While experience is essential in many areas of life, purchasing an engagement ring is more of a once-in-a-lifetime and precious event. You’ll want to be sure you’re making the right decision because it’s a sizable investment and a significant symbol of the commitment to what your future will hold.
Nowadays, when it comes to rings, there is more freedom of taste and choice. There are no longer any guidelines governing the definition of a ring, its price, its aesthetic, or who should pick and pay for it. Do you desire a rose-colored stone? Cushion, pear, or emerald cut? An asymmetrical arrangement?
Everything depends on you, honey!
Selecting can be difficult because of the abundance of options and factors to consider. We’ve developed the ultimate ring shopping guide to help you pick the most beautiful and spellbinding ring ever.
1. Style before science
Selecting the stone’s shape is one of the first steps of choosing a ring. In terms of form and style, personal preference is the main factor. From gorgeous heart-shaped rings to stunning oval designs—there is something for everyone.
Some people prefer a traditional appearance, and others favor a more distinctive design, like a pear-shaped ring. And some people tend to go with more precious and cultural choices. Claddagh rings are popular these days; they are set with semi-precious and precious stones made from a single metal. More so, Claddagh rings with gemstone are the modern alternative these days. Diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and green gems, are all excellent choices. Furthermore, the most crucial thing is to ensure the stone is safely held in place and won’t be vulnerable to cracks.
2. Don’t forget to learn the basics
It pays to educate yourself on the fundamentals of rings, especially if you intend to purchase a diamond ring. The 4Cs of diamonds—cut, color, carat, and clarity—might be familiar to you. Understanding how these elements differ can help you communicate with a jeweler and eventually get the ring you want. All these elements can affect the design and price of a potential ring.
Also, remember to take accurate measurements. Although it might seem obvious, make sure both of your ring fingers are measured precisely. You don’t want a ring that interferes with your blood flow or, worse, is too slippery and might come off. While snug, it shouldn’t be overly restricting.
3. Be careful not to follow a trend
The objective should be to find a stone that is the ideal match for your soon-to-be spouse since a ring should be a timeless representation of your eternal journey. Look at the jewelry they currently wear to determine what would work best for their style. Do they wear bold jewelry, or do they prefer simple pieces? When choosing the item they want to wear every day for the rest of their lives, take hints from their current fashion.
4. Concentrate on rings within your price range
It is important to remember to set a budget before looking for rings. Try not to get sidetracked by something beyond your means as you look at rings inside your price range. When talking to salespeople, be discreet and upfront about your price range.
Let them know if they are displaying rings outside your price range. A budget also prevents you from attempting to negotiate a lower price. Although you might get the cost of the ring a little lower, lowballing or haggling with a jeweler or salesperson is bad manners when looking for an engagement ring. In essence: Be comfortable and on a budget.
5. Customization
You might want to consider adding personalization to the ring to increase the influence of your gift to your soul mate. You might consider finding a way to incorporate another stone other than the diamond into the ring if your partner has any special requests.
You could take the ring to an engraver and have something special carved into the band if you want to include a sentimental message that means a lot to the two of you. You might be able to incorporate a reference to a sarcastic remark, a song you both love, or something else that reflects your relationship into the ring if you’re feeling extra inventive. You can make the ring an even more powerful reminder of your love.
6. Always choose reputable brands
The purchase of a ring from an uncertified retailer is one of the mistakes people make. One of the most expensive purchases you’ll ever make is an engagement ring, so shop cautiously and take your time. Be sure to buy a certified stone from a reputed and reliable laboratory when you finally find the ring of your dreams. This is so that consumers won’t think they are getting a great deal when they receive a lower-quality stone. Other laboratories may pump up the grades to create this impression. Numerous jewelry companies use this trick the most frequently.
7. Avoid doing it alone
Shopping for a ring can be tricky; enlist some assistance from your friends to get by. Consult those who have recently gotten engaged for recommendations. Ask someone familiar with you and your future partner, whose artistic sensibility you admire, for their opinion. The person you buy for always has an idea of what they want and may have mentioned it to that friend.
8. Ensure to get everything in writing
A ring should always be accompanied by a reputable diamond-grading report issued by a gemological association such as the American Gem Society. The bill of sale may include a “fingerprint” of your ring, including the stone’s shape, 4Cs, dimensions, and any aesthetic details and alterations. It should also be noted if anything affects its value, such as if a well-known creator created it or if it is custom-designed or handmade. Moreover, you might find this advice to be a bit unnecessary, but it can come in handy if, in the future, you decide to swap the ring for a different one. It’s basically a form of warranty.
Conclusion
There are many factors to take into account when purchasing a ring. After all, a ring marks a crucial turning point in any relationship, so it has to be beautiful. Applying the advice above will enable you to shop for a ring, knowing what you want while avoiding the most common pitfalls. So conduct some research, pick your style and brush up on the fundamentals. Soon, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
