Buying an engagement ring is a daunting prospect. Melanie Wakefield, managing director at luxury jewellers Wakefields in Horsham, offers some inside knowledge to Natalie Li
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us. Now, more than ever before, Christmas is the new Valentine’s Day with many choosing to pop the question, says Melanie Wakefield, managing director of Wakefields Jewellers.
“It’s so busy on the run up to the festive season,” she smiles. “The romance and cosiness combined with family and friends’ gatherings make it peak proposal time. Many customers conceal their dazzling rings in Christmas baubles, advent calendars and crackers!”
Colourful gemstones, vintage nostalgia, or a three-stone ring – where does one start when it comes to selecting this monumental purchase? “Do your homework when it comes to your design, gain a strong idea of what you want and visit a jewellers’ to try them on,” Melanie advises.
“What you see in a magazine or on a celebrity won’t necessarily work for you or your spouse-to-be so it’s good to try on various styles. I always offer different shapes, metals, and stones so clients can see what looks right. Most brides are moving away from platinum and want yellow golds and warmer metals.
“I am sourcing a lot of stones right now; teal sapphires, pear and marquee shapes are a huge trend,” explains Melanie. “Most customers want something different and unusual. They want a story and something that no one else has. Unusual gemstones are sought after as no-one has them – they are rare. Family stones handed down through the generations is also commonplace. As for wedding rings – we virtually never sell a plain band. These day clients want the wedding band to match the shoulders of the engagement ring.”
When it comes to picking the engagement ring to adorn the finger of your soon-to-be spouse, Melanie has further tips. “People need to remember this ring is for the rest of their life so it shouldn’t be swayed by fashion – opt for a classic and timeless look. This type of ring is made to last, but regular maintenance is necessary. If you decide to buy something online and you lose a diamond, you must find a good jeweller to ensure it’s safe to wear.”
Creating a bespoke engagement ring can typically take, from the date of order to the ring being finished, around six weeks. “The quickest I have created a bespoke piece is two weeks, but I’d normally allow six weeks,” Melanie adds. “It takes about three visits from start to finish. A client would come for their first appointment to discuss the design, and this is the time to tell me everything they want. I can follow up with a quote.
“I use CAD modelling to show the client what their ring will look like,” she continues. “They normally come in to see the stones in wax before going ahead. Nothing is unexpected and everything is detailed, the certificate and the price. We provide lovely photography of the ring and an evaluation for their insurance company; we can even arrange insurance for them. If someone if doing a surprise ring and guessing their finger size, we can re-size the ring.
With all these emotional purchases Melanie is often moved to tears by her clients’ reactions, she reveals. “I recently had a client who chose an engagement ring on his own. He showed me photos of his bride-to-be and pictures of pieces from her jewellery box. He chose a single diamond with diamond shoulders – it was so delicate and pretty. It was perfect for her. He sent me a video of the proposal, which took place on a beach in the Isle of Skye, and she flashed her ring and I found myself crying!
“The best bit of my job is seeing their faces when I present the ring. You can tell when they love it, and it is so heart-warming. I am so lucky to be part of their love story.”
