guidance
One of our favourite times of year is nearly upon us. Valentine’s Day!
Being the most popular engagement date of the year, we naturally get a lot of questions from customers. So we thought why not put everything we know into a handy engagement ring guide for Valentine’s Day 2022!
Here’s what we’ll cover...
We’ve talked about our trend predictions for 2022 in the past and even this early in the year we’re seeing those come true in front of our eyes. These are our top picks for Valentine's Day
Out of all styles, the oval-cut diamond engagement ring is perhaps the most popular at the moment.
The elongated cut of oval diamonds has a slimming effect on the finger which creates an elegant aesthetic that makes the fingers appear slimmer. Also, because of the large surface area, you’ll find that oval diamonds can appear larger than other cuts.
They’re also making regular appearances at high-profile engagements in 2021 including Kourtney Kardashian. And if you’re worried about the oval cut being a passing trend, remember that Blake Lively has been rocking hers since 2012!
Toi et Moi rings are also set to increase in popularity, the likes of Emily Ratajkowski giving the classic, but unique design a resurgence in popularity. A favorite amongst the romantics, the two stone design symbolises two souls becoming one.
You can read our full guide on Toi et moi rings here
Coloured gemstones are continuing to be popular with sapphires, emeralds and pink/ yellow diamonds creating unique looks to stand out from the crowd.
Of course, finding the perfect engagement ring isn’t only about getting something that’s on-trend, it’s also about finding the perfect ring for them. That’s why all the rings in our collection are fully customisable.
Here are some tips to help you get started!
First of all, think about their personal style. Their clothes, hairstyle, how they do their makeup and so on.
Someone who gravitates towards big statement pieces in their wardrobe will be better with a bold ring design that is bold enough stands out. A halo mount sapphire featuring a ring of melee diamonds could be a good choice, given they look larger than the typical ring from a distance.
Someone who chooses a more subtle, understated look with clean lines can gravitate towards simpler designs that put the center stone in the spotlight. An elegant solitaire design with oval or pear-cut diamond would be an excellent choice.
Secondly, remember that an engagement ring is intended to be worn all day, with all the rough and tumble that comes along with it.
A high, prominent mount (such as a solitaire or cathedral) will usually not be the best option for someone with a physical job because it puts the gemstone at higher risk. A lower/ heavier mount will provide much more security.
As an example, let’s compare our Phoenix and Ashlesha rings.
Both of these rings have an exceptional level of craftmanship, but the Ashlesha with its heavier mount design and slightly more enclosed setting will always be more secure in the long run.
If you want something even more secure, halo set rings or bevel designs offer even more protection but can lead to the center stone appearing smaller.
We love unique rings at Nightingale and we truly believe there’s something perfect for everyone. The best way of finding that perfect is to get creative. You can explore combinations of metals and coloured gemstones to create beautiful designs.
You can look into how different diamond cuts change the appearance of our ring designs to create unique aesthetics.
At Nightingale there isn’t much that we can’t achieve!
There can be a lot of pressure over Valentine’s Day to overspend on an engagement ring.
We really don’t recommend going down this route, even if you feel like it’s manageable at the time of purchase. Overspending at the very start of an engagement can often lead to the habit of continuing all the way through the process.
Instead, we like to give customers the most ring for their budget and here’s how we do it.
At the time of writing, mined diamonds are higher than usual in price because of supply issues. Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, are around 40% less for an equivalent stone. You can read our full guide here.
As you probably know, diamonds are graded on the 4Cs. But depending on the ring design, each of these can have different costs associated. Using our experience we’re able to pick out the best diamond for your budget.
That could mean lowering the carat size and using a higher grade colour because it makes the diamond appear bigger. Or it could be going down from flawless clarity, to almost flawless because it’s not noticeable to the naked eye.
The metal used in a ring can have a big impact on its price. Platinum and 18ct white gold are the most expensive, followed closely by yellow gold. However with our made-to-order process, we can also make use of 9ct etc to save your budget.
Get some more budget tips here and if you want to learn more about ring metals, look here!
Feel like you're ready to pick out the perfect engagement ring? Take a look at our fully customisable collection now.
And if you feeling extra bold, why not create your own bespoke design?
But if you're feeling slightly overwhelmed, try clicking through a few more of our guides. Or better yet, get in touch for our help!
Further reading
The stunning teal coloured sapphires from Montana are fast becoming one of the most popular engagement ring style choices of 2022.
At Nightingale we love their distinctive aesthetic and their ethical origins and they frequently appear in our ethical engagement rings.
If you'd like to learn more about these beautiful gemstones then read our full guide now!
Read More
Rubies are famed for their signature deep red colour and have been treasured by all cultures throughout history.
Often referred to as the ‘King of precious stones’ they make a perfect gemstone for engagement rings due to their beauty, hardness and symbology, often conjuring feelings of passion, love and loyalty.
If you’re looking for an ethical engagement ring with these beautiful gems you’re in the perfect place to learn more. Read on for the full story.
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The beautiful green emerald sits alongside diamonds, sapphires and rubies in the ‘Big 4’ of gemstones.
A favourite of the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, emeralds have been mined since at least 300BC, leaving their mark on history whilst still being one of the most sought after gems of modern times.
Today we’re going to help you get familiar with these luscious gemstones as well as giving you some practical tips if you’re looking to use them in your engagement ring.
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At Nightingale we’re all about ethical diamonds. And as far as we’re concerned, they should be the minimum standard when making jewellery.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case. It took a lot of time and effort for us to find sustainable diamond suppliers for our ethical engagement rings and we'd rather you didn’t have to go through the same trouble.
So we’re going to lay out all the knowledge we have to help you find a truly ethical diamond.
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A firm contender for the most romantic style of engagement ring, the symbolism of the Toi et Moi ring (or Moi et Toi as they're also known) is plain for all to see. Two gemstones. One representing you. One representing your soulmate.
This beautiful design style is enjoying a revival which looks to continue well into 2022 and beyond. If you're interested in a toi et moi engagement ring you'll find all the information you need to know right here in our easy guide.
Read More
White gold and platinum can give a similar aesthetic to your engagement ring, but there are some important differences between the two metals which can be important when choosing between them.
Both are very popular choices for engagement rings, so we thought it best to give you a simple guide to help you decide.
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Deciding to propose to your partner is a big decision. And along with that decision usually comes a big financial commitment to buy a suitable engagement ring.
Here's 6 tips to help you get a ring that's perfect for you and your budget.
Choosing the right metal for your bespoke engagement ring is one of the most important choices you can make when creating a ring. The right material sets the overall style of your ring and if done correctly, complements your choice of gemstone and mount.
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It seems like so many industries are making great sustainability strides, but the jewellery trade continues to drag it's heels. Confusing and ineffective 'green' schemes. A lack of transparency in the origins of diamonds and other materials.
It all combines to make buying ethically a minefield, but at Nightingale, we're doing our best to make it as simple and transparent as possible.
So whether you want to buy ethical diamond jewellery from us, or somebody else, this guide will give you the information you need, all the key questions you need to ask and the best possible chance of buying beautiful jewellery from somewhere that is making a positive difference in the world.
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Curious about moissanite? Having trouble deciding which gemstone to use for your ring? Read on to find out more about the key difference between moissanite and diamonds (both mined and lab grown!)
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Prized and admired for millennia. As the first true gems ever to be used as adornments, the history of pearls in jewellery is nearly as old as the history of civilisation itself.
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A diamond certificate is the evaluation by a third party accredited gemological laboratory of your diamond. In addition to the diamonds carat weight and measurements, a certificate includes grades for the diamonds cut colour and clarity.
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The last thing we at Nightingale want is to supply a ring and at the crucial ‘down on one knee’ moment it turns out to be too large or too small. Nightingale offer one adjustment free in the first three months.
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It is mandatory in Great Britain for precious metals that meet the weight criteria to be assayed and hallmarked (stamped) to indicate the type and fineness of the metal.
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There are many beautiful gemstones that have been created by nature and mined from the earth but the most regal of them all is the diamond. The mysterious diamond is the most popular gemstone of them all and the one that has the most myths and legends associated with it.
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Wondering what exactly a lab grown diamond is and why they're a perfect ethical alternative to mined diamonds? Find out here...
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Nightingale can supply an outstanding collection of coloured diamonds loose or set within a bespoke or finished piece of Nightingale jewellery.
Read MoreGet in touch
Ready to take the first step towards the perfect engagement ring?
Get in touch if you'd like our help, or keep browsing our ethical engagement rings!
