A LOCAL jeweller has launched a search for Bolton’s best ‘Bling-stagrammer’, with a pair of wedding rings worth £2,000 up for grabs for the winning engagement ring shot.

Beaverbrooks in Crompton Place is on the hunt for aspiring photographers after finding that 42 per cent of millennials now take an ‘engagement selfie’ to share on social media, with 87 per cent admitting that it was ‘important’ for them to look good in the snap.

The store has also revealed the best Instagram filter to show off a diamond engagement ring, and to celebrate the findings is giving away a pair of £2,000 wedding rings for the best engagement ring photography.

As well as bagging themselves a pair of wedding rings and the title of Bolton’s best Bling-stagrammer, the photography enthusiast will also have their engagement snap included in a national campaign for the jewellery retailer, featuring on its website and social media channels this summer.

Lisa Ryan, store manager at Beaverbrooks Bolton, said: “A marriage proposal is an important milestone in any relationship and for many it’s the perfect occasion to show off a sparkling new engagement ring on social media.

“With so many different apps and filters available, amateur photographers can now go above and beyond to create beautiful pictures to share with family and friends. We wanted to put this to the test to see who can capture the most stunning engagement ring shot on social media.

“To make sure your ring is at its brilliant best for the photo we are also offering free diamond ring cleaning in store until 31 July 2017.

“We can’t wait to see what photographers in Bolton have to offer.”

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of wedding rings up to the value of £2,000 and the ‘best Bling-stagrammer’ accolade, local snappers just need to post their engagement ring photo to @beaverbrooksthejewellers on Instagram or @beaverbrooks on Facebook and Twitter before July 31, with the hashtags #EngagementSelfie and #Beaverbrooks.

For anyone in need of further inspiration, the Bolton jewellers has compiled a series of hints and tips on how to capture the perfect shot, including the best filters, lighting and angles to showcase a diamond engagement ring in all its glory.

Tips from Beaverbrooks diamond ring and jewellery buyer, Lorna Haddon, on how to get the best picture:-

Play Around With Filters

Taking your photo in natural light always works best when capturing diamonds but filters and editing tools can help to enhance your engagement ring’s true beauty.

The best filter to capture the sparkle of your diamond is ‘Clarendon’. This popular filter will focus light at the centre of the photo to make your engagement ring stand out of the frame.

You can also play around the warmth and exposure to help define the detail of your ring. Adjusting the sharpness will also help to ensure your diamond is looking its brilliant best.

Consider Lighting

Diamonds are always best captured in natural day light but if you’re taking the photo inside, use non-directional, soft lighting to capture the shot and avoid using the flash as it will result in a flat, dull image and could create a shadow.

Capture a Flattering Angle

Some engagement rings, such as emerald cut diamonds, are best captured from above to showcase their ‘hall of mirrors’ effect but if your diamond has an intricate setting, point your fingers towards the camera slightly to show off the details.

If you have a halo engagement ring, or one with diamonds adorning the shoulders, it’s best to tilt your whole hand away from the camera slightly to show off the sides.

Engagement rings with embellishment in the shank of the ring are also best captured by pointing fingers away from the camera to reveal the hidden details.

Choose a Brilliant Background

Choose a backdrop that will remind you of exactly where and when the proposal took place. Try and capture the shot with the light in front of you for the best effect as this will make it easier to see the ring in the foreground and the landscape behind it.

Let Your Ring Stand Out

To ensure your engagement ring is looking its best for the photo use a cleaning tool such as the Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik to maximise the sparkle.

To make sure your ring is at its brightest, we’re also offering FREE diamond ring cleaning in all of our 69 stores until 31st July 2017.

Manicure Your Hands

Chipped nail varnish or dry hands are a no-go and can detract from your photo, so a simple manicure, clean nails and a light moisturiser will help keep your hands looking beautiful for the shot.

Get Creative

Get creative with your snap and try fun shots that tell a personal story. It’s a nice touch to get your partner involved in the shot too, so you can create a special memory for you both to remember forever.