10 Shopping Pointers to Assist You in Finding the Ideal Engagement Ring

10 Shopping Pointers to Assist You in Finding the Ideal Engagement Ring
Is it time to start looking for rings? Congratulations! It’s easy to get caught up in the romanticism of buying an engagement ring and planning a proposal, but remember: an engagement ring is usually a significant investment, so you want to make sure you do it right.

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Whether you’ll be looking for rings with your significant other or on your own, our comprehensive guide will help you choose the perfect engagement ring.

1. Decide on the shape you want.
If you know what kind of diamond shape your significant other like, it will help you narrow down your search for an engagement ring. Every shape (also known as a cut) is priced differently, with each carat costing a different amount. The most expensive cut is round, followed by pear and marquise. If size is essential to you, choosing a form other than the conventional round cut will allow you to receive more carats for a lower price. Study up on ring cuts and have one (or two) favorites in mind before going out to buy for an engagement ring.

2. Decide on a metal for your band.
Engagement rings (and wedding bands) have traditionally been fashioned of yellow gold, white gold, silver, or platinum, while rose gold has arisen as a new, modern option in recent years. While platinum has a similar appearance to silver, it is substantially more expensive due to its higher density (and is also rarer). Some metals scratch more easily than others, so think about your lifestyle—as well as your budget—before deciding how crucial metals are in the end. You should also consider whether or not you want stones put in the band(s).

3. Decide on a carat size.
The age-old debate over quality vs. quantity applies to engagement rings as well; some people prefer a larger stone to a whiter stone, while others desire the clearest diamond imaginable, regardless of carat count.

If size is important to you, have a target carat size in mind when shopping with your partner, and be flexible on the other components to fit your budget.

But have an open mind as well. When it comes to size and shape, your significant other may believe they know what they want, but after trying on rings, they may discover they want something completely different—always it’s different until you see things on your finger in real life. If you choose a less common carat size, you can save a lot of money. When diamonds weigh the most desirable weights, such as half and full carats, their prices skyrocket (.50, 1, 1.5, etc.).

This may seem self-evident, but make sure you both measure your ring fingers. You don’t want a ring that’s cutting off your circulation or, even worse, one that’s loose enough to slip off. It should be tight yet not oppressive. If you’re not shopping for engagement rings with your spouse, you can get sized at a jewelry store on your own and then casually mention your size the next time the topic arises (or tell your BFF so they’ll know the answer when your partner asks).

5. Take into account how your engagement ring will complement your wedding band.
While it’s easy to get caught up in looking for the right diamond, the engagement ring is only half of the equation (or less than half if you’re going for a ring stack). The second half of your wedding band—you know, the actual sign of your marriage—is sometimes ignored. Consider the style of wedding band that would complement your ring. Because some engagement rings prevent a band from fitting flush against them, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of prong versus pavé and channel-set stones before deciding on an engagement ring type.

6. Always purchase certified products.
One of life’s most expensive purchases is an engagement ring, so take your time and shop wisely. Make sure you get a certified stone from an accredited laboratory, such as the American Gem Society for the Gemological Institute of America, when you finally find the ring of your dreams.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Engagement Ring

7. Double-check that the certificate corresponds to the diamond.
Most diamonds have laser inscriptions on the girdle, which may be checked with a jeweler’s loupe. “Many diamonds have inclusions, so look at the diamond and see if you can match the flaws to the map on the certificate.”

8. Pay attention to the cut’s quality and clarity. “There’s a huge pricing difference between a J color and a D color.” The same notion applies to clarity. If all else is equal, choose the lowest clarity diamond that is still clean to the human eye, as it will appear identical to a perfect diamond. “There is a significant price difference between a SI1 or SI2 clarity diamond and a flawless diamond.”

Never compromise on the diamond’s cut quality. Why? The diamond’s cut is what gives it that lovely gleam we adore. “If you take a mediocre raw diamond and cut it flawlessly, the result will be breathtaking. On the other hand, if you cut a top-of-the-line rough diamond badly, it would look like junk.”

9. Make a deal. As though You’re a Boss
Engagement rings can be marked up way beyond the minimum margins. In fact, some rings have been marked up by as much as 500%. Do your research before hitting the trigger and don’t be scared to negotiate.” “A good jeweler will work within your budget to find you the greatest quality that meets your requirements.” That’s that about “10 Shopping Pointers to Assist You in Finding the Ideal Engagement Ring”+