love.

Take notice of jewellery they already wear.  This might give you some clues about their preferences.

• Traditional or contemporary?
• Fine and dainty or bold and chunky?
• Which colour metal? - White (silver-colour, like platinum or white gold), or yellow ( normal gold colour), or maybe rose gold ( a coppery colour)
• How many stones? A solitaire diamond, two, three, or five diamonds?  Maybe a cluster or halo design?
• A coloured stone? If they like a bit of colour, you could consider having ruby or sapphire rather than all diamonds.

If you are really not confident, you could ask a friend or family member to help. Another option would be to propose first, and then choose the ring together.

3. Do you know the correct finger-size?

Finding out the right ring size without arousing suspicion can be difficult.



If your partner knows that a proposal is on the cards, and it isn’t a secret you can just ask. However, if you’re planning a surprise proposal you’ll need to find it out in another way. You might be able to enlist the help of a friend or family member to help you.

Alternatively, you could check your partner’s jewellery box for a ring that they wear regularly on the ring-finger. Rings worn on other fingers are of little use. It is best to take it to a jeweller to be measured, but if that isn’t possible, draw around the inside with a sharp pencil.

Trying it on your own finger and getting that measured is really not very accurate, but is better than nothing.

It’s not the end of the World if the ring is not a perfect fit, as it can always be re-sized later. However, in an ideal World, you would want to propose with a ring that fits perfectly and can be worn immediately.

4. What's your budget for the ring?

Tradition says that an engagement ring should cost around three months’ salary, but there are no rules.

Decide on the figure that you’re comfortable spending. Whatever the price range, you'll find rings that fit it.

5. Do you understand diamond quality

When you start looking at engagement rings you’ll notice that diamond prices vary enormously.

Size is a factor, but quality makes a big difference too. For any given budget you could get a range of sizes and qualities. You could go for the biggest stone you can get, and never mind the quality, or you could go for the best quality you can get and not worry about the size. In reality most people want something between these two extremes. It’s a matter of striking a balance between size and quality. This really comes down to your priorities. A good jeweller will be happy to advise you.

6. Would you like to design the ring yourself?

Most couples buy their engagement ring from high street jewellers, which means they are almost certainly mass-produced.

If you want something more individual you could consider commissioning a bespoke ring.

Having a hand in the design process will ensure the ring that is unique to you.

Look for a jewellery designer or goldsmith who offers a bespoke service. Custom-made engagement rings don’t have to be expensive as a goldsmith can tailor the design to suit your budget.

7. Which jeweller?

Jewellers vary enormously. The place where you take your watch to have a new battery fitted, is not necessarily the best place to buy your engagement ring.

This will possibly be the most important piece of jewellery you'll ever buy. Do some research to find the right jeweller for you. Ask friends or family members for recommendations. Search online for a jeweller whose style you like and who has some great reviews.

8. Keeping the ring safe

From the second you’ve purchased the ring, make sure that you keep it safe. It’s also important to invest in insurance straight away, then find a safe place to hide the ring.

When you’re ready to propose, safety is still key, make sure that the ring is zipped in a pocket or safely in a box, somewhere where you can reach it easily without dropping it.