Christmas is the most popular time of year to the propose, but for the person popping the question it can be a nerve-wracking business – especially when faced with choosing the perfect ring.
However help is at hand from Stephen Barnard – head jeweller at Mayfair-based 77diamonds.com, Europe’s largest online diamond jeweller – who has created pieces for the likes of Princess Diana, Saudi royalty and an array of billionaires.
Speaking to coincide with 77 Diamonds’ new guide to how to buy the perfect rock, Stephen insists that – despite working for extremely wealthy clients – there is no need to spend a fortune on a ring, and the old ‘spend the equivalent of three months’ salary’ rule is now defunct.
‘It’s all about how generous the partner is or what the recipient wants, there is no rule of thumb,’ he told Femail.
‘With consumer finance options available today people can go far beyond three months salary, or save for a longer period if they want to go big. Alternatively, they may go for an unconventional ring style with smaller stones like an eternity ring.’
So when it comes to size, should you opt for a bigger stone of a lower quality if you’re on a tighter budget, or choose the best you can afford even if it’s smaller?
‘If you want to impress, size will always have the greatest impact,’ he explained. ‘But if you want to express quintessentially understated British love then go for quality.
‘Cut and colour are usually the most visible quality markers,’ he added.
Stephen Barnard Head Jeweller at 77 Diamonds who has created jewellery for the likes of Princess Diana said that there’s no need to spend three months’ salary on an engagement ring (stock image)
The piece Stephen created for the Princess was dubbed the ‘Swan Lake necklace’ as she had worn it to the ballet of the same name
Currently there’s a trend for coloured gemstones as millennials turn their backs on traditional diamond rings, but Stephen says it’s a mistake to opt for anything too on-trend.
‘Diamonds are still the classic choice, they never go out of style so you can’t go wrong,’ he said. ‘A round set in a solitaire ring is timeless and classic.
‘But a strong green or blue colour, once the novelty wears off, does not have the same gravitas or sparkle as a diamond and like an old dress, can lose its appeal.’
If you are looking for something that’s unique but won’t start to look dated, he recommends a halo setting diamond surround with a marquise cut diamond.
‘It’s both extravagant and unusual,’ he explained.
Stephen and his master craftsmen are used to making jewellery for the likes of Premiership footballers, supermodels, millionaires and even billionaires
Stephen later made matching earrings to go with Diana’s necklace, although she died before she was able to wear them
During his 50 year career, he’s worked for some of the biggest names in the jewellery industry, from Boodles to House of Garrard, the Royal jeweller for 164 years.
It had always been his ambition to make jewellery for Princess Diana, and he ‘coincidentally’ fulfilled his dream.
‘At Garrard, I created a necklet and had no idea of the intended wearer,’ he recalled. ‘It was only when [it was] photographed in the press that I realised it was indeed Princess Diana wearing my work.
‘Dubbed the “Swan Lake necklace,” as she had worn it to the ballet of the same name, it was actually on loan to the Princess, but after the ballet, she asked if some matching earrings could be made so she could buy the set.
‘Unfortunately, she passed away before they were complete so never got to see the suite together.’
77 Diamonds has created an ultimate guide to buying diamonds for anyone planning a proposal