Buying An Engagement Ring 101

 

Guys, this is for you! Are you about to start ring shopping? Congratulations! Buying an engagement ring and gearing up for the proposal is a crazy exciting time, and it’s easy to get caught up in the romance, but remember: an engagement ring is usually a big expense, so you want to make sure you do it right. Whether you’ll be checking out rings together or you’re shopping solo, here are some tips!

Figure out your Budget

There are no rules as to what you should spend on an engagement ring. But you do need to buy the best ring that you can afford. Why? Because an engagement ring will be exposed to a lot of wear and tear. She will wear it on her hand, every day, for life. It’s worth buying quality that can withstand that. Getting married and starting your life together can be an expensive process. By buying an engagement ring you can afford, rather than following old, outdated “rules,” you’ll reduce your financial stress and anxiety. The focus will instead be on your partner and the excitement of marrying the love of your life.

 

Get the right size

Seems obvious, but choosing the right ring size will help to keep the excitement rolling after you propose. If the ring doesn’t fit, it may make it harder for it to feel like it’s the “right ring.” The wrong size also means you’ll need to send the ring in for resizing, which can take anywhere from days to weeks, depending on the style of your setting.

To get the perfect ring size from the start, try to figure out your partner’s size ahead of time by measuring another ring in her jewelry collection or using a free ring sizer.

 

Consider her Style

Take into account her individual style. Look at their other jewelry (if you’re not going to be shopping together). Are the pieces mostly made of white gold or yellow gold? Vintage pieces or modern designs? You can also peek through her clothing and accessories. What she wears will give you clues about the type of ring she would want.

Talking with your fiancé-to-be’s family and friends is often helpful, too. Lean on the people closest to your fiancé-to-be: a best friend, sister, cousin, whoever. Maybe your significant other has already sent them their dream ring. You can even ask a friend to look through ring styles with you.

 

Decide on a Shape

When designing a ring, one of the first steps is to choose the shape of your diamond. The main consideration for shape is personal preference. From beautiful heart-shaped rings to oval styles, there are shapes for every personality. Some prefer a classic look; solitaire rings or cushion cuts. Others prefer something more unique like a pear shaped ring. The shape you choose will also help dictate your setting style. Most importantly, you want to ensure your diamond is secure in the setting, and won’t be prone to chipping, like when the tip of a heart-shaped diamond isn’t protected by a prong.

 

Choose the Perfect Metal

There are four main choices when it comes to your setting metal: platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold.

First, opt for the color that complements your partner’s style the best. If she tends to wear silver jewelry, choose white gold. If she prefers more color, consider a rose gold ring.

 

Don’t be afraid to be different

You don’t have to purchase a newly mined diamond. You can end up with a truly original ring by considering options like a custom made ring and alternative stones. Think about a colored diamond or a gemstone which are becoming more and more popular!

 

Shop Around; Do some Comparisons

Before deciding on the right engagement ring for your beloved, take time to make some comparisons. Which vendor offers the most beauty for your budget? Although it’s definitely not required, it’s usually helpful to begin searching for an engagement ring two to three months before you propose. You’ll have time to look for the right vendor, narrow down your options, order any custom pieces, and have the jewelry made and shipped. By looking at the subtle differences between ring styles and diamonds, you’ll feel more confident in your final decision.

 

 

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