How Do You Know What Engagement Ring To Buy?

Are you thinking of proposing, and do you need help picking a ring? If yes, then you’ve reached the right place. As you’re about to enter this significant stage, you need to do all you can to make the moment right.

To know the best engagement ring to select, consider these specific factors; styling, budget, gemstone type, base metal, proper ring setting, product comparison, ring size, ring certification, bargaining, and independent appraisal consultation.

Your proposal is a moment you’ll share with your partner for the rest of your life. The right ring plays a massive role in making this memory even more special.

However, choosing the right ring is serious business.

You need to consider several things before buying a ring so that you do not make the wrong choice.

This article includes a detailed guide to help you through your ring choosing process.

You’ll also learn all you need to know before you buy a ring and where you can find a perfect engagement ring.

So, let’s get right to it!

1. Choose a style that fits your partner

The perfect engagement ring is ultimately based on personal style preferences. If you’re a minimalist, a bezel-set stone would be a more subtle and elegant choice than a large, round diamond stone. If your partner cares about a stone’s origin and how it affects the environment, you’ll also need to consider that.

With so many options, it’ll be easier to make a choice when you know what your partner likes.

The most traditional gemstone for engagement rings is the diamond. Most people go for a diamond ring since it is the obvious choice.

However, you can keep an open mind and select a unique gemstone. Also, the size and setting you choose should be based on your partner’s taste.

You also need to consider your and your partner’s lifestyle choices since that determines what kind of ring you choose.

You can choose a vintage ring rather than buy a new set ring if it is more appreciated.

If you’ve decided to propose and purchase a ring, you need to ensure that whatever you choose makes your partner happy.

Tip: Instead of following trends, make a choice best suited for both you and your partner!

2. Set your budget

Before you start shopping for a ring, you need to set a budget for yourself.

There is a widespread belief that people should spend at least 3 months’ salary on a decent engagement ring.

However, this is a myth and a mere marketing strategy.

There is no fixed limit to how low or high you should spend on an engagement ring. The average ring price in the U.S today is about $5,000. You may not have this amount, or your budget is, in fact, higher, so don’t restrict yourself.

While you can save up or find other ways to pay for the ring, you shouldn’t go out of your way to finance it. Some people run into debt after buying the ring, and this is not encouraged.

Preparing a budget helps you keep track of your spending and purchases. You’ll also feel more confident shopping with a set budget.

Your budget should be based on your financial capacity and nothing else.

Tip: It is wiser to buy a ring you can afford so you don’t run into debt. Keep in mind that the ring is not an investment; it is an expense!

3. Learn about precious stones

The diamond is the go-to option for engagement rings. It is the most common ring stone and is also perfect for a classic engagement ring. Other precious stones like emerald, sapphire, garnet, etc., make good engagement rings because of their high hardness.

A diamond ring is a good choice if you’re not sure what to get. So let’s explore the diamond.

The 4Cs grading system is the basic guideline used to determine the quality and value of a diamond. The Cs stand for Colour, Cut, Carat, and Clarity.

In terms of color, diamonds are categorized on a D-Z scale. D represents completely colorless diamonds, and Z shows the colored diamonds.

Colored diamonds are cheaper than colorless diamonds.

The cut of the diamond affects the quality of the diamond, not the size and shape. It also affects the brilliance of the diamond and how well it works with light.

A well-cut diamond is beautiful to look at and flashes easily. There are 10 different diamond cuts, with the most expensive being the round cut while the most common is the marquise cut.

The diamond’s weight is measured in Carat. According to the GIA system, a one-carat diamond is equal to 0.2 grams. The higher the carat is, the more expensive the diamond.

Clarity includes the imperfections and inclusions shown in the diamond. It also depends on whether or not you can see them with a naked eye.

Nevertheless, engagement rings aren’t just made up of diamonds but other precious stones.

Since an engagement ring is worn daily, it needs to be durable to last long. This is where hardness comes into play.

The diamond generally has the highest hardness level at 10.

Overall, several factors determine the quality and value of any gemstone. So you must do enough research and educate yourself before you select a stone.

Don’t rush to make a decision and if you are not sure, ask questions first.

Tip: Keep an open mind when choosing ring stones, and remember that the diamond is not your only option.

4. Consider the ring’s metal

For engagement rings, traditional metal options include; yellow gold, white gold, platinum, or silver. In modern engagement rings, rose gold has gained popularity as a fresh new alternative. You need a metal with a proper density that is durable and won’t scratch easily.

Gold is the most commonly used not just because of luxury but also for its durability. However, gold comes in various purity levels, and the higher the karat, the less durable it is.

For engagement rings, it is best to go with anything under 24k if you want a long-lasting ring.

Meanwhile, you can also consider platinum. Platinum is among the strongest precious metals and is most suitable for holding precious stones.

It is quite expensive, but considering how strong it is, the price is worth it. Platinum rings rarely get damaged and are a highly luxurious item.

Tip: Silver is not a strong metal and is easily prone to damage. For an engagement ring, you may want to choose stronger metals such as gold, platinum, palladium, etc.

5. Ensure proper ring and gemstone setting

The setting refers to the general style of the ring and the placement of the gemstone.

If you want a set that shows off the diamond with a classic and timeless look, the prong style is a great option. However, the bezel setting is much simpler and helps to protect the stone rather than making it pronounced. In addition, it supports an active lifestyle and is very popular for its durability.

In-ring design, the background helps to determine the final look and setting of the stone. It also sets the gem into place and helps to secure it to the band.

There are several kinds of ring settings and styles to choose from.

You can choose to buy a pre-set ring which is cheaper and helps you save time. It is also easier if you can’t decide on a setting.

However, selecting the set gives you a wide range of options. It helps make your ring unique and more personalized.

Ultimately, do whatever makes you happy. There are no hard and fast rules.

Tip: Consider the personality and lifestyle of the wearer before you decide on a setting.

6. Compare products from different vendors

After you have made up your mind about the ring’s design, you can check out different stores and vendors of engagement rings. This will give you more options, and you can choose the best option.

If you’re trying to save time and energy, buying a pre-set ring is much easier at the first jewelry store you enter.

But when you’re patient, you can make a much smarter purchase.

With engagement rings, you have many options to choose from in terms of style, setting, stone, and even vendors.

Keep in mind that the ring has both sentimental and monetary value. You increase its sentimental value by putting a lot of thought and effort into making a selection.

Make sure you are not swayed by marketing tactics and only focus on getting the perfect ring your partner will love.

Tip: Scout more than one source before you make a set purchase.

7. Ring size

For women, the average ring size is between 5 and 7, but for men, it’s usually between 8 and 14. It’s best to go with the exact measurement as guessing is not always accurate.

You should know the size of your partner’s ring finger. When you have the right size, it helps to make things easier.

First, you would save yourself from the stress and extra cost of resizing the ring. Your significant other would also appreciate it, making the moment even more precious.

You will have to look for crafty ways to measure your partner’s ring size. You can measure the ring size yourself with a ring size chart, a sizer, and a string.

You can ask a close friend to help you with this part. You can also use a ring your partner already owns to find out the correct ring size.

Tip: There are different finger structures, and this affects the fit and shape of the ring. Finding out the ring size will help you get the perfect fit.

8. Buy a certified ring

When you’re buying a diamond engagement ring, ask your jeweler for the diamond certificate. A diamond certificate includes all the necessary information about the gem’s cut grade, shape, carat weight, etc. It shows the overall quality and realness of the diamond.

With so many scams out there, a diamond certificate helps to protect you, the buyer. Having a certificate from a trusted independent laboratory will help you feel more confident in your purchase.

However, you can’t only depend on the certificate as it can be forged and altered.

Tip: Ensure that the certification is granted by a well-respected and independent laboratory like GIA.

9. Make a good bargain

Proper negotiation plays a huge role in engagement ring shopping. By bargaining, you can get a good deal and save some money.

At the jewelry store, prices are usually set at the highest level, but you can buy the ring you want at the lowest price when you bargain.

Do not hold back from bargaining, especially if you know you can get a better offer.

It’s your money at the end of the day so you should make a wise spending decision. The attendant will expect you to make a bargain, so don’t feel as if you need to hold back.

Tip: Always start with the lowest price possible and don’t budge until you get your most preferred deal.

10. Consult an independent appraiser

An independent appraiser is usually an expert who knows all there is to know about precious stones and jewelry. They help to examine the gem and tell you the actual quality of the stone. They also help you learn the cash value of the stone.

Before you make a final purchase, you can send the ring to a trustworthy appraiser on Jewelers Connect.

An appraiser helps you verify the information on the diamond certificate to ensure it is not forged.

Tip: Make sure you give the gemstone to your trusted jeweler or an appraiser on Jewelers Connect so that you don’t fall victim to scams.

Where to buy a ring?

There are so many retail outlets that sell all kinds of engagement rings. You have a wide range of options to choose from.

You can decide to buy a ring from online vendors or walk-in stores. It’s mostly based on preference.

Many people find online stores convenient because there is less pressure and saves energy.

Jeweler’s Connect offers the best custom jewelry for both men and women. If you want a great custom engagement ring, you can check here.

You simply create your free shopper account, then create a request with a photo and description of what you need.

If you don’t have a ring in mind, you can recreate one of the models on the website.

After publishing your request, you will receive proposals from up to 5 trusted jewelers.

You can review each to find a jeweler who suits your preferred skills and budget.

Jewelers Connect is based in the U.S, but they deliver both nationwide and internationally.

Conclusion

Once you have decided to propose and buy a ring, proper preparation is important to ensure nothing goes wrong. You should choose the kind of ring that you’ll love to look at every day for the rest of your life.

With the guide above, you’ll be able to make a more informed selection and avoid mistakes.

To know the best engagement ring to buy, you need to consider factors such as; styling, budget, gemstone type, base metal, proper ring setting, product comparison, ring size, ring certification, bargaining, and independent appraisal consultation.

At Jewelers Connect, we provide our customers with intimate custom rings.

You can also consult with professionals here for advice on the type of ring you should get.