‘TIS the season to be merry, so it’s little surprise Christmas is one of the most popular times of year for proposals.
But with the build up to December 25th always a little manic, not to mention pricey, finding the perfect engagement ring within your budget can prove tricky.
Well, luckily jewellery expert Leroy Dawkins has given a helping hand by sharing his top eight picks – and they’re all under £100.
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, he says: “When it comes to buying an engagement ring when you’re young, starting can be a hard fit, especially when most would like Elizabeth Taylor’s Krupps diamond on their finger.
“But we all have different budgets, and we all like different styles of engagement rings – some like them bold, and others prefer simple and sleek rings.
“Here are 8 of the best engagement rings I have found under £100 that will still make your ring finger dazzle and friends envious…”
“This stunning sterling silver-created white Sapphire Emerald-shaped ring from H Samuel is a great ring made in sterling silver, a precious metal with longevity that will last until you can upgrade,” Leroy explains.
The jewellery expert says: “The Constella cocktail ring is a Princess cut, white, Rhodium-plated ring from Swarovski.”
He goes on to say that although it’s classed as a cocktail ring, it has all the aesthetics of an engagement ring.
“A plain bold, brilliant cut stone ring that will sit proudly on your finger,” he adds.
“Everything about this is star buy,” says Leroy.
“The sterling silver bridal duet consists of a half-eternity ring that sits fabulously next to a diamond flash cluster ring, visually creating a stunning effect.”
The jewellery whizz says “go big or go home” with this Diamonique 5ct simulated tanzanite cocktail ring from QVC set in sterling silver.
“Once again, just because it’s called a cocktail ring, it’s definitely a ring to wow at your engagement,” he says.
“Dazzlingly different and oh-so-elegant, there is everything to love about this stunning ‘Toi Et Moi’ ring from Diamonique,” Leroy explains.
“Crafted from plated Sterling Silver and adorned with an octagon-cut simulated gemstone beside a pear-cut simulated white diamond, this radiant ring will finish your favourite evening looks with a touch of sparkle.”
He goes on to call it a “modern classic” and adds that this ring will be one you reach for time and time again.
“This beautiful ring features the six C’s of Diamonique – unbeatable clarity, great carat weight, believable clear colour, like diamonds, low-cost, beautifully cut stones, and a piece that exudes confidence,” he continues.
“The clarity of each stone ensures optimum sparkle as the light can travel through perfectly.”
Leroy explains that this solitaire ring, hand-finished in 14k gold-plated metal, features a large clear cubic zirconia centre stone set in a crown-shaped claw setting.
“The setting and the ring shank are embellished with clear cubic zirconia stones, making the ring shine even brighter,” he continues.
“Inspired by the look of a regal crown, this ring will bring a royal touch to any outfit.”
The jewellery guru notes: “For this ring, I thought I would suggest a pre-loved option, there are so many pieces of unloved jewellery, whether people no longer want them or people sell them to update what they have.
“One of my favourite places to buy preloved jewellery is H&T Pawnbrokers, who nowadays are on most high streets and online.”
This has to be my best find for this feature: Are you ready? It’s a 9ct Gold brilliant cut Diamond solitaire with a 0.15-carat weight, a traditional and classic engagement ring which will not believe the price for a real diamond and precious metal!
Leroy says that for his final choice, he’s saved the big guns until the end.
“I started talking about the Krupp’s diamond, a 33-carat diamond ring given to Elizabeth Taylor by her then-husband Richard Burton,” he explains.
“Princess Margaret described it as vulgar, yet it was seen as one of the most beautiful rings and stones ever made.”
He goes on to say how he found a Krupp-inspired diamond from a small jewellery designer, John Daniel Jewellery.
“The ring is from his iconic collection Asscher Cut Simulant Sapphire, 925 Solid Silver, 18Ct gold plated,” the jewellery expert says.
“The ring is truly spectacular to look at, will attract a lot of attention and my only advice when wearing it would be to own it!”
