Gearing up for a proposal is a crazy exciting time. For one, you’ve finally found the person with whom you want to spend the rest of your life.
As you embark on the hunt for the perfect ring, it can be easy to get overwhelmed in the romance and current trends.
However, keep in mind that choosing an engagement ring shouldn’t be driven by impulse.
After all—while the ring can be quite pricey—this ring will be cherished and worn for a lifetime.
Make sure to do it right.
What to Consider When Shopping for the Perfect Ring
Gladly, whether or not you’re shopping solo, there are ways to help you decide on the perfect ring with which to pop the question.
From examining the type of cut to factoring in the ring’s practicality, below are important things you should consider when choosing an engagement ring for your significant other:
1. Your Partner’s Preferences
Today, there are now more options than ever available in the market.
From oval engagement rings to other fancy shapes, the choices are endless. If you know what you’re looking for, having an array of options can help you decide the perfect ring for your loved one.
However, if you have no idea in mind, you certainly need to take a step back and ask what suits her best.
While there are trendy styles that you can look into, nothing beats taking into account your partner’s personal taste. After all, she’ll be the one who’s going to wear it for the rest of her life.
Also, her opinion and preferences can help you narrow down your choices as you shop for the perfect ring.
For instance, would your partner opt for a conversation-starter piece or simply a classic cut with minimal design?
If you know she’d want to wear it every day, make sure to choose a precious metal that’s low maintenance.
Additionally, look into her current style preferences, ask for her friends’ recommendations, and casually have conversations about types of stone, cut quality, styles, and shapes from her family or friends.
Having knowledge about these things can help you eliminate the guesswork and focus on looking for a piece that naturally becomes an extension of her personality and style.
2. The 4 Cs
As you visit one jeweler from another, you might encounter questions regarding the color, cut style, clarity, and carat weight.
Before you get overwhelmed by these, it’d be best to do your research and briefly know these 4 Cs.
According to this universal standard, diamonds with less to no color are highly-sought after because they’re rare.
With regard to cut quality, a diamond that interacts and reflects light well will affect its face-up appearance.
If your bride-to-be likes dainty jewelry, you can opt for a less flashy cut quality that she can wear every day.
However, take note that cut quality is different from cut style. The latter refers to how the diamond’s facets are organized.
As an example,emerald cut engagement rings are categorized by four longer facets, appearing in a square or rectangular shape.
Moreover, clarity pertains to the flawless appearance of the diamond. On the other hand, carat weight is the diamond’s apparent size that offers you an idea how big it is.
Jewelry experts commonly prioritized the 4 Cs when evaluating the diamond’s quality.
It’s an international standard created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to allow jewelers and buyers to compare one diamond with another.
3. Your Budget
Engagement rings jump-start the wedding planning and shopping. Upon looking for the right ring, you eventually have to ask yourself how much you can realistically afford.
While there’s a pressure to buy an expensive ring, you don’t have to ride on these expectations.
The truth is, you necessarily don’t have to stretch out from what you can afford to buy her the perfect ring.
Today, with an array of engagement ring options, you can now find a piece of jewelry you know she’d love and that also fits within your budget range.
You can look for a credible jewelry shop and ask the jeweler how they can cater your budget without compromising the quality.
There are jewelers who are willing to work with your given budget and guide you in the right direction. Hence, don’t be reluctant to negotiate.
If you’re going for a personalized ring, make sure to give the business time to prepare, source, and create the ring.
You can also tell the jeweler ahead when you’re planning to pop the question.
Alternatively, you can purchase premade engagement rings from modern or antique jewelry shops.
Depending on the ring style, you may be able to find reasonably priced pieces there.
Final Thoughts
An engagement ring will be a timeless symbol of your love.
While choosing the perfect one can be quite time-consuming, all your efforts will be worth it once you finally found the ring that would accompany you as you propose to your partner.