Finances & Money

4 Things to Consider When Shopping For Engagement Rings

So you’ve finally decided to take the plunge? Congratulations! It’s no overstatement to say that getting engaged is nerve-racking. Popping the question is a special, once in a lifetime (hopefully, right?) occasion, and the right engagement ring can make the moment even more meaningful. That being said, there are a few considerations you may want to remember when you’re choosing that perfect engagement ring; from your budget and the cost of the ring to her personal style and beyond. Keep reading to learn how to pick the perfect ring for that perfect person. 

1. Your Budget 

First and foremost, you need to consider the impact the cost of your ring will have on your personal budget. Do you have any money in savings? Will you be financing the ring? Borrowing from a family member? Ideally, you’ll be able to buy the ring outright, but let’s be honest; (good) jewelry isn’t cheap, and most of us don’t have $3-$10,000 laying around for buying rings. 

Don’t worry though, there are plenty of financing options to help you acquire the perfect ring, but you must be aware of the impact they’ll have on your credit and your monthly budget. Can you afford an extra monthly payment? If not, you might want to opt for a simpler ring than the one you’re currently considering. 

Take a serious look at your monthly income and compare it to what you can compare. Many chain jewelry stores offer financing through their store credit cards, and, as long as you keep up with the payments and pay on time, a short-term financing option can even help you build up your credit. 

2. Their Personal Style 

One of the main considerations you’ll want to remember is your fiancee-to-be’s personal style. If you get a ring that doesn’t go with anything he or she wears, you’re already falling behind. You want the ring to compliment your fiancee’s best features, and in this case, sometimes custom engagement rings are the best route to take. 

Custom jewelry allows you to build a piece from the ground up to meet the exact specifications you’re looking for. If you haven’t been paying attention to your fiancee’s style, it’s ok! There’s a resource you can utilize to make the right choice: the women (or men) in their life. 

Ask close friends, parents, siblings, etc., for advice on which ring your fiancee would like the best. That way, you’re getting information from as close to the source as possible and increase the chance that you’ll get the perfect ring that she’ll adore. Pay attention to her accessories as well. Does she wear gold hoop earrings or studs? This will tell you something about the jewelry she prefers. 

Once you’ve got your fiancee’s personal style figured out, you can’t possibly choose the wrong ring! Is there any such thing as the wrong ring, though? Even if you choose a ring that’s not necessarily his or her favorite material or color, the fact that you’re proposing is a huge deal. We wish you luck! 

3. The Jeweler 

Once you know your budget and your fiancee’s personal taste, it’s time to choose a jeweler. This can be tough since so many chain jewelers and knock-off brands exist, but there are a few things to consider when choosing a store to buy your ring from. 

First, pay attention to customer reviews of the brand’s products and customer service. If one or both of these has received overwhelmingly negative reviews, move along. Even a company with great products must be avoided if they offer poor customer service. Next, you’ll want to look at their prices. 

Does the company’s pricing structure beat the competition for similar items, or are they much more expensive? Certain pieces are bound to be expensive, but if you’re seeing the same 24k gold ring for hundreds less at another store, you’re going to want to find out why. Is there a sale going on, or is the cheaper brand’s quality lacking? Sometimes, it might just be that certain brands charge too much! 

4. The Quality of the Piece

We’ve discussed price, style, and provider; now it’s time to talk about the quality of the ring you choose. Obviously, if you’re investing thousands of dollars into something, you’ll want to ensure it’s made of high-quality materials, and in the jewelry industry, the purer the metal is, the less filler it will have. 

Cheaper jewelry is loaded with filler like brass and nickel, the latter being an allergen that can create some serious discomfort for the wearer. You also want to look at the craftsmanship of the piece. If you look close enough, you’ll be able to see the care the jeweler put into crafting the piece. A cheaply-made piece will cost you more in the end, and won’t last nearly as long. We think it’s fair to say your fiancee deserves the best, after all.