A ring is perhaps the most personal piece of jewellery you will ever choose. Whether you are looking for an engagement ring to seal a 'yes', a solitaire for an anniversary, or simply an everyday piece that becomes your own, the right choice is not a matter of luck. It is a matter of knowing what to look for.
At the Skyros Jewellery workshop we have been making handmade jewellery since 1980. In this guide we share what we have learned at the bench, so you choose well the first time.
1. Start with the Material
The material determines the durability, the look and the price of the ring. The three main options:
- Sterling silver 925: Sterling silver 925° is the most versatile option. It lasts over time, cleans easily and suits every style. Ideal for everyday wear and for gifts.
- Gold: More luxurious and more resistant to oxidation. Gold is the classic choice for an engagement ring and for pieces you want to last a lifetime.
- Gold-plated or rose gold silver: A gold or rose gold finish over a sterling silver 925 base gives the warm glow of gold at a more affordable cost.
Practical tip: If the ring will be worn every day, choose sterling silver 925 or gold — they withstand wear better than cheap alloys.
2. How to Find the Right Size
The wrong size is the number one reason a ring ends up in a drawer. Two ways to find it:
- With an existing ring: Take a ring they already wear on the right finger and measure its inner diameter in millimetres.
- With a string: Wrap a thin string around the finger, mark where it meets and measure the length. That is the circumference.
Measure towards the evening, when fingers are slightly more swollen, so it does not come out too tight. For a surprise engagement ring, discreetly borrow one of their rings and we will measure it for you.
3. Choose a Stone — and Understand What to Look For
The stone gives character. In our rings you will find:
- Zircon: Brilliant and clear, with the feel of a diamond at an affordable price. Ideal for a solitaire look.
- Natural & semi-precious stones: They add colour and uniqueness — every stone is different.
- Pearl: Timeless elegance for more classic tastes.
For a solitaire engagement ring, the clarity and the cut of the stone matter more than the size. A well-cut smaller stone sparkles more than a large dull one.
4. Match the Ring to the Style
Think about how the person who will wear it lives:
- Minimalist style: A slim band, a discreet stone, clean lines.
- Statement style: A wider band, a larger stone or a combination of stones.
- Classic style: A solitaire in gold or silver, with no unnecessary embellishments.
5. Why Handmade Matters
A handmade ring is not mass production. It is made with attention to detail, checked piece by piece and can be adjusted. At Skyros Jewellery every ring passes through our hands before it reaches you — and that shows in the finish.
Ready to choose?
See our collection of women's rings or take a look at all our jewellery. Free shipping on orders over €50.
Have a question about size, stone or material? Message us on WhatsApp +30 697 330 6160 — we reply personally and help you choose well.