Engagement Ring

How To Pick Out An Engagement Ring?

Let's face it: deciding on an engagement ring is no easy feat. Engagement rings are an investment that the woman is expected to keep on her finger for the rest of her life. It can be difficult to put your potential fiancé under so much pressure to find the "ideal" engagement ring.

Men have traditionally been the ones to propose to women by choosing the engagement ring and coming up with elaborate plans to get down on one knee. But let's forget about customs for a while and discuss actual events.

It appears that modern women are increasingly vocal in the decision to choose an engagement ring. Some ladies go out of their way to find the perfect ring, either by informing a friend or subtly suggesting it to their future husbands, while others choose to shop for an engagement ring as a pair, and still, others choose to "go dutch" (share the cost) on the ring.

It's important to think about the diamond's form, colour, cut, and clarity. The carat weight of the diamond is another factor. The setting's metal is also an important consideration. After you throw in things like diamond size, diamond form, fluorescence, and more, it's easy to see why people get confused.

However, most of the mainstream media's shared engagement ring instructions for guys aren't particularly helpful, as they tend to focus on generalised suggestions and "inspiration" ideas rather than concrete, detailed guidance on how to actually choose and purchase the ideal ring.

It doesn't have to be tough to figure out where to get an engagement ring. In reality, if you use the appropriate method, you can find a ring your significant other will love for a lifetime, without the stress typically associated with such a purchase. The following guide on selecting and purchasing an engagement ring is based on our many years of experience in the diamond trade.

You can use these professional suggestions to choose the perfect diamond, jewellery style, and setting for an engagement ring, regardless of whether you already have some ideas in mind or are beginning from fresh. We'll also go through some strategies for saving money without sacrificing quality on an engagement ring. This will make the time when you finally pop the question that much more memorable.

10 Engagement Ring Purchasing Tips

Engagement Ring

Choosing an engagement ring used to be as simple as answerng a few questions. Which one would you like, a princess or an emerald? Is it better to buy white gold or yellow gold? When deciding where, when, and how to purchase an engagement ring, there are a lot more factors to take into account today. You'll find the most helpful advice for this life-changing acquisition below.

Don't Follow Trends.

The goal should be to locate the stone that is the best complement for your future fiancé so that the ring can serve as a classic, enduring symbol of your love for a lifetime. Take a look at the person's existing jewellery to get a sense of what might look best on them. Is this individual silver or platinum? Do they like to wear simple jewellery or flashy pieces? Look to their current taste for inspiration when selecting an heirloom they will treasure forever.

A Stone Does Not Have To Look Perfect On Paper.

The "Four Cs" (colour, cut, clarity, and carat) are frequently mentioned by diamond specialists, although the grading certificate should be only one of several considerations. Beautiful rings can be made with less than a D Flawless stone. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) assigns a letter grade to each diamond on a scale from D to Z, but the experience you get while looking at a stone is far more important than the grade it is given. The grade should not be the only determinant, although it can be used as a starting point.

Size Only Matters If You Or Your Future Fiancé Think It Does.

When it comes to selecting a wedding location, you shouldn't follow the adage "go big or go home" unless you truly believe that's what your future husband values most. In that situation, think things out carefully. Maybe it would be better to put less attention on shade and clarity and more on size.

The jewellery trade has also taken note of this pattern. The founder of a Los Angeles-based jewellery label believes that "less pressure to have a spectacular ring" exists today. "Nowadays, the ring is more of a reflection of the wearer's individual sense of style, which may involve avoiding 'bling' on purpose. We are glad that nowadays, ladies may break out from the stereotypical jewellery store "mould" and search for an item that has a deeper meaning for them. A feminist option, perhaps."

Discover The Origin Of The Stone.

Page Neal, co-founder of Bario Neal and a jewellery designer, has found that customers are more likely to purchase pieces with interesting histories if the stones were sourced responsibly. Neal diligently looks for miners and suppliers who can demonstrate their gemstones, metals, and diamonds are 100% traceable from the mine to the consumer. We think consumers want to know where their jewellery comes from. "Customers like that we actively seek out stones for use in their unique orders. We explore the landscape in search of unusual and intriguing stones, then return to weigh our alternatives." Soak up every detail while working with a jeweller, and then impress your fiancée with your knowledge when you propose with a beautiful ring.

Setting Should Not Be An Afterthought.

When you find the perfect stone, the next step is to decide how to set it off. TheY suggested picturing the centrepiece stone as a work of art and the setting as the picture frame. You can take risks and be creative, but the ring should still suit the wearer's own taste." It's best to consult a professional you have faith in, explain your needs, and follow their advice.

Don't Be Frightened To Pick A Unique Ring.

The millennial generation places a premium on uniqueness, and engagement rings are no exception. Women are increasingly forgoing diamonds and conventional settings in favour of more nontraditional designs. "The public has a strong desire for change. They're looking for a piece that can be worn now and in the future without looking dated or out of place. They come to us looking for something out of the ordinary, yet with a modern aesthetic that will stand the test of time.

It's all very light and basic, but each piece has its own distinct style. Her Eclipse band and shield-cut ring are two of the most popular items she sells to modern grooms (or brides, or couples). Since "We specialise in unique and unconventional cuts and shapes, assures clients that they will have plenty of options.

Think About Working With A Jeweller Directly.

When compared to randomly selecting an item in a store, "custom feels more special. Many consumers today seek out items that successfully blend the old with the new. The size of the diamond is less important than its quality or its unusual cut, such as a rose cut. In fact, many have already stopped wearing them. They fashioned a lovely ring out of alexandrite, a stone that appears greenish blue in natural light but purple in artificial incandescent illumination. Nowadays, (engagement rings) come in a variety of sizes."

Don't Go It Alone.

It's not easy to find the perfect engagement ring on your own, but enlisting your pals' assistance can help you get through the process with little stress. Choose a jeweller by asking recently engaged friends and family for recommendations, and get a second opinion from someone who knows you and your future spouse well and whose taste you admire and respect. In most cases, the person you're shopping for already has an idea of what they want, and they may have even told a buddy about it (or put it on a Pinterest board).

Don't Commit.

Don't get into a legally binding arrangement with a jeweller like the one you're expecting to create with your future spouse. Even if the gift your partner receives from you is hated, you should be able to trade it for something different. You want your future wife or husband to cherish the jewellery you give them as much as you do.

It's Not About Price.

The advertising geniuses at De Beers ran a campaign during the Great Depression that would have made Don Draper proud, encouraging men to spend one month's income on an engagement ring if they wanted to be "responsible." Two months was the norm by the 1980s. The common rule of thumb these days is that one should spend at least three months' pay on such a cherished piece of jewellery. All of this is just ingenious advertising. Although some women may prefer larger diamonds, there is no hard and fast rule for how much money should be spent on an engagement ring (or want to avoid diamonds entirely). 

Choose an engagement ring based on its suitability for the lady, not on whether or not its price tag coincides with some arbitrary formula.

Pros And Cons Of Choosing Your Engagement Ring

Engagement Ring

The wedding traditions of the past are giving way to more contemporary ones as we go forwards in the new millennium. It's no longer customary for the bride's family to pay for the wedding, grooms no longer need their girlfriend's parents' approval before proposing, and brides can wear dresses of any colour they like instead of the traditional white. It's becoming increasingly common for engaged couples to choose to shop for an engagement ring jointly, rather than keeping the ring's style a secret from one another.

Going to the jeweller jointly is on the rise, however, many grooms and brides still sneak off to look at bands without telling their sweethearts. If you've been dating for a while and know that this is the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, it's crucial to talk about marriage before you get to the proposal stage. During these discussions, you and your potential mate can decide on the best approach to taking things to the next level and becoming engaged. Choosing this gem should be discussed if an engagement ring is desired by both parties. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of going ring shopping with your partner versus going alone.

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Pros:

Hints won't be required. Choosing your own ring is obviously the best part of this whole deal! Your significant other's gift to you will be a perfect reflection of both your tastes and preferences.

Spending time with your partner. It's yet another reason to do something exciting and different on a date. Because the decision pertains to the wedding, it will provide you with an opportunity to see how well you communicate and cooperate as an engaged couple before the big day arrives.

Making the first wedding choice. This is the first of many steps you'll take together as a couple in preparation for your wedding, so cherish the opportunity to work on something so meaningful in tandem.

Con:

You're not going to be surprised. The only real drawback of taking your significant other ring shopping is this. Whether or whether you want to work together for the selection process depends significantly on how significant you find the element of surprise to be. 

You'll know precisely what to expect before opening that small box, but that doesn't mean the proposal itself won't be a surprise or that you won't go crazy misinterpreting every cute gesture or date night as an indication of a proposal. Weigh this disadvantage against the three benefits to choose your best course of action, keeping in mind that the surprise aspect will be more important to some engaged couples than others.

Conclusion

Selecting an engagement ring is important because the woman will wear it forever. Today, women are more involved in proposing than males, who traditionally choose the engagement ring and prepare elaborate ways to get down on one knee. Consider the carat weight, setting metal, diamond shape, colour, cut, and clarity. Most commonly shared engagement ring instructions for guys aren't beneficial since they focus on broad, overly-general suggestions and "inspiration" ideas rather than detailed, concrete guidance on choosing and buying the perfect ring. Our considerable diamond industry experience informs this guide.

Now there are more factors to consider when choosing an engagement ring. Look beyond the "Four Cs" (colour, cut, clarity, and carat) to find your future wife's perfect engagement ring. When picking a wedding venue, a guest list and space are vital. "Less pressure to have a gorgeous ring" is how a Los Angeles jewellery designer described this trend. The co-founder of Bario Neal, a jewellery designer, Page Neal, has shown that ethically sourced stones increase sales of unique pieces.

Content Summary

  • It can be difficult to put your potential fiancé under so much pressure to find the "ideal" engagement ring.
  • Men have traditionally been the ones to propose to women by choosing the engagement ring and coming up with elaborate plans to get down on one knee.
  • It appears that modern women are increasingly vocal in choosing an engagement ring.
  • It's important to consider the diamond's form, colour, cut, and clarity.
  • However, most of the mainstream media's shared engagement ring instructions for guys aren't particularly helpful, as they tend to focus on generalised suggestions and "inspiration" ideas rather than concrete, detailed guidance on choosing and purchasing the ideal ring.
  • It doesn't have to be tough to figure out where to get an engagement ring.
  • The following guide on selecting and purchasing an engagement ring is based on our many years of experience in the diamond trade.
  • You can use these professional suggestions to choose the perfect diamond, jewellery style, and setting for an engagement ring, regardless of whether you already have some ideas or are beginning fresh.
  • We'll also go through some savings strategies without sacrificing the quality of an engagement ring.
  • Choosing an engagement ring was as simple as answering a few questions.
  • When deciding where, when, and how to purchase an engagement ring, there are many more factors to consider today.
  • The goal should be to locate the stone that best compliments your future fiancé so that the ring can serve as a classic, enduring symbol of your love for a lifetime.
  • Look at the person's existing jewellery to understand what might look best on them.
  • The founder of a Los Angeles-based jewellery label believes that "less pressure to have a spectacular ring" exists today. "
  • Nowadays, the ring reflects the wearer's individual sense of style, which may involve avoiding 'bling' on purpose.
  • Page Neal, co-founder of Bario Neal and a jewellery designer, has found that customers are more likely to purchase pieces with interesting histories if the stones were sourced responsibly.
  • Soak up every detail while working with a jeweller, and then impress your fiancée with your knowledge when you propose with a beautiful ring.
  • When you find the perfect stone, the next step is to decide how to set it off.
  • You can take risks and be creative, but the ring should still suit the wearer's taste.
  • The millennial generation places a premium on uniqueness, and engagement rings are no exception.
  • Women are increasingly forgoing diamonds and conventional settings, favouring more nontraditional designs. 

FAQs About Engagement Ring

An engagement ring symbolises a couple's dedication to one another in the form of a future marriage. In most relationships, one partner will gift something to the other to express their feelings of devotion and love. Several cultures now consider it a romantic gesture for the man to give the woman an engagement ring when they propose.

The symbolic value of an engagement ring is not the only kind of worth it can have for the pair. It could be a family treasure, something made especially for the pair to commemorate a momentous occasion in their relationship or just something the couple picked out together to reflect their interests and character.

In general, an engagement ring symbolises a couple's promise to spend the rest of their lives together and a physical token of their undying love for one another.

Several factors, including one's taste, financial means, and cultural norms, might affect an engagement ring's "typical" carat weight. Yet, a typical diamond engagement ring will have a carat weight of 0.5 to 1.5 carats.

It should be noted that carat weight is only one of several aspects that define a diamond's value and beauty. The cut, the clarity, and the colour of the diamond are also significant characteristics. Sometimes, a smaller diamond with superior cut, clarity, and colour can look bigger and brighter than a larger diamond with average qualities in these areas.

It's up to the couple's budget and the recipient's taste to determine how big of a diamond to get them. When selecting an engagement ring, the most significant consideration is how well it symbolises the couple's love and devotion to one another, not the diamond's carat weight.

While engagement ring rituals and traditions can vary by culture and individual, there are no hard and fast guidelines for donning one. To be sure, most people adhere to a few standard procedures:

  1. Please put it on your left-hand ring finger: The ring finger (the fourth finger on the left hand) is the customary location for an engagement ring in many cultures. This is because, historically speaking, it was thought that a vein connected this finger specifically to the heart.
  2. Always have it on: Most people who become engaged continue to wear their rings even while they are asleep or in the shower. This represents the undying love and devotion of the couple.
  3. Take it off for the following activities: Some people take off their engagement ring before engaging in strenuous physical activity, while others take it off before using harsh chemicals like cooking or cleaning.
  4. It is meant to be worn in conjunction with the engagement ring. If the couple is married, the engagement ring and wedding band are often worn together on the same finger. As tradition has it, the wedding band is the second ring to go on the finger after the engagement ring.

When it comes down to it, there is no hard and fast rule about when or how an engagement ring must be worn. Wearing the ring in a way that is meaningful and comfortable to you is what matters.

One of the most typical engagement rings is a solitaire diamond ring, consisting of a single diamond set in a metal band. The solitaire ring has been the standard for engagement rings for many years. 

In addition, rings with three stones, pave diamonds, and halo settings are also common. It's important to keep in mind, though, that the vagueness of a given ring's design can shift with the seasons, local customs, and individual tastes.

There are some considerations one should make when shopping for an engagement ring. There are several contributing elements, such as:

  1. Diamond Quality: One of the most crucial things to consider is the diamond's quality. A diamond's quality should be considered: carat weight, cut, colour, and clarity. A greater quality diamond will cost more than a lower quality one. On the other hand, the beauty and value of the ring as a whole can be drastically altered by the diamond's quality.
  2. Ring Design: The engagement ring's design should also be considered. The solitaire, halo, vintage, and modern styles are just a few options. Picking a look that complements the wearer's identity is essential.
  3. Metal Option: Silver, platinum, and gold are among the metals available for engagement rings. For example, a metal's durability, shine, and weight are all unique. Choosing a metal that goes well with the wearer's skin tone and way of life is crucial.
  4. Budget: While buying an engagement ring, the budget is important to keep in mind. Setting a realistic budget and considering the costs and benefits of different diamond qualities, ring designs, and metals is essential.
  5. Certification: A respected laboratory, must certify the engagement ring. This certification guarantees a diamond's quality and legitimacy.
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