Every great proposal has three crucial elements: the eternal question, true love, and a shiny engagement ring. Finding the love of your life is not the easy part, and now if you are preparing to buy an engagement ring, then the difficult part is behind you. The engagement ring is not an ordinary ring; it signifies a huge milestone in a relationship.
So, anyone taking the next step wants to purchase the right one. Buying an engagement ring is generally the biggest purchase an individual makes. The average American spends $5,871 in picking up the perfect engagement ring for his love of life. Nowadays, the couple goes for engagement ring shopping together.
However, it is still preferable to be aware of what you want to spend and what you are looking for as an ideal engagement ring. Shopping for engagement ring is fun, without any doubt. But it can also be confusing for a lot of men. To make things easier, we have come up with a list of things to know before buying the perfect ring for your significant other.
Things to Know Before Buying an Engagement Ring
Several practical considerations need to be in your mind before purchasing an engagement ring. You are choosing a symbol of commitment and love in the form of it. The following tips might be useful to buy an engagement ring that can last forever as you will be spending a lot of money on it.
1. Diamonds and Settings are often Sold Separately
Most people are not aware that the center stones and settings are sold separately. So, shopping for an engagement ring means you are often going to the shop setting (the metal framework) and the center stone (usually a white diamond).
Some rings, like antique engagement rings, come pre-set with a center stone. Several modern jewelers make such rings as well. However, selling center stone and setting separately is more common for the jewelers of the current time. So, keep this in mind when you are shopping.
2. Budget
Before going to the jewelry store or checking designs online, you need to decide how much you want to spend on the ring. Check your budget and see what range will be comfortable to your pocket, and that will be the right amount to spend on your engagement ring. You surely would not want to begin your life together under a pile of credit card debt, so avoid going overboard.
The rule of spending your two to three months’ salary has become outdated. So, couples should consider their finances before going for engagement ring shopping. No matter what your budget is, you will find something unique and special for your partner.
3. Know the Four Cs
Almost everyone goes for a diamond engagement ring. If you are planning to buy a diamond ring, you will need to understand the four Cs. The four Cs are the quality grading for a diamond, and they are color, carat, cut, and clarity. These Cs will not only help you determine the price of a ring but also help in understanding the quality.
4. Do Not Fly Solo
One of the most crucial things to remember when purchasing an engagement ring is the extra-special person you are buying it for. Your partner will be wearing it for the rest of her life, so you need to make sure she will love it forever.
The best way to be certain is to take your partner with you to shop. If you want to keep it a surprise, consider asking a family member or a trusted friend for guidance. It does not mean going from person to person; just pick someone who will keep the secret.
5. Order in Advance
Your jeweler needs time to place the desired diamond that you have chosen in the setting of your engagement ring. Therefore, you need to place your order in advance unless you are purchasing a ready-made engagement ring. Some of the jewelers make engagement rings only after you order, and it can take a bit of time. So, make sure that your jeweler prepares the engagement ring by the date you want to propose.
The recommended time to place your order is six weeks in advance. However, also consult with your jeweler to know how much time it may take for your engagement ring to be ready.
6. Your Partner’s Taste
Throughout the entire engagement ring shopping process, keep in mind that your partner is the one who is going to wear it for the rest of her life. So, it is necessary to keep her taste in mind. You may have read it somewhere that specific diamond colors are in trend, such as yellow gold, but it doesn’t matter if your significant other’s heart is on a white gold vintage ring.
7. Alternatives of Diamonds
Undoubtedly, diamonds have become synonymous with engagement rings for a very long time. However, they are not the only option for your engagement ring. Other precious stones like rubies, emeralds, or sapphires can also be the best, budget-friendly alternatives. Some people prefer more colorful gems even if money is not an issue and have room in their budget.
8. Shape and Settings Set Style
The two critical things affect the style of your engagement ring. These are your setting style and the shape of the center stone. Oval, emerald, round, and princess are the shapes for your diamond center stone. Moreover, the setting of your engagement ring also impacts its style. Settings can be vintage-inspired, unique, classic, modern, and many more.
9. Your Metal Options
Typically, people go for either platinum or gold for durability. When choosing the metal for the band of your beloved, you have several options. Yellow gold is traditional, while white gold is versatile. However, rose gold is stronger than both. Copper mixed with gold gives rose gold its pinkish hue, and it will be the ideal choice if your partner is fashion-forward.
You can also consider a platinum band if you have a budget and your loved one prefers a silvery-white color.
10. You Can Always Upgrade Later
If you could not get the ring you want on time, remember that you can always upgrade it. It is very usual to upgrade engagement rings for birthdays or anniversaries. So, if you cannot afford your dream engagement ring right now, know that you can always upgrade your setting or diamond later at any point in your life.
11. Do Not Rush
Take your time when choosing a ring for your engagement. Think of your engagement ring as once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so make the right choice. If you found a suitable engagement ring on your first visit to the shop, take its pictures, make a note and ask the seller if it is likely to sell out, and continue looking for others.
Search the high street, look online, and make sure you have explored every possible option available before parting with your hard-earned money. Forget about all the deadlines you have set for yourself until you are sure of the ring.
Conclusion
The engagement ring holds significant value for couples who want to take a step forward in their relationships. And every couple wants it to be perfect. That is why it is crucial to give yourself enough time and several options and keep on looking until you find an ideal ring just like your partner.