You’re ready to pop the big question and surprise your partner with a beautiful engagement ring. If you don’t know where to start and feel overwhelmed, we can help.
From choosing the precious stone, color, cut, and carat weight to the type of band metal, ring shopping can be stressful.
There are a few tricks to choosing the perfect engagement ring that’ll fit your budget.
Here are 9 essential tips on buying an engagement ring your significant other will love and say “YES” to.
- Consider Your Partner’s Style
The key to choosing the perfect engagement ring is to know your partner’s style and taste in jewelry.
Peek at your partner’s jewelry box to see their style. Take photos and bring them with you when you go shopping.
- Take (Secret) Measurements
One of the best engagement tips for ring shopping is to take measurements secretly. Take a few rings that your partner wears on their ring finger and measure them on a free ring sizer.
If possible, take one ring with you at the jeweler’s and have it professionally measured.
- Decide How Much You Can Spend
Shopping for an engagement ring (and later on a wedding ring) can be costly, so have a budget in mind. The final ring price will depend on the type of metal, gemstone, color, and carat weight.
Settle on a price that fits your budget. What the ring represents is more important than how much it costs.
- Decide on the Precious Stone
Are you going for a diamond ring or another precious stone? Ruby, emerald, sapphire, amethyst, morganite, garnet, topaz, and moissanite are equally stunning alternatives that may cost less.
Most of these precious stones come with their own color, with the exception of moissanite, that looks almost the same as a diamond.
- Choose a Metal for the Band
After choosing the gemstone color, choose a metal for the band. You can go for yellow gold, white gold, platinum, or rose gold. The metal color should go well with the gemstone color and the wedding band.
- Decide on the Shape and Cut
Some of the most popular shapes and cuts include round, pear, marquis, heart, princess, and oval. You can also choose a ring with smaller stones next to the center stone.
The ring shape and cut also play a role in the price of the ring, so try to learn a bit about them before you buy.
- Decide on the Carat Weight
Carat weight is another word for stone size. The bigger the stone, the higher the carat weight, which influences the ring price.
Bear in mind that gemstone color and clarity can always be tweaked according to your budget. Carat weight is the weight of the actual stone and can’t be changed.
- Get a Diamond Grading Report
If you chose a diamond engagement ring, ask the jeweler for a diamond grading report. The report contains information about the origin, quality, clarity, and characteristics of the diamond.
Make sure the certificate matches the diamond you chose. If the seller refuses to give you one, take your business elsewhere.
- Add a Special Meaning
Engrave the inner side of the ring band with a special date, your names, or a unique sentimental message. This will make the ring that more special, and your loved one will always keep your words close by.
Buying an Engagement Ring Is Easy with These Tips!
Buying an engagement ring can be stressful if you don’t know what to look for. These tips will help you choose the perfect ring for your loved one and surprise them with a dreamy engagement.
Now that you’re engaged to be married, you should start looking for a forever home. Find the best tips on our website where we share the latest trends in the real estate and home-buying industry.