Once you find your soulmate it’s exciting to take things to the next level. That is until you realize that the next step includes selecting the perfect engagement ring (so much pressure!). While this may seem overwhelming at first, once you know what to be on the lookout for then everything else should be a breeze. We’re here to break it down for you and make things a lot less stressful for you. If you want the best quality for the fairest price (who doesn’t?), then here are some key items to keep in mind when setting out in search of “the ring.”
Decide on a Set Budget
First and foremost, before you even start looking for an engagement ring, make sure you know what you want to spend. This is important so that your jeweler knows what they can work with. Don’t feel intimidated or think that you can’t find a quality ring if you don’t have thousands of dollars to spend. It has been said that at least 2 months salary is required to purchase a ring, but that’s not always true. A good jeweler will be able to work within your price range and find you something truly exquisite without breaking the bank. Besides, upgrading in the future (especially for an anniversary) is always an option. Don’t hold back your proposal in fear that you can’t afford a “better ring.”
Some jewelers can work out financing or payment plans as well, meaning you can have a little more flexibility in your budget if needed.
Figure Out Her Ring Size
The easiest way to do this is to pocket a ring from her jewelry box while she’s not looking, or call on the help of one of her friends to do so.
While it’s not the end of the world if the ring doesn’t fit, it makes the proposal go much smoother if she can show off her new ring immediately. Plus, it saves you from a bit of embarrassment and resizing costs.
Identify Her Preferred Style
You may have to play detective for this one (provided she isn’t an avid Pinterest user). Take note if she wears a lot of gold, silver, or platinum as this will be your first clue.
If she leads an active lifestyle then something classic and simple may be the way to go. However, if she tends to wear a lot of jewelry, especially large statement pieces, then something with a little more glitz and glam is appropriate.
Consult her close friends as well to see if she’s dropped any hints or other subtle clues that can lead you in the right direction.
Another clever move is to make a pit stop at a jewelry store while you’re out together. Pretend that you want to check out some watches or maybe find something for your mom. You can secretly gauge her reaction when you walk past the engagement rings and let her comment on her favorites. Make a mental note of the ones she goes crazy for and then turn your attention back to watches for a bit before you leave the store.
Select a Band
Talk with your jeweler and have them show you some options that fit her style. They may even be able to custom design an engagement ring for you. After all of your detective work, if you still aren’t 100% sure on what style she wants, then we have some good news: a solitaire engagement ring is a great option! All you have to do is select the center stone and have the jeweler set it in a classic yellow gold, white gold, silver, or palladium band. Then you can give her the option of choosing her own mounting later. This generally comes with an additional cost for the new mounting and setting the stone again, but it’s worth it if you know that she will be happy in the long run.
Choose a Quality Diamond
The 4Cs
Now that we’ve covered everything else, it’s time to find your diamond. For most engagement rings this is going to be the focal point, so you want to make sure you’re picking a stone that looks great in all aspects. It wouldn’t hurt to educate yourself on The 4Cs of Diamond Quality: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Find a jeweler that specializes in the 4Cs and they will be able to guide you toward the best quality for your budget.
Diamond Shape
Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes. The shape you choose will be mostly based on preference. Here are some popular cuts:
Round or Oval – This is a classy and timeless selection. The multiple facets add a lot of extra sparkle.
Princess – A square cut diamond, which is currently popular.
Pear – This tear drop shaped diamond is stunning and unique.
Cushion cut – A square cut diamond with rounded corners. Like the round and oval cuts, there will be a lot of sparkle with this diamond.
Other Center Stone Options
While diamond engagement rings are traditional, diamonds aren’t always everyone’s cup of tea. You could step outside the box and go with another colored gemstone instead. However, you probably want to check first and make sure that this is something that your future fiancée is up for before making that decision.
Insurance
It’s easy to get caught up in the emotions and sentiments of the purchase on top of coming up with proposal ideas, but insuring your ring is a must. This is an extremely important step in the event that the ring is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Now that you’re armed with a little more knowledge you can find an expert jeweler to help guide you the rest of the way. Just remember to make sure that you find an ethical jeweler who is willing to put the effort into finding or designing the best quality engagement ring for your budget. This is something that your future spouse will wear every day for the rest of your life, so you definitely want to make sure that you get what you pay for.