The ring

It’s June! Do I hear wedding bells?

We’re all too familiar with the ‘June bride’ and ‘June wedding’ syndrome. Well, that’s great for western countries since it’s springtime. Here in the Philippines, however, the reality is, it’s the worst time to have a wedding since June marks the beginning of the rainy season.

So before talks on the wedding, an engagement is in order. I was once a wedding planner and with all the details of having an engagement and a wedding, I am most excited about choosing the gowns, the flowers, and the rings -- diamond rings to be exact.  There is just something about diamonds that mesmerizes me.  And for sure, I'm not alone in this.

Generally speaking, before the proposal and wedding plans, choosing the right engagement ring is the first agenda for most men. If you think about, it’s really quite taxing especially for a typical guy who has zero interest in rings or diamonds, or any form of jewelry for that matter. 

I was really inspired by a cousin of mine who took charge in choosing the stone and the setting for his future wife. He was very particular and specific with what he wants and this Tiffany ring below was his peg. They are married now and the story of his search for the “perfect ring” is what gave me the idea of sharing this with you.

Iconic Tiffany diamond engagement ring, with a 1-carat brilliant-cut solitaire diamond mounted on a 6-prong white gold band

The engagement ring is quite symbolic for many couples. It signifies love and commitment, a promise of marriage, the financial capacity of the groom-to-be. I think it's sort of a rite of passage for a man to choose and to give this symbol of love.  And that’s where the magic and surprise come into play.

Of course many couples are now more practical when it comes to choosing and buying the ring. I know of women, the recipients, who got to choose their own rings since they are the ones who will wear them. In my case, it was after a few years into my marriage that I decided to change the design and have my engagement ring reset to my liking, with my husband’s consent of course. You may call it an upgrade, and he was completely fine with that. Now I really love my ring more than ever. Again, it’s different for each couple.

So for those of you lovebirds out there, especially to the men who are planning to propose, here are some ideas and inspiration when choosing the ring for your beloved. (Or for the ladies who want to choose your own rings, go for it! Talk it out.)

(Emerald-cut diamond Tiffany ring)

This was my dream engagement ring, long before Carrie got a similar one from Big in 'Sex and the City'!

(Brilliant-cut with [ear-shaped side stones from Tiffany)

Another favorite dazzler.

Choose from these popular shapes:

Whatever the budget, the design, the size and quality, the kind of stone or setting for the ring might be, what really matters is the genuine intentions of the man towards his lady love. It’s the thought and hard work behind it that really count. The ring is just but a symbol and token of that love.

But remember ladies, you don't need to wait for a man to give you one. And guys, there’s no occasion required to surprise your woman with some bling!

Happy ring hunting!