Whether you’re Snapping, Facebooking, Instagramming, or just texting your family and friends, a selfie of that new sparkling diamond engagement ring is one of the first things you will likely do once you say “yes” to the proposal. No matterhow big your diamond engagement ring is, you’ll want everything to be perfect.

Lighting, nails, background - so much to think about - but your head may still be spinning from the thought of officially giving your heart to someone forever. Ben Garelick Jewelers to the rescue! Here are a few quick tips that you can follow to make your first engagement ring selfie one for the eternal scrapbooks.

Selfie Tip #1: Look Your Best

Seems obvious, right? Of course you will want to look your best in a photo that will likely get more like and be shared more times than anything on any of your social media platforms! But there are a few specific things that you can do to enhance your appearance and make a standout selfie:

• A mani is a must.

  No need for expensive cosmetic procedures. Just a no-fuss, no-muss standard manicure should spiff up your hands and have then Insta-ready to show off that sparkling diamond engagement ring. If you’re expecting the upcoming proposal, consider beginning a regime of an oil-based sugar or sea salt scrub to remove dead skin and moisturizing your hands with a light lotion. Choose the perfect nail color that suits your personality. While some prefer nude colors or pale pinks which can have a romantic look, others go for a bold red or crystal accents that can be more glamorous.

• Drink water.

  This is just a daily healthy lifestyle choice, but, in particular, being hydrated can keep your hands from getting puffy and make your face look pretty healthy, too!

• Scrub the ring.

  Before you go posting “the” selfie with your new engagement ring, make sure IT looks it’s best as well. You can return to Ben Garelick Jewelers and we will professionally clean it for free! Or, if you’re looking for a home cleaning solution, check out these tips for cleaning jewelry at home.

Selfie Tip #2: Chill out.

• There are a few things you can do and poses you can strike that you can take your ring selfie that will make you look more comfortable and relaxed while conveying the happiness that you are bursting with. Here are some ideas:

• To keep your fingers and hands relaxed and natural, consider a reverse high-five pose or gently curve your fingers.

• Rather than using your zoom tool on your camera for a tight shot, move the camera closer. Zooming in can make your photo pixelated. Or, use the time delay setting or have a friend take the photo.

• Instead of the standard straight on, eye-level shot of your hand and diamond ring, consider holding your hand up to your face with the palm facing your face and covering your smiling mouth. Or hold your fiance’s hand for a different shot.

Selfie Tip #3: Use Tech Tools For More Impact

Your photo doesn’t have to be static or boring! Almost all of the social media channels available today have various filters, stickers, text options, movement choices, and more!

Check out these ideas for the perfect engagement ring selfie:

• Boomerang or PixaLoop.

  Use these tools to create a moving video with your ring. Try a few different options, blow a kiss to the camera with your left hand, toast to your engagement with a glass of champagne or a post a 60-second clip from your proposal moment.

• Portrait Mode & 3D.

  Facebook’s 3D tool could make a “standard” engagement ring selfie into a masterpiece. You have to take the photo in portrait mode for it to work, so you may need to have a friend take the photo. Take it with a beautiful background and some foreground for maximum 3D effect.

• Filters or No Filters.

  This is the subject of debate amongst “purists” who think your stunning ring and your stunning beauty should be unfiltered, and “creatives” who love to use filters to create a unique visual masterpiece. Our suggestion is that you use the filters to enhance your skin and your ring. Avoid colored filters or any filters that will change your skin tone. Instead, use filters that will smooth and brighten your skin like Rise, Sierra, Valencia, Nashville, and Early Bird. Play with the brightness and saturation to get the best look.

• Choose Just One Image.

  A selfie as important as this deserves everyone’s full attention. Don’t clutter your special selfie with a Pic Collage or Pic Stitch template collage. Let your selfie shine on its own!

Selfie Tip #4: Select The Perfect Background

When deciding where to place or display your hand, choose a background for your photo that enhances, not distracts, your sparkling new engagement ring.

Your palm facing the sky or on your partner’s arm are also simple options that keep the focus on the ring.

Or seek out something that’s part of your proposal story, such as your palm placed on the tablecloth from the dinner where your future spouse proposed, or with a landmark behind you.

We’re suckers for sunsets, beach scenes, and iconic landmarks. Another idea is to place your engagement ring front and center with you (perhaps with your significant other) blurred in the background. (Would make a great 3D portrait image as mentioned above!)

Our eyes are instantly drawn to the brightest part of any photo, so shoot on darker backgrounds to bring the ring into focus.

Selfie Tip #5: Be Particular About The Lighting

The most important selfie of your life requires no flash. Choose natural light for the best-looking photo. If possible, take the photo outside in the sunlight to best capture the diamonds sparkling facets. If you can’t be outdoors, stand or sit near a window with natural light coming in at a 45-degree angle.

Selfie Tip #6: Words Add Meaning To Your Photo

Here’s something you can start working on now - just so you can be prepared! The best photos are accompanied by the perfect caption. Let your caption tell everyone what happened and how you feel about it.

Don’t forget to tag the location and anyone else you want to be sure to see it. This is the perfect time to introduce your wedding hashtag as well! Also, be sure to tag us @bengarelickjewelerson Insta, @bengarelick on Facebook and Twitter. We love to revel in our customer’s happiness!

Selfie Tip #7: POP with a PROP!

This little tip can keep your hands and fingers looking relaxed, add meaning to your proposal and help that new sparkling diamond solitaire pop!  Be sure to choose something that makes sense, like maybe the handle of your favorite mug or one with a “future Mrs.” type message on it.

Or, maybe it’s a single heart balloon or a small bouquet of flowers. Holding on to something - even your partner’s shoulder or lapel - will keep your fingers close together and your hand slightly curved. These can help your selfie stand out from the rest.

Need The Ring? Call Ben Garelick Jewelers Today!

After saying “yes” you’ll want to shout the news from the rooftops. We hope these selfie tips will help you put your best ring forward when you announce to the world that you have found the love of your life.

We also encourage you to share your story with us on our Happily Ever Afters page! At Ben Garelick Jewelers, we also want to help you select the most beautiful and perfect diamond engagement ring for your bride-to-be. We understand that selecting a high-quality diamond can be confusing.

That, coupled with all the many style and setting choices you have, is why we’re here to help. We’ll explain diamond grades, the difference between a halo diamond ring and a three-stone diamond ring, what a vintage-style engagement ring looks like, and so much more!  

Contact our jewelry experts via online chat, by phone, or by text. We’re standing by to assist you with choosing the ring of her dreams.

Peter Manka Jr. - Owner at Ben Garelick

Peter Manka Jr. is a passionate member of the family business who joined Ben Garelick in the early 2000s after working in product licensing for Sesame Workshop & The Jim Henson Company for many years. He obtained a degree in diamonds and jewelry from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in order to sharpen his jewelry skills. He takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service and helping clients find the perfect piece of jewelry.