RINGS play an important role in any wedding, symbolising the joining of a couple in matrimony. But, of course, celebrities know that plain and simple symbolism just doesn’t cut it when your courtship is being played out on magazine covers, in newspaper pages and all over Twitter.
If any self-respecting and soon-to-be-married superstar wants to make a statement, then it’s all about the very extravagant, very expensive and very over-the-top engagement ring.
Here are some of the best:
Zoe Saldana
Emerald engagement rings are having a moment in Hollywood, as demonstrated by the stunning pear-shaped emerald and diamond whopper sported by Zoe Saldana. The actress, who got married in September, was given the cabochon cut stone by Italian boyfriend Marco Perego, who quite possibly inspired Olivier Martinez’s pick for Halle Berry. When he recently proposed, he did so with an emerald and diamond engagement ring set in yellow gold.
Kim Kardashian
When it comes to extravagance, expense and OTT-factor, of course, no list is complete without Kim K and her beau, Kanye West. When the rapper got down on one knee, he offered the world’s (most out of touch with) reality star a bespoke band with a D flawless diamond, incorporating their daughter’s unique name into the design.
Scarlett Johansson
The Girl With a Pearl Earring actress has some pretty bling stones of her own to flaunt after her fiancé, journalist Romain Dauriac, proposed with a stunning Art Deco-style ring. The unique sparkler features three round diamonds surrounded by a vintage, rectangular setting, piled with more diamonds, since, as we all know, a girl can never have too many diamonds, can she?
Jennifer Aniston
In contrast to her very understated fashion sense, the former Friends actress is the proud owner of a vastly overstated 8-carat diamond engagement ring that has even been branded ‘gaudy’ by style experts. The emerald-cut diamond, given to her by Justin Theroux, is more akin to a quartz cocktail ring, but it certainly makes a statement.
So How Should You Pick Your Engagement Ring?
For those of us less rich and famous, and unable to commission multiple designs a la Kanye West, here are a few pointers on how to choose your engagement ring:
- Bear in mind it will need to fit comfortably alongside a wedding band as well as compliment it. A wide band-style engagement ring, for example, might look overloaded with a wedding band as well.
- You could also have problems with an unusual setting. It might prove difficult to find a band to fit alongside it and you could be left with no other alternative but to order a bespoke and possibly costly design.
- When choosing an engagement ring, try on some wedding bands too as it may influence your final choice. This is a very valuable tip!
- Metals should be the same carat as any ring worn with it, so 18 ct alongside 18 ct and nine with nine. This ensures an even rate of wear and development of matching patina.
- The carat denotes the percentage of gold and the more gold content the softer the metal.
- If you are unsure of the sizing of your band and concerned it is a little loose, this should not be a major concern for the duration of the service or ceremony. It’s an exciting time and hot hands expand so a slightly loose ring may be fine on the day. If you are marrying abroad in a warm place, this will particularly apply. Any good jeweller, like Astley Clarke who will be happy to resize if necessary the day after the event.
- If you want rings engraved, this obviously needs to be done after any sizing. If this is to be undertaken after the ceremony it is best left until you are certain of the correct size.
- When considering rings incorporating gemstones remember softer stones are most susceptible to abrasion. Hardest stones include diamonds, rubies and sapphires.
