Picking the engagement ring is easily one of the most important purchasing decisions you will make during the course of your relationship. There is no doubt that it calls for some serious research, time and money investment. Here’s a handy guide on how to go about making the decision of a lifetime – choosing the perfect engagement ring.
Research, research and more research
If you came across this blog while searching for “the perfect engagement ring” on the internet, then congratulations! You’ve already taken the very first step of our guide. Researching is key when it comes to this purchasing decision. Use not the just the vast resources available at your disposal over the internet, but also speak to people around you. Don’t shy away from asking for help and trust the experts if you’re speaking to someone at a jewellery store. Look up the top-rated jewellers in your city, and definitely visit at least a few stores before settling on one.
Another important aspect of research would be the diamond. Learn the difference between a natural diamond and a lab diamond. Research precious stones other than diamonds that can be an alternate option.
Set a budget – and stick to it
Yes, your partner would love an extravagant diamond ring, but you know what they would love even more? The fact that you didn’t spend all your savings on an engagement ring. Gone are the days when splurging on a big rock was the only way to profess true love. We recommend that you set a decent, practical budget for your ring and stick to it. There’s a perfect ring out there for every budget, we promise!
Know your partner’s choice
Ideally, this should go without saying but we’re putting it out there just to ensure you’re on the safe side. It is utmost important that you keep your partner’s choice and preference in mind when choosing the engagement ring. Observe the kind of jewellery they like and own, and base your selection on their choices. Remember if they have ever specifically stated that they would like a certain kind of ring, whether they prefer a classic bling ring or something more modern & understated. The ring may be a symbol of your love for them, but they are the ones who have to wear it so it should be a reflection of their style.
Select the metal
There’s plenty of variety when it comes to selecting the metal for the band. Most popular choices are platinum, silver, rose gold, white gold and yellow gold. The metal selection should align both with your budget and your partner’s style.
Selecting the stone
Forget the ridiculous saying that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and focus instead on what your partner actually values. Not everyone dreams of a diamond ring, some might prefer a stone that has a more symbolic value such as a birthstone or something with a bit of colour even. Once again, this decision should be based on your partner’s preferences, so make sure you figure this out before settling on a stone other than the diamond.
Determine the quality of the diamond – the 4 C’s
The 4C’s is a popular diamond buying guide which refers to the Carat weight, cut, colour and clarity of the diamond. Spend substantial time during research on the 4C’s if you’re going with a diamond ring for the proposal. Speak to experts and understand how the different cuts of the diamond affect the sparkle and price, to make an informed decision.
The size of the ring
If you don’t already know their ring size, then consult with friends and family. Another way to determine their ring-size without asking directly would be to sneakily ‘borrow’ one of their existing rings and bringing it over to the jewellers for measurement. A safe bet would be to buy a quarter size up, so as to ensure that it most definitely slips on when they say yes!