A few weeks ago, during a virtual consultation, a client confessed he'd been losing sleep over engagement ring "rules" he'd read online. "I think she'd love a sapphire," he said, "but my parents keep telling me I should propose with a diamond." It was one of many moments that reminded me how much misinformation exists in the world of engagement rings.

As someone who guides people through this significant purchase every day, I've heard every myth and rule in the book. Today, let's separate fact from fiction and explore what really matters when choosing the perfect ring for your partner.

Myth 1: You Must Spend Three Months' Salary

Reality: I've heard horror stories about people planning to take out a loan to meet this "rule." This "three months' salary" guideline? It was actually created by a clever marketing campaign. The truth is, you should spend what you're comfortable with. Your love and relationship isn't measured by the size of your investment.

Myth 2: Bigger is Always Better

Reality: During a recent consultation, we compared two diamonds - a larger stone with less optimal cut against a slightly smaller but perfectly cut diamond. The difference in sparkle was immediately apparent. Pay attention to what your partner typically wears - often, their existing jewellery gives great clues about their preferences for scale and style.

Myth 3: Diamonds are the Only Option

Reality: Remember my client concerned about the sapphire? His now-fiancée absolutely loves her unique ring. While diamonds are traditional, they're not the only choice. If you've noticed your partner admiring coloured gemstones or commenting on unique engagement rings, don't be afraid to explore alternatives like sapphires, emeralds, or moissanites.

Myth 4: The Proposal Must be a Complete Surprise

Reality: While I think the moment of proposal should be a surprise, it's perfectly fine to have had discussions about ring preferences and sensible to discuss marriage beforehand. Many of our clients subtly gather information through conversations with their partner's friends and family, or by paying attention to jewellery they already wear and styles they save on social media.

Myth 5: Platinum is Always the Best Metal

Reality: Look at the jewellery your partner wears daily. Do they gravitate toward white metals or warmer tones? While platinum is indeed durable and hypoallergenic, some women prefer the warm glow of yellow gold or the romantic blush of rose gold. The "best" metal is the one that matches her style.

Myth 6: You Can't Wear Your Engagement Ring Every Day

Reality: Modern engagement rings are designed for real life. Consider your partner's lifestyle and profession when choosing the design. We help our clients design rings that will be both beautiful and practical for their fiancée's day-to-day activities.

Myth 7: Insurance is Unnecessary

Reality: Think of insurance as protection for both the emotional and financial investment the ring represents. We've seen firsthand how this simple step can provide peace of mind and security for years to come.

Myth 8: All Diamond Certifications are Equal

Reality: This is why we only work with stones certified by reputable labs like GIA, AGS, and IGI. These certifications aren't just pieces of paper - they're your guarantee of exactly what you're investing in.

Myth 9: You Can't Resize an Engagement Ring

Reality: While most rings can be resized within reason, it's best to get as close as possible to the right size initially. We help our clients with clever ways to figure out their partner's ring size without giving away the surprise.

Myth 10: Bespoke Rings are Always More Expensive

Reality: Bespoke design means having control over your choices. We've helped many clients create stunning rings by focusing their budget on the elements that would matter most to their partner, whether that's an exceptional centre stone or intricate handcrafted details.

The truth is, the most beautiful engagement rings aren't the ones that follow all the "rules" - they're the ones that feel right for your partner. Like our client who chose the sapphire? He recently shared a photo of his fiancée wearing the ring, beaming with joy, saying how happy he was that he trusted his instincts about what she'd love.

Remember, your perfect ring is the one that will make them smile every time they look at it. Don't let myths and misconceptions pressure you into choices that don't feel authentic to your partner's style and your relationship.

Ready to start planning that perfect proposal? Book a consultation with us today, and let's create a ring she'll cherish forever.