How to pick the perfect ring box for your proposal or engagement

How to pick the perfect ring box for your proposal or engagement

How to pick the perfect ring box for your proposal or engagement

You've just picked the perfect engagement ring for your significant other. The time to plan your proposal has begun! You can already hear the cheers from your friends as you tell them the good news. You have the perfect place in mind, the setting, the decorations, friends to help you set up and celebrate afterwards. There's just one more decision to make - which proposal ring box to present your beautiful engagement ring in! 

Although it may feel like a small, insignificant detail in a day filled with other countless life-altering decisions, the proposal ring box you choose can help accentuate your ring and cement the day in their memory every time they open their ring box. The selection of colors, materials, sizes, shapes, and many different features of proposal ring boxes available today has never been more numerous, so we've made a guide to help you select the perfect proposal ring box for your ring!  

 

Here are seven things to consider when selecting the perfect proposal ring box.

 

1. The Size and Shape of Your Engagement Ring

The first thing to consider when deciding what proposal ring box to choose is the size of the ring. First, you have to consider the width of the ring band. A thin, delicate band (usually 1-3mm) usually represents minimalism, subtlety, and simple elegance. They will usually have more options for the ring box, as it will be easier to fit in thinner ring slots as well as regular ones. Thicker bands (4mm or more), usually representing modernity and boldness, on the other hand, will require larger ring slots to accommodate them, limiting the choice you have for the proposal ring box versus a thinner band. Mens bands are traditionally thicker than wedding bands for women. Women’s bands are generally thinner and more delicate. Thinner bands are more comfortable to wear, while thicker bands are more durable to breakage. Thicker bands may suit larger ring boxes better, while thinner banded rings can be suited to more variety of sizes. 

The second consideration, yet perhaps more importantly, is the shape and size of the gemstone on your engagement ring. Large gemstones may run into issues fitting in smaller engagement ring boxes, so be sure to check if your ring will fit. Round brilliant diamond shapes are usually the most popular, and should fit the largest selection of ring boxes due to the simple circle shape. Cushion cuts and oval cuts are also quite popular now - one should double check that the height and length will fit in the ring box they want, as these types of gemstones are a bit longer than usual. Pear cuts are also quite trendy these days and will need the same consideration as cushion or oval cut diamonds. 

2. The Type of Precious Metal and How They Relate to Colors

The next step in choosing a proposal ring box is to consider which colors will complement the precious metal on your ring. For example, yellow gold will pair very well with black or red colors, while white color pairs well with silver and platinum rings. If utilized well, the color of your box can compliment your ring and make it pop more! Neutral color ring boxes like grey tend to suit every color. If you have a colored gemstone, choosing an opposite color on the color wheel will allow your ring to stand out, while choosing a similar color may be more muted and easier on the eyes. 

Different precious metals may offer different meanings. For example, yellow gold is more traditional and timeless, and can promote feelings of warmth and love. White gold is more modern and contemporary, while platinum is associated with strength and rarity. Silver represents youthfulness and simplicity. Knowing the meaning behind the material your ring is made from may help in deciding what type of proposal ring box to pair your ring with. For example, our modern ring box line would pair very nicely with white gold rings, as the modern and sleek shape of our ring box pairs well with the symbolism of white gold. 


3. Types of Gemstones

Just as the type of metal the band uses matters, so does the type of gemstone used in the ring. Diamonds are the most common type and will pair well with all colors. If you have a more yellow tinted diamond, F grade and lower, I would caution against putting it on a white interior as the diamond itself may show more yellow when put up against pure white. A dark backdrop for a tinted diamond may present it as more clear visually to the viewer. Sapphire is also a popular gemstone for engagement rings and offers a very royal and elegant look. To pair with the perfect ring box, I would suggest deep plush velvet boxes or heirloom+vintage inspired boxes like this one. Rubies are another popular option and offer a more bold, romantic, and vibrant look. I would pair rubies with a darker ring box to emphasize the romantic aspect, like our matte black ring box with light. Emeralds are another popular stone for engagement rings, and would be complimented very nicely by our wood ring box for a more earthy and natural vibe. A more formal and elegant look would pair an emerald stone together with our dark black velvet ring boxes. 


4. Personalization Details

The little details like personalizing your ring box with names or initials and the date of your proposal are what make all the difference. Depending on your style and the material of the ring box, there are many different types of personalization that one could choose to add. For example, wood ring boxes are perfect for those who want a natural material and feel. Wood pairs well with laser engraving for customization. On the other hand, someone going for a more luxurious look and feel may instead opt for a leather ring box, which is better suited to customizations with foil. We offer both these types of customizations at our store. 

Names and dates are popular engraving options for custom ring boxes. It can commemorate an important date, like your wedding or engagement date. Romantic quotes and phrases are also great options - “Forever and Always” or “To Infinity and Beyond” are great ones. Symbols are another option, hearts, lighthouses, infinity symbols are all beautiful. A lesser known but equally romantic option are coordinates to a meaningful location, like your favorite spot in the park or the location you first met. Custom artwork or sketches are also great ideas for personalized ring boxes. 

5. Proposal Time of Day

The time of day is another important factor to consider when choosing your ring box for proposal. Be sure to plan ahead and decide on a time that would best suit your proposal idea! I would say that the time often is dependent on the type of setting that one chooses for their proposal. A proposal while hiking on a trail will most likely be a daytime event, while a dinner proposal for example will be an after dark event. For those daytime proposals, a simple, classical ring box is my suggestion. If you are planning to have an outdoors proposal, I would recommend against picking up a ring box with a light, as it will likely be washed out by the sunshine. On the other hand, daytime proposals in indoor settings may still benefit from light up ring boxes, as it will create more of a sparkle effect on the gemstone compared to regular overhead lighting. Of course, I would highly recommend selecting a ring box with light for a nighttime proposal, as the light just creates so much feel and dramatic ambiance. 


6. Dress - What will you be wearing?

What will you be wearing at your proposal? This is another aspect that is important to plan for, as it can potentially affect the type of ring box that you should choose. A more formal setting like a romantic dinner or gala, or even a rooftop proposal, could be highlighted by wearing a classy suit. For example, if you plan to wear a suit to your proposal, I would recommend going with a discreet or slim ring box. Suits are notorious for having small and stiff pockets, and a large ring box would easily show against the thin material. A slim ring box like or even our super slim ring box or slim ring box with light would be perfect for those wearing suits, as it can easily be hidden without showing through the clothes. 

A more casual outfit for proposing at a park or beach with looser clothing like chinos, loafers, and a button down shirt can offer more options. Adventurous proposals like hot air ballooning or hiking may also offer many options as the clothing for these activities usually has many and large pockets. Just be sure to match the moment and coordinate the clothes and ring box. You don’t want to have a box too large for your suit pocket!


7. The Location of Your Proposal

The final potential aspect to consider when deciding on what type of ring box you should use is the location of your proposal. The material and design of your ring box should reflect the location of your proposal. For instance, a proposal held at a beautiful hiking trail or national park would be perfectly complemented with a natural wood ring box. A proposal at a restaurant may benefit from a luxurious looking glossy ring box. Our wood LED ring box would perfectly pair a proposal planned at a high end restaurant, as the glossy wood exterior and LED light would greatly enhance the beauty of any ring. 

soulmatebox customer with a proposal ring box

Of course there are many other things to consider when planning your proposal. In the end, a ring box may just be a small detail on an otherwise well planned out proposal event. Selecting the right engagement ring box is just the perfect way to pair with your chosen engagement ring, and everytime it is opened in the future will bring back memories of the day that you proposed. It is the perfect memento to a beautiful day that you can share with your friends and family in the future. 

 

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