When you think of a stylish French woman, flashy probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. We've been discussing the components of a French girl's wardrobe for years, but how does that classic sensibility affect their feelings toward engagement rings? Given that marriage customs and jewellery trends in France differ from those of the United States, we went straight to the source to find out how French women really feel about the all-important engagement ring tradition. Anne-Laure Mais of style blog Adenorah, jeweller and Tumblr wiz Adeline Rapon, and Kenza Sadoun-el Glaoui of La Revue de Kenza gave us their honest answers to our questions on everything from trends to diamond size to their involvement in choosing the ring. Curious? Want to know if they're on the same page?
Keep scrolling to read what they had to say on the subject and shop our favourite engagement rings according to their preferences.
Kenza Sadoun-el Glaoui
WHO WHAT WEAR: What do you think about a huge engagement ring—is it tacky?
KENZA SADOUN-EL GLAOUI: I don't feel concerned at all with marriage, because for me the most beautiful contract in love is to create a family, above all. Nevertheless, I love the tradition that involves the engagement ring. Of course, the size of the ring doesn't really matter, and I think it will only be tacky if you wear it this way.
WWW: Coloured stones are a big trend in the U.S. and the UK. Are you on board?
Glaoui: Paradoxically, I'm very modern in my conception of marriage because it doesn't matter more than through my eyes, but if I'm supposed to marry a man, I would love to wear a white diamond.
WWW: Do French girls ever hint to their significant other about what type of ring they'd want, or even go ring shopping together?
Glaoui: Most of my friends have made allusions to their husbands about what they want.
WWW: Do most French girls prefer a traditional engagement ring or a simple, understated band? Glaoui: I think it's very personal. Some will prefer a new ring, but many will want to wear the ring of their grandmother for example.
WWW: What type of metal do you favour? (Gold, rose gold, platinum, white gold.)
Glaoui: I wear only gold! So I will opt for that, I think.
Follow @kenzasmg
Adeline Rapon
WHO WHAT WEAR: What do you think about a huge engagement ring—is it tacky?
ADELINE RAPON: Depends on the ring, but to me, a huge diamond on a solitary is a no-no. I much prefer big rings with a big sapphire and diamonds.
WWW: Coloured stones are a big trend in the U.S. and the UK. Are you on board?
Rapon: As a jeweller, I can tell that sapphires are people's favourites, followed by rubies and emeralds. But engagement rings are mostly diamond or sapphire.
WWW: Do French girls ever hint to their significant other about what type of ring they'd want, or even go ring shopping together?
Rapon: It really depends. I've done engagement rings for friends and their girlfriend didn't know at all what was going on. But I also see many couples coming and choosing the ring together, the woman (or man!) knowing the price or not.
WWW: Do most French girls prefer a traditional engagement ring or a simple, understated band? Rapon: I think people mostly have a solitary for engagement; it's a classic. But where I'm working, there are a lot of huge or original rings, and even vintage ones!
WWW: What type of metal do you favour? (Gold, rose gold, platinum, white gold.)
Rapon: I love rose gold and gold, they're warmer.
Follow @adelinerapon
Anne-Laure Mais
WHO WHAT WEAR: What do you think about a huge engagement ring—is it tacky?
ANN-LAURE MAIS: It is!
WWW: Coloured stones are a big trend in the U.S. and the UK. Are you on board?
Mais: I am not; I am really classic. I love fine jewellery, and mine is super simple with a small diamond.
WWW: Do French girls ever hint to their significant other about what type of ring they'd want, or even go ring shopping together?
Mais: It never happened in my case, because I don't really care about this. I prefer my fiancé really think about it, have a look at what I usually wear to know exactly by himself what I would love. The surprise is the most important!
WWW: Do most French girls prefer a traditional engagement ring or a simple, understated band?
Mais: I don't know if we can put all French girls in the same basket. Some are more into bands, I am not.
WWW: What type of metal do you favour? (Gold, rose gold, platinum, white gold.)
Mais: I am gold even if my fiancé chose white gold—I really love it because HE chose it!
Follow @adenorah
Shop French Girl–Inspired Rings
French girls love sapphires.
Proof that rings can have serious sparkle without a big diamond.
This would look so cool stacked with a thin diamond band.
This feels feminine and classic.
Coloured stones don't necessarily have to be bold. Case in point.
Every fashion girl knows and loves this brand.
Want more engagement rings? Take a look at 28 of our favourites right now.
Opening Image: Adenorah
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