An engagement ring should feel like something the owner expects to see on his hand, regardless of how special the occasion is. It can be hard for a man unaccustomed to wearing jewellery to find the right mix between familiarity and novelty.
In Spain, couples browsing anillos de compromiso para hombre have a few general styles to think over. Does a simple gold band, a ring with a tiny diamond or a fat textured band sound better? Something you’d like to wear every day, or just on your big day out?
There is no need for a man to have a solitaire-style engagement ring. Whatever the shape, the ring carries the promise of its owner, but it should also reflect them.
A Men’s Engagement Ring Doesn’t Need a Traditional Shape
The width of a narrow polished band is ideal for men who prefer their accessories to be subtle. A man used to seeing heavier jewellery may prefer something a touch broader.
It can make all the difference: a 4 mm band has a restrained look, while a 6 mm band makes a bolder statement. These are only guidelines, as the look of the band also depends on the fit and thickness.
Some men prefer the look of a flat band with clean lines. Others like the look of the slightly rounded top of the band to reduce the prominence between adjacent rings.
The finish is also something to think over. Brushed gold has a less prominent finish, while polished gold reflects more light. Hammered and satin finishes also offer unique looks without the use of precious metals.
Something you may not have thought of is that different finishes age differently. A polished surface will show fine scratches, while hammered or satin designs may conceal some imperfections, yet be prone to smoothing in places where it sees regular use.
Gold, Platinum and the Fine Print
The look and weight of a ring, plus how much upkeep it needs, are all determined by the metal it is made from.
Yellow gold has a warm look that blends well with clean lines. White gold has a cooler appeal, although rhodium-plated styles require occasional re-plating as the finish wears off over time.
Rose gold has a softer look which can work well in both minimal designs and more intricate styles, depending on the alloy and the wearer’s personal tastes.
Platinum is also a good choice for an engagement ring that will see regular wear. It is a dense metal with a natural whiteness which takes on a unique patina as it ages.
In Spain, you are likely to see jewellery made from oro de 18 quilates, oro de 14 quilates and platino 950. Each denotes the fineness of the precious metal:
18-karat gold contains 75% gold.
14-karat gold contains approximately 58.5% gold.
Platinum 950 contains 95% platinum.
The actual fineness should always be stated clearly on the product page, along with the relevant hallmarking and certification. Spanish precious metal regulations also apply to certain small items, with exemptions for exceptionally small pieces.
The look of a ring in a photograph is not always what the wearer will enjoy seeing in real life. Seeing how the ring looks in different metals next to your skin in natural light can help you make the right choice.
Man Made Diamonds for a More Individual Look
Diamonds are no longer confined to traditional engagement ring styles. A narrow band can be made more interesting by setting a small diamond into it to add intrigue. The contrast between the flat surface of the band and the sparkle of the stone creates fascinating visual effects.
Man made diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in terms of atomic structure, but are formed in a lab. Cubic zirconia and moissanite are different materials altogether.
If you’re considering the differences between man made jewellery, Novita Diamonds is a name you should keep in mind for comparisons. When it comes to choosing a diamond ring, size isn’t the only factor: the shape and fit are also important.
A round diamond is instantly recognisable, while an emerald cut stone has a sharper edge. Square princess cuts can also work well in angular ring styles, especially if set into a broad band of metal.
The position of the stone is just as important as the shape.
A flush-set diamond is embedded into the band to reduce the risk of snagging on clothing. A bezel setting also protects the stone, and can be a good alternative to prongs that allow more light to escape.
Both are good options if the wearer has to keep his hands busy during the day.
Comfort Can Make All the Difference
A ring may look good in the display cabinet, but it can be far less comfortable after a few hours of wear.
The inside of the ring shoud also be smooth so it doesn’t dig into the finger. A comfort-fit band has a rounded inner surface to reduce discomfort, especially in wider bands.
The thickness is also important, since an excessively thick band can feel constricting to an untrained hand, while something too thin may be impractical for certain styles and activities.
Ring sizes shouldn’t be ignored either.
As your fingers warm up, their size can increase slightly, so a ring that feels good in an unusually cold room can feel too snug later in the day. If buying online in Spain, it is a good idea to request a ring size measurement before ordering. It is also good to ask if the size can be adjusted if needed, as certain styles such as a ring with continuous diamond settings can have limited adjustment capabilities.
Anillos de Compromiso para Hombre and Wedding Bands
The engagement ring and the wedding band perform different jobs, although they can share similar designs.
In Spain, the terms anillo de pedida, anillo de compromiso, and alianza de boda can crop up in a jewellery search, but they all have slightly different roles. An anillo de pedida refers to an engagement ring, but the alianza de boda is part of the marriage ceremony, while an anillo de compromiso serves as a reminder of the promise of marriage.
A man may want to wear his engagement ring throughout the engagement and then switch to a wedding band with an alianza de boda, or he may want to wear his engagement ring at all times, either alone or with his wedding band.
It is not necessary for the rings to have a specific design, but if two rings are worn on the same finger, their general shape should also complement each other. A broad band is likely to feel too bulky when worn with another wide band, and different ring heights are also likely to cause discomfort.
It is a good idea to coordinate the overall look of the bands, but it is not necessary for them to look identical.
Personal Details, But Not Necessarily Fancy Ones
Personalisation does not always mean an overly complicated design.
An engraved date, brief phrase or initials inside the band can give a simple ring extra meaning. Some couples like to choose similar details for their engagement jewellery, even if the rings have completely different looks.
A combination of brushed and polished surfaces can also help to distinguish the rings. A narrow band of contrasting metal or an off-centre diamond can also help to create variety without compromising simplicity.
For customised styles, it is a good idea to look at the options from Novita Diamonds and compare them with the styles you can see on offer from independent Spanish jewellery workshops. Once you know what you want to achieve, you can also look at maintenance and the possibility of alterations to the design, such as engraving.
What to Check Before Buying a Diamond Ring in Spain
The look of a diamond says little about its overall value.
For a large central stone, an independent grading report from an organisation such as the International Gemological Institute (IGI) can help you to identify its qualities, such as carat weight, colour, clarity, cut and whether it is a natural or lab-grown diamond.
For smaller stones, the grading report and details may well be different, so it is important to ask what exactly is included with your purchase.
The rest of the ring should also be scrutinised: what metal has been used, how has the band been set, how long will it take to make, can it be re-sized and is there an after-sales service?
If purchasing online, look at the delivery arrangements for Spain and any restrictions for returns with customised jewellery. Customised pieces also tend to have slightly different cancellation policies than standard pieces, so always read the fine print before finalising your purchase.
Before finalising your purchase, it is a good idea to look at photos of the ring from the side as well as the top. These can highlight the height of the band, which is important for comfort, and the thickness of the band, which also contributes to the overall comfort of the ring. The projection of the diamond can also dictate how comfortable the ring will be with everyday wear.
A ring well-chosen should feel like a good fit to the hand and lifestyle, as well as holding sentimental value for many years to come.