You’ve found your happily ever after—congrats! While you know you want to spend the rest of your days as their partner-in-crime, you have nooo idea how to go about the whole down-on-one-knee scenario. It’s a tricky business navigating the planning, secrecy and—of course—ring pressure.
Finding the perfect ring is something the team at Miramôr take seriously—after all, it IS kind of a big deal! So, with this in mind, we called on the studio’s founder, Nicola Morris, to get her top tips on finding your dream ring. Don’t worry, guys (or gals!)—she’s got your back.
So, whether you’re wanting to surprise bae with the perfect ring, shopping around as a couple, or figuring things out for yourself (so you know what hints to drop), read on!
Inspiration Is Everywhere
If you have no idea how you want your dazzler (or their dazzler) to look, fear not! A good place to start is Pinterest. Create a secret board (key word: secret) and get pinning. Once you’ve got a bank of ring images, you’ll quickly notice a common theme.
Nicola of Miramôr says it’s important to consider what your partner likes and their lifestyle—they’ll be wearing it every day. “Consider whether they’re sporty or like to be seen out at dinner and cocktails. Do they like silver or gold jewellery? Do they like delicate or chunky pieces?” Nicola asks.
If you’re still clueless, don’t worry. Visit Miramôr’s bespoke jewellery studio to throw your ideas (or lack thereof) around. In a no-obligation visit, the friendly team will get to know you and bae.
It’s a chance to chat about your partner’s style, hobbies and line of work. You’re encouraged to bring in photos, family heirlooms and those Pinterest boards you’ve made. From this, they’ll work with you to create a one-of-a-kind design guaranteed to woo your lover.
The Options Are Endless
When it comes to engagement rings, the possibilities are endless—but don’t let it become daunting. Take a deep breath and focus on a few key things. Consider your partner’s current jewellery, their lifestyle, and be upfront with just how much you have to spend—it makes it easier for the jeweller to guide you.
While diamond engagement rings are most common, there are countless shapes to choose from. Nicola says the most popular are round brilliants and cushion cuts, but fancy shapes (such as marquise, pear, oval and emerald) are on the rise. Cushion cuts are also popular for those who love a vintage, deco-style ring.
Alternatively, go down the road less travelled and opt for a coloured gemstone—but be sure to consider durability. Nicola stresses diamonds are one of the most durable stones available so, if you want a coloured stone, make a sensible choice—it IS going to be worn every day. Sapphires and rubies are great as they are not only beautiful, but also very durable.
Consider metal options (platinum, white, yellow or rose gold) and the setting of your diamond (or coloured stone).
Another option is to propose with a ‘placeholder ring’ before picking out a ‘forever ring’ together. For this exact reason, Miramôr has white gold proposal rings set with gemstones that signify the month of your engagement.
Learn Your ABCs 4Cs!
Forget your ABCs, diamond shopping is all about the 4Cs! Say what? The 4Cs were devised by the GIA (that’s the Gemmological Institute of America) and are a global standard for diamonds.
Carat measures the mass of a diamond, while clarity measures small imperfections (inclusions) in the diamond. Colour is all about a lack of colour—ironically, the most valuable diamonds are given a ‘D’ grade for being totally colourless. Finally, cut is all about light return (aka how a diamond’s facets twinkle in the light).
Nicola explains the Four Cs are a great way of balancing priorities when it comes to selecting an engagement ring—you can dial up and down what is most important based on your budget. Some people prefer size (carat weight) over the other qualities. At Miramôr, they’ll help you balance the 4Cs so you get the best bang diamond for your buck.
Do Your Research
You’ll need to do your research on jewellery houses. You will naturally find yourself drawn to at least a couple that have the right feel and style for you. Nicola advises doing an initial search online but narrowing down your options after meeting in person.
“Notice how you feel during your time in these jewellery houses. Whether you’re buying bespoke or off-the-rack, remember this process is forever,” she says. Instinct will tell you if it’s the right place for you. Nicola also explains jewellery is notoriously difficult to photograph—prepare to be wowed by the beauty of it in person.
Make It Your Own
While every engagement is special, there’s something super special about designing your own ring. Being a part of the process means you get the ring just. the. way. you. like. it. Something buying-off-the-rack simply can’t compare to.
At Mirmôr’s bespoke jewellery studio you are encouraged to collaborate with their talented designer and jeweller to create a one-of-a-kind ring. They believe the experience should be as memorable as the piece itself—and that it is. Located in the historic Old Magistrates Court, the elegant studio oozes cocktail lounge vibes, yet is still warm and oh-so-friendly.
The teams draws inspo from the art deco era into their designs, but they’re only too happy to cater to you and your vision. Being design-led means their pieces are not only beautiful but also thoughtfully designed to last. They pride themselves on sourcing the best quality metals and gemstones available—all of which are conflict-free.
And while it’s all very, very special, the experience doesn’t come with a crazy price tag. A small team of legends and their made-to-order approach makes it possible to tailor to your budget.
Get Down On That Knee
With the ring tucked away safely in your pocket, it’s time for the big moment—you’ve got this! Get down on that knee, pop the question and get set for your very own happily ever after. Congrats, guys!
About to pop the question? Design YOUR dream ring at Miramôr. For more details, click here.
Editor’s note: This article is proudly sponsored by Miramôr and endorsed by The Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make The Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Image credit: Robert Trathen