Buying an engagement ring is a big step. Not only are rings often a significant expense, but they’re also one of the most meaningful purchases you’ll ever make. An engagement signifies your love and your commitment to your partner, so of course you’ll want to get the best engagement ring possible.
At first thought, buying an engagement ring might seem intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some tips that can help you buy an engagement ring like an expert.
Don’t Focus Only on Carat Weight
When you’re buying an engagement ring, it’s important to think about all the 4 Cs of diamond quality. This means the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Some people place the most importance on carat weight and look for a “big” diamond, but this may not be the right strategy.
Carat weight is just one factor that determines a diamond’s value. For example, a diamond with a lower carat weight, but a better cut, will often look more impressive than a larger stone that isn’t cut as well. It’s also important to note that two diamonds with the exact same carat weight can appear to be very different sizes if they have different shapes and cuts. While carat weight should be a consideration, it shouldn’t be your main factor.
Also, when you’re buying a diamond, you could save some money by staying away from round numbers in carat weight. For instance, a 1.97 and a 2-carat diamond are essentially the same size, but there may be a significant price difference.
The Cut is Very Important
The cut of a diamond is one of the most important aspects when it comes to determining a diamond’s beauty. Diamonds that are well-cut will dazzle and sparkle much more than those with poor cuts. In fact, an excellent or ideal cut can even sometimes make up for lower grades in other areas.
The Metal Matters
Focusing on the diamond is important, but the rest of the ring matters as well. Some of the most popular metals for engagement rings are yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum. How do you pick? Think about the other jewelry your partner owns. This can give you a big hint and help you decide which metal to choose.
Not only does the type of metal matter, but the overall styling of the ring itself is important as well. People often get wrapped up in choosing the perfect diamond and they forget about the rest of the ring.
Know the Style You’re Looking For
There are thousands and thousands of different engagement rings out there. They’re all beautiful to someone, but you’re not just buying a ring for someone, you’re buying a ring for someone special. There’s a very good chance that your partner has a picture in their mind of what they consider to be the perfect engagement ring. If you can get a ring that matches this picture, you’ll make their dreams come true.
To accomplish this, think about their personal style. For instance, do they prefer ornate designs or are they more into something simple? Do they like modern design or classics? Thinking about your partner’s overall style will help you choose the right ring for them.
Set your Budget Before you Shop
It’s important to have a budget when you’re shopping for an engagement ring and you’ll want to set this budget before you start shopping. It will help you focus your search, so you won’t end up looking at a bunch of rings that are outside your price range.
As for how much you should spend, remember that old sayings like “two months’ salary” or “three months’ salary” are just guidelines. It’s important to look at your overall financial situation when you’re setting a budget. There are many excellent rings at nearly every price range.
Choose the Right Jeweler
Not all jewelry stores are created equal. Each one will have different collections, different policies, and different levels of service. Rather than simply looking in the store nearby or the store you’ve heard of, shop around and look for a jeweler that truly meets your needs.
Look at reviews online and find a store that has what you’re looking for. You can even buy an engagement ring online. This is becoming a much more popular option these days. If you decide to do this, reading reviews is crucial. You’ll want to make sure you’re shopping at a reputable store that you can trust.
