Which engagement ring should I choose?

[whichringshouldichoose]

DH and I have had a horrendous year with lots of ups and downs. One of the downs was me losing my engagement ring which wasn't to my taste but meant a lot since it was from him. He's agreed to buy me another but this time I've insisted it'll be a joint venture and I'll have the final say since I'll be wearing it. The trouble is, all the rings I like, he hates. So I've made a shortlist and have decided that I like this one:

DH is disgusted and calls it an old lady ring (I'm mid 30s). What does everyone think? Is it over the top? Is it vulgar? I love it- the solitaires, trilogies, etc. just aren't doing it for this time around :/

It's different and you love it ... and I'd never belittle anyone's choice of ring.. it's such a personal thing..

And don't lose it this time 🤣

It’s a lot of ring, but it’s very striking. I think some people think it would just look fake or overpowering. Those things don’t matter if you love it and can carry it off.

The bigger question is will your DH forever see it as a rebuke to his original understated solitaire, and do you care?

Any jewellery buffs want to hazard a guess how much the first one is worth or how much I should pay for it?

As stated, it's 18ct white gold. The diamonds come to just shy of 2.5ct, are old/European/mine cut and are slightly yellow with minor inclusions.

Ps. The buckle/knuckle duster/Elton John ring in the photos is not on my finger- the 'old lady' who owns it is modelling it for me! In fact, none of the rings are on my fingers expect for the two photos I've shared of my old ring.

I love the third one. The first one isn't pretty enough for me, I'm a magpie but it needs to look nice too.

Mine is platinum with a Daisy of diamonds. I don't have a picture, unfortunately, but it is an antique ring too (but I did have to get my wedding ring made to fit round it, because of the shape)

@updownroundandround

Mine is platinum with a Daisy of diamonds. I don't have a picture, unfortunately, but it is an antique ring too (but I did have to get my wedding ring made to fit round it, because of the shape)

If I go for the first one, that's the dilemma I have- my wedding band is plain, quite thick and in 18ct yellow gold :/

Have you checked a jewellery designer?
www.hkjewellery.co.uk/engagement-rings/

@whichringshouldichoose

This is another one of our (my) shortlisted ones:

This is my favourite

The first one is too big and unwearable somehow but of a knuckle duster

I think 2nd one is ok but a bit meh somehow

Love this one I like the shape of the diamonds it's unique without it being too in your face

@whichringshouldichoose

What about gemstone rings?

I've always loved emerald but my birthstone is Sapphire... love these rings but only in these settings.

I prefer gem stone rings. If it's good enough for Kate Middleton...

I think I prefer emerald or blue sapphires but that's only because those go with colours I wear more

@whichringshouldichoose

This is another one of our (my) shortlisted ones:

This one is beautiful

… someone suggested Ebay… Do not buy an ‘Art Deco’ ring from eBay. Sooooo many fakes and reproductions. There are hundreds of reputable antique shops to buy from who will provide a valuation for insurance and offer repairs/cleaning on your ring.

If you have bigger fingers - definitely go for something like the first design. You’re lucky you can carry it off! OEC diamonds are awesome, so much character and life.

Price wise £3000ish?

First one will be an absolute bugger to keep clean, especially with all the hand gel so will look dull most of the time. Third ring is my fave.

I like the third one you posted the best so far!

@whichringshouldichoose

This is another one of our (my) shortlisted ones:

I love this one.

Have to agree with your husband on the first one 🤢 the third one is lovely, but perhaps it’s a bit boring?

Gemstone rings can be lovely, just check where the stone is on the Mohs scale. Sapphires come in many colours and are still hard wearing, though not as much as diamond.

I like the second one

@whichringshouldichoose

This is another one of our (my) shortlisted ones:

Lovely

@whichringshouldichoose

This is another one of our (my) shortlisted ones:

This one 100% Like you, I think vintage is so much more personal and not following the trend.

First one. Yuck. And looks really cheap.
Second. Very generic.
Third. Very subtle details that make all the difference, lovely ring.

I can't believe people are saying that first ring looks cheap!! It is beautiful. The second ring is so boring,

I don't think your dh should get a say op - that would infuriate me. Is he a bossy boots generally?

Have a look at JE Weldon on Instagram.
Or Courtville Antiques
Or Margaret Forbes Jewellery Belfast
Or Fred J Malcolm Jewelkery Belfast.

All have beautiful rings.

I love vintage and Art Deco too. I like the first one! The third one is nice too. I don't like that trilogy one it's too plain. What about a vintage twist trilogy one?
I have a princess cut solitaire which is a bit more Art Deco style than a round solitaire.
Whatever you choose, it's you wearing it not your DH or anyone else, so it should be what you want.

I think the third ring you posted is lovely, very elegant, classic at first glance but quite different/unusual on closer inspection.
What sort of carat weight is it?
But It's what it looks like on your hand that matters.

@LadyEloise

Have a look at JE Weldon on Instagram. Or Courtville Antiques Or Margaret Forbes Jewellery Belfast Or Fred J Malcolm Jewelkery Belfast.

All have beautiful rings.

@LadyEloise- I would wear every single ring on the Courtville Antiques page- they're stunning and totally up my street!

While I like the first one, I don't think it looks like an engagement ring at all, more of a cocktail ring. And pp's are right, it doesn't look Art Deco - it's more Art Nouveau in style, although it may of course have actually been made later than that, during the Art Deco period if it is marked as such.