7 Must-Have Tips for Buying an Engagement Ring
Thinking of asking the special person in your life to marry you? Congratulations! Over 2,000,000 people get married every year.
Of course, before you ask the person you love, it’s generally assumed you’ll get a ring to purpose to them with. Maybe you’re not sure where to start and feel overwhelmed.
If that’s the case, check out these tips for buying an engagement ring and feel confident you’re choosing the right jewelry to proclaim your love to the world.
1. Have a Budget in Mind
While everyone wants to spoil their partner and get them the best ring out there, setting a budget is important regardless of how much money you have. It’s better to enter into the marriage with no debt left over from buying the ring, right?
Figure out how much money you’re willing to part with for the ring. Consider the total sum and figure out the maximum you’d feel comfortable paying monthly.
Then, begin saving. If your partner has expensive tastes or wants a particular ring, it’s easier to get them what they’d prefer when there’s savings in place and you’re not dealing with a credit card balance.
2. Know What Type of Diamond to Select
Diamonds might be forever, but there’s more than one type to choose from. This depends partially on your partner’s taste and lifestyle, but knowing all the cuts ahead of time makes selection easier.
Some of the cuts on the market include:
- Pear
- Marquise
- Emerald cut
- Cushion cut
Get a visual of what each one looks like before trying to make a decision. This can simplify the process and ensure you have a diamond your partner is happy to wear.
3. Silver or Gold? Choosing the Band
Just like diamond cuts are a personal choice, so is the band. Some people look better in gold, while others have a preference for silver or platinum.
Look at your partner and see what they enjoy wearing. Check out their earrings, necklaces or other types of jewelry. Is there something they like or do they mention they look better in one or the other?
Platinum is considered a popular choice among many people, but it doesn’t retain the same luster as other metals. Gold costs less but isn’t as sturdy as platinum. Keep these factors in mind as you shop.
4. Know the Importance of Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carats
Commonly known as the 4Cs, these components can give you an idea of what type of diamond you’re looking for.
The cut, such as a pear or cushion, tells you the style of the diamond you’re interested in buying. This may be important to your partner, so consider they’re style and what they’re looking for.
The clarity of the diamond refers to how many blemishes are in the diamond. Fewer blemishes and imperfections translate into a more expensive diamond, so take this into consideration when looking for one that’s “perfect”.
The color is based on how “white” the diamond is. Diamonds are rated on a grade of D to Z in terms of how much color is present, with D being the best grade. The whiter the diamond, the more expensive it is.
Finally, the carats present in the diamond is actually the weight. The more weight or carats a diamond has, the bigger it looks. Bigger isn’t necessarily better, but it’s important to some people when making a purchase.
If you’d rather skip the jewelry store and get an idea of what’s available for previously owned jewelry, you can find many wonderful and unique selections both online and in-person. If you want to see a different selection than what’s in the mall, shop here to get an idea.
5. Figure Out Your Partner’s Lifestyle
Your partner’s lifestyle figures in as to what type of ring to get them. Are they active, often working out, biking, hiking, or outdoors a lot? Or do they tend to stay in, have traditional tastes, and a specific way they view getting married?
Active individuals might feel comfortable with smaller rings or certain cuts of a diamond. For example, marquise diamond cuts tend to be sharp and pointy. This might not be the best choice for someone who works in healthcare or with small children.
Consider how heavy the ring is too, and if this is something your partner wants to wear day-to-day. Some people might feel better taking the ring off before heading to work.
Take a look at your partner’s lifestyle before committing to a ring, especially when doing so without them present.
6. Make Sure the Size is Right
Size is important when getting an engagement ring. Too tight and it won’t fit – too loose and it falls off easily.
Look at your partner’s other rings, or have their finger sized to find out. If you prefer, you can always enlist the help of a friend or future in-law.
7. The Most Important of All Tips For Buying an Engagement Ring: Propose
Now that you’ve picked out just the right ring, it’s time to plan out how you’ll pop the question. It’s up to you if you want to get down on one knee, but consider someplace that’s special to you and your partner.
This could be at home, the place of your first date, or your favorite restaurant. Either way, make sure you know how you want to ask so you can make the occasion as memorable and special as possible.
In the end, the most important thing is your partner saying yes, not who was there or what you both wore.
Learn More
Now that you know some basic tips for buying an engagement ring, it’s time to head out and find the right one. Pay attention to qualities your partner would value, and you’re sure to delight and impress them when you ask.
Looking for ways to make the most of your money? Check out our blog post on the benefits of buying used and see how this can help you in every purchase you make.