Tips to Find the Perfect Engagement Ring

You’ve been dating your partner for a while now and you’ve decided it’s time to propose. Before you can start planning how you’re going to pop the question, you’ll need to find the perfect engagement ring. An engagement ring is an important symbol of love and commitment and it’s something that will be worn by your partner for many years to come. You want to make sure you get something special but you’re not even sure where to start. With the thousands of choices to choose from, how do you pick an engagement ring? How much do you need to know about diamonds? What else do you need to know to shop for engagement rings?

Decide What Shape You Want

The first thing to decide when choosing an engagement ring is what shape you want. The shape of the diamond will determine the overall look of the ring. It impacts many other aspects of the ring design, such as the size of the diamond and the setting. There are many different shapes to choose from, but some of the most popular ones to consider are:

• Round
• Princess
• Emerald
• Asscher
• Marquise
• Oval
• Pear
• Cushion
• Radiant
• Heart 

Consider Your Setting

The setting you choose is often dependent on the shape of diamond you want. An engagement ring setting is how the stone, or stones, are mounted on a band. The purpose of the setting is to highlight the beauty of the diamond. Certain shapes of diamonds work better with some settings than others. Some setting options include:

• Solitaire
• Side-stone
• Three stone
• Halo
• Pave 
• Antique
• Single-row
• Multi-row
• Bypass

Choose a Metal for the Band

Once you have made a decision on the diamond shape and setting, it’s time to choose a metal for the band. When choosing a metal, the first thing to consider is your budget, as some metals are much more expensive than others. You also want to consider what color ring you want, as well as how sturdy you need the ring to be. Some of the metals to choose from include:

• Yellow gold
• White gold
• Rose gold
• Platinum
• Palladium
• Silver
• Cobalt

Make Sure It Is Measured Correctly

Finding the correct ring size is crucial for a comfortable fit. If you’re able to go to a jewelry store, a staff member can help you figure out the right size of ring needed. If you are looking to shop online, you can follow these steps to find the perfect ring size on your own:

• Wrap a small piece of paper or string around your finger where the ring will sit
• With a pen, mark the spot where both ends meet
• Grab a ruler and measure the paper or string in millimeters
• Choose the most accurate measurement on the chart below to find the right size

Here are some additional tips when measuring your ring size:

• Measure 3-4 times per day to get a more accurate measurement.
• If your knuckle is bigger than the bottom of the finger, measure both spots and choose a size in between the two.
• Rings should be snug enough that they won’t fall off on their own, but loose enough that they can move over your knuckle without too much effort.
• Finger sizes can change depending on the weather and time of day. Your fingers happen to be smaller in the cold weather and early in the morning. Try measuring your finger at the end of the day when your hands are warm. 

It’s also important to check both the resize and return policies before you purchase a ring, just in case you get the sizing wrong. 

Consider How the Engagement Ring Will Look With a Wedding Band

Wedding bands are often added to the engagement ring at the wedding ceremony. If you want to use a wedding band, make sure you consider how it will look with the engagement ring. A lot of wedding bands are built to fit the engagement ring, but you should still make sure the stone and setting of the engagement ring will fit with the wedding band you choose. 

Find Your Style

Before you start shopping for engagement rings, make sure you know what style of ring you’re interested in. Spending some time looking at rings and doing some extra research will help you decide which style is best. 

Get a Feel for Your Partner’s Style

The most important thing you can do before you start shopping for engagement rings is to get an idea of what your partner wants. As the person who will be wearing the ring, their input is the most valuable. Browsing rings together can be a good way to find a ring that is special to both of you.

Don’t Be Afraid of Getting a Unique Ring

Current trends might try to convince you to purchase certain engagement rings, but don’t be afraid to look around and find something more unique. Try to find something that is special to both you and your partner, whatever that might look like. 

Keep Your Budget in Mind

Make sure to keep your budget in mind when shopping for engagement rings. Finding the perfect ring doesn’t matter if it doesn’t fit in your budget. If you find a ring or ring style that costs a little more than you can afford, there are a few things you can do to try and get a lower price. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate 

When talking with a jewelry salesperson, don’t be afraid to negotiate a lower price. Some retailers have set prices and won’t be able to sell for anything less, but some allow for more wiggle room and will sell to you at a negotiated, lower cost.

Consider Shopping With Wholesalers

Wholesalers provide diamonds right from the source. You’ll often find that wholesaler prices are cheaper than retail prices because there is no middleman involved. If you do plan to shop wholesale, be careful of online scams; try to find reputable sources with good reviews. 

Buy Loose Stones

You can often find good deals on loose stones because the production costs are much lower than mounted jewelry. Buying loose stones also allows you the freedom to choose the setting. Buying the diamond and band separately gives you more price points to choose from. 

Getting a Great Deal

No matter how much you spend on an engagement ring, do your best to ensure you are getting a good deal for your money. It’s good to ask questions during the buying process so you know exactly what you’re getting. 

Make Sure the Stone Is Certified

When you’ve found a diamond that you’re considering buying, make sure the stone is certified by an independent gem laboratory. The certification of diamonds is determined by measuring the quality of each of the Four Cs. Some retailers will sell self-certified stones claiming that they themselves have checked the diamond and have given it a rating based on their findings. The issue here is that the retailer could rate a lower-value diamond higher than it should be, making you spend more than it’s worth. Try to find a diamond that is independently certified by places like GIA, AGS, GCAL, and IGI. 

Extra Perks 

When buying an engagement ring from a retailer, try to see if they offer any extra perks like ring cleaning services, free ring adjustments, and upgrade policies. Having these extra perks doesn’t bring the price down but it can save you money on future expenses. 

Don’t Get Overwhelmed

We’ve mentioned a long list of things to keep in mind when shopping for engagement rings, and we know that finding the perfect engagement ring can be overwhelming. We’re here to help! Visit one of our locations or send us a message and one of our staff members will be happy to answer any questions you may have.