The path to love can be a wonderful journey. You may begin by using a dating website and deciding on the type of person you are looking for. After several drinks or meals out, you might find someone special. In time if things get serious, you may decide to get on one knee and make a wedding proposal.
One thing you’ll most certainly need in that situation is an engagement ring. Everyone is different, however, so there is no generic ring that you can buy. There is a wide choice available, which can make things even more challenging. Perhaps you are wondering how to find the most suitable one right now. If that’s the case, read on because this article will tell you the steps you need to take.
Set Your Budget
This is one of the most important considerations, and you should do this before you begin shopping. It will help you decide whether to get something modest or to pay more for something customized. Whilst tradition suggests spending two months’ salary on the ring, sense should prevail.
There may be special discounts online, including New Year sales and Black Friday deals. You may also save money if you buy directly from a manufacturer rather than through a shop. Without the ‘middleman’ (store assistant) or shop premises, there could be real savings for you. If you’re looking for a diamond engagement ring you can find top brands online, including Martin Flyer, Tacori, Gabriel & Co, and Little Bird Bridal. Trained diamond experts may be able to help you, and there may be financing options available as well.
Understand Your Partner’s Preferences
One survey found that 50% of men said it was a stressful activity finding the right ring. Whilst this may be true, the results could make all your hard work worthwhile. It’s best to see this as an investment in your future happiness.
Take a close look at their taste in clothes and jewelry. Do they like gold, silver, or platinum? What style rings do they already wear or possess? Are they basic or full of gemstones and diamonds? Think about the colors, too.
You could end up with anything from a single diamond to a three-stone setting like Meghan Markle. Perhaps you’ll get a bespoke ring that has been specially created, or choose a single pearl for something a little different.
Choose The Metal Band
There are several choices here: yellow, white, or rose gold, silver, palladium, or platinum. Besides cost, you could also consider durability and resistance to scratches. An 18-carat ring made from white or yellow gold would be highly resilient and long-lasting for someone who is active outdoors.
Decide On The Carat Size
Your partner might be attracted to large or white stones, or alternatively clear diamonds. If you opt for a less common carat size this could save you money when purchasing them.
Discover The Engagement Ring Size
If your proposal is going to be a surprise, buying the right ring size may be tricky! If you can get a ring that isn’t being worn, download a smartphone app that can help you discover its size. Alternatively, take it to a jeweler and ask them.
If the engagement will be less of a surprise you can ask your partner in advance, or let them have the joy of choosing the ring with you. Your partner won’t want a ring that doesn’t fit and they will be keen to show it to everyone immediately. Should you opt for an average finger size, the shop should be able to resize it later on.
Think Of The Wedding Ring
If the engagement ring bulges with huge gems it may be hard for a wedding band to sit snuggly next to it. Just like the two of you, the rings need to sit happily side by side and look mutually compatible!
Check The Certification
Check the ring has been certified by an accredited laboratory (e.g. the American Gem Society for the Gemological Institute of America). Both GIA and AGS grade their diamonds precisely and reliably, so you can be fully aware of the gem’s attributes and qualities.
Other laboratories may be less trustworthy and make the ring sound like it’s a higher grade than it is. Check any certificate wording on the internet rather than being blinded by science, to make sure the ring is of sufficient quality.
Look At The Diamond’s Clarity And Cut
If the diamond looks clean to the naked eye even though it’s a low clarity diamond, it would be hard to tell it apart from one that is flawless. The only difference would be the huge cost savings! When it comes to the quality of the diamond’s cut, however, this wouldn’t be something you should cut corners over (pardon the pun) if you want something that really sparkles.
If an expensive rough diamond is poorly cut it won’t look good, whilst a perfectly cut cheap rough diamond can look amazing.
Negotiate The Price
In many nations, people expect to haggle in the marketplace rather than accepting the prices at face value. It’s wise to do the same thing when buying the ring, so be prepared for some negotiation. It’s an amazing fact that some rings are marked up by as much as 500%, so don’t feel you are robbing the store if you get a ‘discount’.
You have nothing to lose, and if you don’t ask you don’t get, so be honest about your budget. In return, the shop owner may be willing to come to some arrangement in order to secure your business. After all, if they do you a good deal you will be more likely to return there for the wedding ring.
Hopefully, you now feel more empowered to get the ring that will ‘seal the deal.’ The song that says ‘you should have put a ring on it’ won’t apply to you because you’ll find them something special. The day of the proposal will be an unforgettable occasion and hopefully the start of a lifetime of happiness together.