I’m a jeweller – these are my least favourite engagement rings & what to do if you hate yours
WHEN someone gets engaged the first thing we do is congratulate them, then almost always instantly ask to see the engagement ring.
While the importance of the bling itself pales in comparison to the importance of the vows you'll make when marrying the love of your life, choosing the right ring can be stressful.
It can be hard to know what styles will stand the test of time, and how much to spend.
Here, James Constantinou from Prestige Pawn Brokers reveals his favourite and least favourite engagement ring trends, and shares what he thinks you should do if you really hate your ring...
Crystal clear conscience
In terms of what's 'in' right now, it's good news for those of us who are trying to make more secondhand purchases.
James says: "Pre-owned and vintage rings are really popular right now, especially with consumers driving to be more environmentally conscious.
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"We’re seeing a lot of interest in recycled gold too.
"Classical Round brilliant cut diamonds are always a favourite, and we sell a lot of them."
'Bigger is better'
Jewellery is often personal preference, and everyone is unique in terms of their likes and dislikes.
James says: "Brilliant round single stone diamonds in a high mount set in platinum or white gold would be my favourite.
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"It may sound a little crass but the bigger the better.
"My least favourite are colour enhanced or clarity enhanced diamonds.
"This takes overall value away from the ring, for short term improvement.
"Investment wise, these do not perform."
While as a rule James doesn't personally believe any engagement ring is tacky, if YOU think the ring you've been bought is, then he advises taking matters into your own hands.
He says: "If you love it, then great… if you don’t then get a new partner!"
Striking celebrity gems
In terms of celebrity engagement rings, there are a few stand-outs in James' eyes.
He says: "It’s been a big year for celeb engagements but J.Lo’s ring is a stand-out - an 8ct fancy vivid yellow/ green diamond.
"It’s beautifully set and the central diamond is so rare, its hard to value but we know its up there and could be worth in excess of £3million!
"Megan Fox’s is another standout – designed by Brit Stephen Webster.
"We’ve had a fair few of his pieces at Prestige and his workmanship is top.
"It’s set with an emerald and diamond - the couples' birthstones – so it’s really personal and the piece itself is striking."
Bargain to bling
It goes without saying, you can spend as little - or as much - as you like when it comes to buying an engagement ring.
James says: "The cheapest I've sold around £300 for a very charming halo set oval diamond.
"The most expensive was around £285k and was an internally flawless, emerald cut diamond ring – around 6ct.
"It was absolutely stunning, as you would expect, the fiancé was thrilled!"
'No hard and fast rule'
So, with so many options to choose from, how much does James advise someone to spend on a ring?
James says: "Traditionally it is expected to be three times the man’s monthly wage – but it is so individual.
"We typically have young couples buying solitaire rings from us almost daily for between £2.5-5k.
"I would advise that young couples do not overspend and cause themselves unnecessary debt.
"They should spend within their means, especially when beginning a life journey together…..There simply is no hard and fast rule."
£120k mistake
Finally, if you're spending a large whack of money on a ring, make sure you only allow those you trust to look after it - and take out some very good insurance.
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James says: "I once heard someone had asked his best man to hold onto the engagement ring until the question was to be posed, the ring was valued at around £120k.
"Unfortunately, the guy had gone a little AWOL and was last seen at a roulette wheel in Vegas with a leggy blonde... Thankfully the wedding went ahead regardless!"
