When it comes to engagement rings, those time-honoured symbols of eternal love and happily ever afters, Ryan Thomas has offered some sage advice to GCN readers who are thinking of taking the leap. We spoke with Amy Ryan, Director of Ryan Thomas, and she filled us in on all the current trends and what you need to know before when choosing a ring for you or your loved one.
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Diamonds versus gemstones
“Diamonds continue to be the most popular gemstone by far, yet we are seeing a lot more people opt for vibrant coloured gemstones,” said Amy. “Not just the traditional coloured gemstones such as sapphire, but modern, pastel coloured gemstones too, such as aquamarine and morganite.”
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To see some gorgeous examples of both diamond and gemstone rings, have a scroll through Ryan Thomas’ Instagram page.
And PS, although traditionally mined diamonds are still most in demand, you can also opt for lab-grown diamonds as an inexpensive, sustainable alternative if you want all the sparkle for a fraction of the usual cost.
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“Lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular and we expect that this popularity will continue to grow,” says Amy. These manmade diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds, so there’s really no downside.
There is no ‘correct’ cost for an engagement ring
“We wholeheartedly believe that buying an engagement ring should be a joyous, celebratory occasion, one that doesn’t involve stress and pressure,” Amy tells us (to our great relief). “We think the oft-repeated myth about spending a certain percentage of your salary is pretty outdated.”
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Although there’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to cost, Amy says that in her experience the average spend is €2000-€4000. “But there is no ‘correct amount’, it really depends on your budget and taste as a couple.”
It’s not all about the rock
Although most people focus on diamonds, gemstones or various configurations of the two, it’s also important to consider the band that keeps the bling together.
“Maintenance is definitely a factor to consider when choosing the band,” Amy advises. “For instance, white gold bands are rhodium plated to enhance their colour and shine. Since everyday wear affects this rhodium plating, white gold rings need to be rhodium plated approximately every two years.”
Yellow gold, on the other hand, is easier to maintain and has seen a resurgence in popularity, according to Amy. “Lifestyle plays a part too,” she adds, “so if you’re someone who uses chemicals or heavy lotions, the colour change can occur more quickly.”
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Whether you favour white gold, yellow gold or silver, diamonds or gemstones, classic or modern, Ryan Thomas has got you covered. In fact, they can literally give you the ring of your dreams.
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“If you’re on a quest for a particular engagement ring, one that you’ve dreamt about but haven’t found, consider a custom made ring,” Amy suggests. “All of our custom rings are handcrafted in Ireland by our Goldsmiths. Also, if you have been gifted a ring or meaningful piece of jewellery, the gold and gemstones can be used to create this new, custom made ring.”
So you can work with Ryan Thomas to get exactly what you want.
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“Choosing your perfect engagement ring should be a fun experience and we’re here to help at every stage.”
To win a €200 voucher for Ryan Thomas, simply answer the following question: Which popular gold is easier to maintain – white or yellow?
The competition closes on Thursday, April 21, with winners to be announced the next day. Good luck!
This competition is now closed, please visit our Competitions page for more.
© 2022 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
This post is sponsored by Ryan Thomas Jewellers
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