Getting engaged is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience which seals the bond of love between two people.
But most men admit that shopping for the perfect diamond ring for their betrothed can be a daunting task.
Jeweller and owner of Mancuso Diamonds Jonathan Callejia revealed to FEMAIL his advice for grooms-to-be picking out an engagement ring.
According to the expert, it’s all about the four Cs: cut, carat, clarity and colour.
Jeweler and owner of Mancuso Diamonds Jonathan Callejia revealed to FEMAIL his advice for grooms-to-be picking out an engagement ring, and it’s all about the four C’s: Cut, carat, clarity and colour
More often than not, Jonathan (pictured) is approached by men who think they can be in and out in a quick 10 minutes – but the process of selecting an engagement diamond is far more nuanced than they first believe
Speaking at a Dudes and Diamonds event, Jonathan explained he is often faced with clueless men at his Sydney jewellery store who haven’t the faintest idea of what kind of diamond their girlfriend would like.
‘It is quite intimidating and most men don’t know what to do,’ he said.
‘Women need to steer their man in the right direction first.’
More often than not, Jonathan is approached by men who think they can be in and out in a quick 10 minutes – but the process of selecting an engagement diamond is far more nuanced than they first believe.
His top tips for those hunting for a timeless and stunning diamond is to be armed with an idea of the shape and cut and to have a budget prepared.
He also said men need to be more proactive in getting actually a sense of what style their future fiance favours, as many tend to miss out on subtle cues.
His top tips for those hunting for a timeless and stunning diamond is to be armed with an idea of the shape and cut and to have a budget prepared
He also said men need to be more proactive in getting actually a sense of what style their future fiance favours, as many tend to miss out on subtle cues
‘It is quite intimidating and most men don’t know what to do,’ he said. ‘Women need to steer their man in the right direction first’
‘When you give a ring to someone you know straight away the expression on their face if they like it or not. And if it’s not joy then there’s a problem, because they’re going to be wearing it hopefully for over 50 years,’ he said.
‘Most women have a style to some degree, whether it’s a big rock with diamonds all over it which some people love, or is it something small, vintage style with maybe a pink diamond.’
Jonathan first likes to talk with the groom about what kind of woman their partner is.
The first choice is not normally the right choice and the challenge is choosing a cut and colour which will stand the test of time.
‘Trust me, you’re going to want to make sure that design is nice. She will wear it for a long time, and something might look great now but in five or 10 years time it may look a bit dated.’
‘I have done it before with guys who will come in and say “I have no idea” and we just get something basic as a placeholder ring.’
‘Most women have a style to some degree, whether it’s a big rock with diamonds all over it which some people love, or is it something small, vintage style with maybe a pink diamond’
Jonathan (right) first likes to talk with the groom about what kind of woman their partner is
Countless rings Jonathan has fashioned in his 13-year career have been inspired by celebrity wedding bands – especially copy-cat rings like Princess Diana and Kate Middleton’s sapphire and diamond cut
And when it comes to how much a man should spend, the diamond expert said there is no ‘one rule’ and emphatically disagrees with the three-months-salary ideology
Countless rings Jonathan has fashioned in his 13-year career have been inspired by celebrity wedding bands – especially copy-cat rings like Princess Diana and Kate Middleton’s sapphire and diamond cut.
He also said Blake Lively’s $2 million, 12-carat engagement ring has been a popular design with many men requesting a similar cushion-cut style – albeit for far cheaper.
And when it comes to how much a man should spend, the diamond expert said there is no ‘one rule’ and emphatically disagrees with the three-months-salary ideology.
‘The average engagement ring costs around $5000-7000. But I don’t think anyone should be pressured to spend any amount of money,’ Jonathan said.
‘Six-weeks of your salary is a more realistic approach. Three months… not so much.’