I have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to working with couples selecting wedding bands or choosing a jeweler.

Save up and always go for the best that you can afford. Dont go into debt as this is superstition. Always pay for the ring in full when you start on the road to marriage. For an engagement ring it’s all about the 4 C’s: the carat, colour, clarity and cut. Take advice from a responsible and trusted jeweller who will talk you through all the different options of what is the right choice for you and your fiancée.

For a wedding ring/band choose the highest carat of gold. It has got to last a very long time and the higher the carat (eg. 22k) is a harder metal than 9k. Make sure the engagement and wedding rings are of the same density of carat, as one will rub and wear out the other.

If in any doubt, or you want to surprise your fiancée, go for the classic solitaire. Don’t choose birthstones as it may be a pearl or opal and these are not a good choice for a long lasting, everyday durable ring.

If she’s not a ‘gold’ person and wears more silver jewellery, choose white gold or better still platinum.

Always insure your jewellery against loss, stone loss or damage. Check the fine print for mugging. I was once robbed in a high street and found out I was insured if I had dropped it—but not if ‘held up’ and stolen!

Have all jewellery annually checked by a jeweller for claw or settings damage. Good cleaning and maintenance and appraised for value. Take photos of all pieces and keep purchase documents safe.

Your wedding and engagement rings are worn on the third finger, left hand as its the only finger that has a vein running straight to the heart. The venus amoris. So the rings are pressing onto this directly. Wedding band on first. Dress or engagement ring on top, so that it can be easily removed. Unlike the wedding ring that once placed on the finger should not be removed—especially by a Photograher on the wedding day just for a photo.  Tell them no and to photograph it on your finger!

I love when Jewish rabbis recite that a wedding band is infinite: it’s a circle, it has no beginning and no end and has been the symbol of marriage from the earliest of times.

Should a man wear a wedding ring? In my opinion, yes. Take on the responsibility of a wife/ partner, house and possible family to come and be proud of wearing your ring. Should it have diamonds? That’s a personal choice.

If I’m European and the custom is to wear the ring on the right hand, which hand should I wear it on? Whichever hand you feel ‘married’. I have known Brides wear a ring on both hands. The new ring and their Grandmothers ring on the other hand.

Take your time over the decision making process and try lots of styles. One will be perfect for you.