8 Things to Consider When Shopping for an Engagement Ring

If you’re shopping for an engagement ring, it’s important to think about more than just her ring size and the kind of metal you want to use. A beautiful diamond can certainly be the focal point of an engagement ring, but you should also consider the style of the band, as well as your fiancée’s personal style and personality when choosing your gift. Here are eight things to consider when shopping for an engagement ring.

1) Budget

Starting off, it’s important to set a budget. That can be challenging and it helps if you go into it with your eyes open. You need realistic expectations of what you can afford and where you might want to splurge. A top-notch, gold ring might be in your budget or it might not. You also need to make sure that the budget is set aside solely for engagement rings; if you plan on getting married soon, you might need separate budgets or high-yield savings accounts in place! So… as much as you want your fiancé(e) to love their engagement ring, remember: It’s only a small part of getting married! Plenty of other thoughtful gifts will impress them more than any diamond ring.

2) Know her style

The first thing you need to consider when shopping for an engagement ring is your fiancée’s personal style. Some women prefer dainty pieces, while others go all out with diamonds that shine like stars. Women who wear their hearts on their sleeves might be drawn to sentimental gifts, like a set of matching earrings and necklaces. If you’re unsure of her taste in jewelry, it’s best just to get her something small she can always carry with her like a keychain or bracelet and save buying a piece of jewelry until after you know she said yes!

3) The type of stone you should choose

The first thing you’ll have to decide is what type of stone your engagement ring will have. With so many options out there, ranging from diamonds and colored gemstones like sapphires and rubies, it can be difficult to know where to start. If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift that symbolizes your loved one’s character, style, and personality all in one place, choosing a favorite stone is a thoughtful and meaningful way to say I do. Some stones are associated with qualities like love or abundance; others may just remind you of your loved one’s favorite activity or color. Whatever makes sense for you as a couple is something worth thinking about when shopping around for an engagement ring.

4) Size of the ring

Rings come in a variety of sizes. A large ring can overwhelm your hand, while a small ring may not adequately capture how much you care about your fiancée. Take some time to consider what kind of style you like best, as well as how large or small you’d like it. The extra effort will result in a thoughtful gift that she won’t forget anytime soon.

5) Design of the ring

An engagement ring is a symbol of your love, so it should reflect your style and values. Many couples choose rings made with rare or unique metals like gold, platinum or palladium some of which are recycled from precious metals. You might also consider vintage diamonds, ethically sourced stones, or lab-grown diamonds. And while there’s no right way to design a ring, you should both be happy with how it looks and feels on your finger which means skipping styles that only one person likes just because they’re popular now. While jewelry trends will come and go (so will our personal tastes), you want something that feels timeless and represents who you are as a couple now and in 10 years.

6) Type of setting

The type of setting is just as important as which stone you choose. Most engagement rings feature a traditional prong setting, but there are other options like channel, basket, and bezel. Prongs: Prongs hold your diamond in place by piercing its girdle, or the thickest part of its shank. The prongs should sit high enough that they do not touch your fingers while wearing them; otherwise, they could scratch them or snag on clothing or jewelry as you move throughout your day. Channel: A channel setting has four prongs and is similar to a standard setting; however, instead of prongs at each point touching both sides of your diamond, they are separated by a channel so they only contact one side.

7) Where to shop online and offline

Whether you prefer online or offline shopping, there are a lot of options when it comes to buying jewelry. There are independent jewelers and department stores, both physical and online. There are also jewelers who specialize in estate and vintage jewelry, where you might find that one-of-a-kind piece. You’ll have more flexibility if you shop offline because you can try things on in person before making a purchase; however, if you’re trying to save money or live outside of a major city, your selection may be limited. So whether you shop at Tiffany & Co., Amazon or your local antique store, make sure that style is your main consideration when looking for engagement rings.

8) After you buy it, keep it in a safe place

This is a big investment, and you should store it somewhere safe when you’re not wearing it. A jewelry box is typically best. Avoid keeping your ring in a sock drawer, a box with all of your other jewelry (you may lose track of it), or any place that’s exposed to intense heat. This includes leaving it on your dresser next to your curling iron or hairdryer the extreme heat can damage both its appearance and construction. You should also avoid washing it yourself; take it into a professional every six months or so for a cleaning and inspection. You don’t want any surprises when you go to propose!

Final Thought

While diamond rings are a timeless symbol of love, they’re not always practical. Ask yourself these questions before you head to a jewelry store: what is your style? Is it vintage and antique, or modern and minimalist? Does your partner like a lot of sparkle or prefer something more simple? After thinking through all these details, choose a ring style that complements both your and your significant other’s personality.