Gone are the days when choosing an engagement ring was simplified by answering a few simple questions like, are you looking for a princess or emerald cut? Do you prefer white gold or yellow gold? As consumers in this day and age are more discerning with their purchases, buying an engagement ring is more complex than ever before.
If you’re planning to pop the question soon, it’s time to learn a few tips and tricks on how to pick a diamond engagement ring.
1. Purchase a ring you can afford
It is essential to set a budget. You can’t go shopping for an expensive engagement ring that costs $10,000 if you’ve finally set a budget around the $5,000 to $6,000 price range. It is best to select from engagement ring designs that you can afford in narrowing down your choices.
A general rule that engagement ring buyers usually follow is to allocate three months’ worth of your salary for an engagement ring. For instance, if you earn $2,500 a month, you can set the budget at $7,500. You still have a wedding to plan with your partner, so it’s best to dedicate your subsequent income and savings to the wedding itself.
There is no hard and fast rule when setting a budget for an engagement ring. It will largely depend on your decision whether to shop on a set budget or shop with an unlimited budget. You must, however, decide on a number and commit to it. To learn more about what to look for when buying a diamond ring, click here.
2. Understanding diamond fundamentals
Having a firm understanding of the Diamond 4Cs, such as cut, color, clarity, and carat will help you make an intelligent purchasing decision. Each diamond has its own unique set of qualities, so it is important to be thorough when assessing the quality of a diamond engagement ring. Here are a few pointers to remember when evaluating the quality of diamond engagement rings:
- To ensure you are buying a ring with sheer brilliance, only choose from rings outfitted with an Excellent or Ideal rated diamonds.
- Choose a diamond ring in the nearly colorless range of G to I. Diamonds in this color range will appear just as colorless to the naked eye as more expensive diamonds in the D to F range.
- Choose a diamond with a VS1 or VS2 rating to get the most bang for your buck. While these diamonds have inclusions or imperfections, they are virtually unnoticeable to the naked eye.
- Apart from the brilliance factor, the beautiful cut of a diamond engagement ring is the next item on your priority list. Larger diamonds are not necessarily of higher quality.
If you are pressed for time, you can simply verify the quality of a diamond based on its certifications. A comprehensive report from a reputable diamond testing lab such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will give you detailed information on a diamond’s cut, color, clarity, carat, and other valuable features.
3. Avoid following prevailing trends
Your partner’s diamond engagement ring must look timeless. It will signify your eternal love for her, so best to stay away from trendy styles at the time of purchase. It is also a good idea to check her personal aesthetic. The diamond engagement ring should match her style preferences, so she will want to wear it for the rest of her life.
4. Place utmost attention to the setting
After you’ve picked the stone, the next step is creating the setting to put around it. Think of the diamond as the masterpiece and the setting as the frame. It is best to collaborate with a jewelry designer to create a unique setting that your partner will love. You can choose a simple yet sophisticated ring style or a modern and sleek ring design.
5. Choose the right type of metal
There are four primary setting metal options to choose from for your partner’s engagement ring: rose gold, white gold, yellow gold, and platinum.
Choose a color that perfectly matches your significant other’s style aesthetic. For example, if your partner usually wears silver jewelry, opt for white gold. If she likes colorful jewelry pieces, choose a rose gold ring. Experts recommend choosing white gold over platinum rings. White gold rings are more affordable and require minimal upkeep.
You also need to choose between 14K and 18K gold. The gold composition of a 14K ring is 58.3%, while 18K gold rings feature a 75% gold concentration. Typically, engagement diamonds are set in 14K gold rings as they are just as beautiful as 18K rings but are cheaper and more durable. At the end of the day, the correct type of gold ring boils down to your personal preferences.
6. Think outside of the box
If you want to make the engagement ring uniquely special, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. Choose a custom-designed diamond engagement ring if you want every detail to represent the style and personality of its wearer.
7. Buy a ring with a warranty and return policy
If you have decided to buy a ready-made diamond engagement ring from a jeweler, make sure to check the warranty and return policy that comes with it. These documents will serve as protection for yourself and the ring you purchased. Choose a jewelry store that offers the best warranty and return policy.
8. Get the ring insured
The most important part of the diamond engagement ring buying process is to get it insured. You may choose to add this to your existing insurance policy or ask the jewelry store to assist you in the insurance process.
Final thoughts
When buying a diamond ring for your upcoming engagement proposal, it is always best to trust your instincts. It shouldn’t be a stressful activity but an enjoyable experience for you. The tips listed above will help make the buying process easier and an educational experience. Make sure to allot a considerable amount of time in the buying process, so you end up giving your partner the perfect ring that shows your lifelong commitment and undying love.
