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The pursuit of the perfect engagement ring is an exhilarating adventure, rich with emotion and significance. As conscientious consumers, the desire to make a positive impact on the world can add an extra layer of meaning to the process, from your gemstone preference to budget considerations and the all-important symbolism.
Equally, for many couples, the ethical sourcing of the materials is also a big consideration. This means choosing gemstones that are free from exploitative labour practices and that minimise excessive environmental harm, as well as choosing either recycled metals or responsibly mined metals.
In this guide, we will lead you through the key considerations when selecting your ring.
The Cloan: Ethical 18ct Gold Diamond or Moissanite Trilogy Engagement Ring
The selection of your gemstone holds a profound meaning. While diamonds hold timeless allure, ethical alternatives such as lab-grown diamonds and other gemstones can be equally captivating.
Lab-grown diamonds embody the same brilliance as mined ones but without the exploitative labour concerns. However, the energy used to create lab-grown diamonds can also be high, and it can often therefore be difficult to untangle the competing evidence claims for their environmental integrity. As a company, this is something we are continually researching, one of the most promising leads so far is the growing industry of renewable energy powered lab grown diamonds.
Maybe you have a meaningful heirloom gemstone you would like to be repurposed into an engagement ring. These recycled diamonds can be repurposed many times as they are the hardest naturally occurring substance.
Equally, coloured gemstones, each with their unique symbolism, can add a personal touch to your ring. But how does the colour in gemstones actually occur?
If diamonds are your choice, the famous Four C’s – Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat weight – significantly influence the stone’s appearance and value.
Whilst the Four C’s can help to determine the diamond’s quality, there doesn’t necessarily have to be a correct answer as to which diamond you prefer, which may be more about how a diamond’s overall appearance makes you feel, or how it will look in your ring. Our Diamond Buying Guide delves deeper into understanding these crucial factors, helping you to make an informed decision. Each factor affects the diamond’s appearance and value. Prioritise the elements that resonate with you and your partner.
Engagement rings boast a myriad of styles, ranging from timeless solitaires to intricate vintage designs, you can read more in detail about engagement ring styles here. Allow your partner’s individual style and preferences to guide your selection. Evaluate factors like the metal of choice, setting design, and whether a contemporary or vintage aesthetic harmonises with their essence.
The term ‘style’ is used primarily to describe the overall design of a ring, whether it be a vintage ring with a centre stone or a more modern ring with personalised engravings. The ‘setting’ of a ring refers to the entire ring, to consider both the ‘head’ of the ring (the top of the ring, that includes the gemstones) and the metal based ‘shank’.
The craftsmanship invested in creating your ring is as pivotal as the materials themselves. At Jacqueline and Edward, we employ skilled artisans to create pieces that are not only visually captivating but also brim with positivity and intention.
We ensure that we provide a safe and fair working environment to utilise the talents of our artisans. All our jewellery is handmade, from the melting and shaping of the metal to the setting of the stone and even down to the wooden box it’s sent to you in, handcrafted from fallen tree branches.
Set a budget that aligns with your financial circumstances while maintaining your ethical priorities. Rings come in various price ranges, ensuring that you can find a piece that reflects your values without compromising your financial well-being. Whilst there is no simple answer, it is much more beneficial to consider how an engagement ring is priced rather than how much should be spent on it.
A marketing campaign from the 1950s resulted in an obsession with the ‘three months of your salary’ rule. We believe that your ring should solely be about your commitment to each other rather than the price tag.
Lab-grown diamonds are typically less expensive than mined or recycled diamonds. A 0.5ct lab grown diamond is estimated to cost 40% less than an identical natural diamond, however it is worth bearing in mind that lab- grown diamonds will not hold their value in the future like natural diamonds will, due to the finite supply of natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are by definition, not rare, and do not therefore have any intrinsic value – they should not be seen as an investment, for example.
Equally, different centre gemstones carry different costs based on their shape. Round diamonds are typically more expensive than princess or oval cuts, as more of the rough diamond must be cut away during the polishing process of a round cut. Therefore, consider choosing an elongated diamond cut.
Consider incorporating personal touches into the design to make the ring unique. Birthstones, engraving, or incorporating elements that hold sentimental value can add a layer of intimacy and meaning to the ring. Check out our bespoke ring service to make the design of your engagement ring truly personal.
At Jacqueline and Edward we offer a unique gold panning experience up in the wilds of Scotland. The gold you discover in your panning experience can be incorporated into your engagement ring to give a more personal touch.
An engagement ring is a timeless piece that will be worn for years to come. Opt for styles that will not only align with current trends but also stand the test of time. Ethical materials and high-quality craftsmanship ensure that your ring remains as beautiful as the first day it was worn. Check out our article on how best to look after your engagement ring, to ensure its longevity. (INSERT HL)
The Mohs Hardness Scale ranges from 1-10 to measure a gemstone’s relative resistance to scratching and its longevity. The lowest 1 represents the softest minerals, and 10 relates to the hardest ones. A gemstone 7 or above on the Mohs scale is recommended. It is important to consider how often the person is going to wear the ring and in what circumstances, for example, will the gemstone need to withstand continuous wear from an active job?
The Almond: Recycled Platinum Moissanite or Diamond Ring
Opting for an ethical engagement ring is an act that extends beyond visual appeal; it is considering your budget, your commitment to sustainability, and your own personal style. At Jacqueline and Edward we understand the significance of crafting rings and want to involve you in every step on the journey. Consider opting for one of our gold panning experiences, or our workshop tours to learn more about where your materials come from and how they are crafted.
