10 Tips for Engagement Ring Shopping

Buying an engagement ring is a big purchase and something you typically only do once. There are lots of factors people wish they considered or knew before shopping. There are so many things to take into consideration! If you are a first-time shopper, here are 10 expert tips for engagement ring shopping.

Tips for Engagement Ring Shopping

1. Set a Budget

Before selecting an engagement ring, you need to figure out what you can actually afford and then stick to your budget. One of the biggest mistakes people make is going over and then resenting the debt. There is no set rule as to what your budget should be. Your budget should reflect your significant other’s preferences and your financial circumstances.

2. Know Your Diamonds

Many first-time shoppers know nothing about the 4 C’s in diamonds: cut, carat, clarity and color. Educate yourself on diamonds to make sure you are getting a quality diamond without overpaying. Know the difference between natural-grown diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. Also, know where your stones come from — if you’re looking for a sustainable source, it’s important to see the traceability from mine to market.

3. Consider Ring Setting

Engagement rings come in a wide variety of styles, and each one looks best with specific diamond shapes and metals. The setting sets the tone and is one of the most aesthetically pleasing aspects of the ring. Think of the center stone as artwork and the setting as the frame. Not only does the setting cushion and support the stone, it also complements it. Getting the right setting and shape combo is key.

4. Buy Certified and Get it in Writing

When shopping for engagement rings, it is very important to have diamonds certified by either GIA or AGS. Chain jewelry stores like Zales, have accreditation but places like Etsy don’t, so it’s important to do your vetting. Some jewelry stores will try to mark up their prices by having other third party labs do the testing. This can give the customer the illusion the stone is better quality when in reality it is lower. Also, ensure that the diamond matches the certificate. Most diamonds are laser inscribed, so have the jeweler check the inscription with the certificate.

 

5. Take Advantage of the 4 C’s

While the 4 C’s are important to picking out a diamond, you can also use them to your advantage. A well-cut diamond is more likely to give off sparkle and ensure the diamond gives off its true size, thus making sure it’s not hiding carat weight in the wrong places. When it comes to the clarity of the diamond, the term “eye clean” means that imperfections are not noticeable to the naked eye so it will not impact the brilliance. If you pick an “eye-clean diamond,” you will get more bang for your buck.

Color is another thing to look for. Many people cannot see the difference between colorless and near-colorless. The difference between the two is minuscule and opting for near-colorless will save you money.

The diamond price jumps a lot once you hit the next carat. And the size difference between 1.9 and 2.0 carats is almost negligible. But the price difference is large. Opt for a diamond just under the carat size you want to save money.

6. Determine Diamond Shape

Before you start shopping, have an idea of what diamond shape you and your partner want. Familiarize yourself with the different shapes. The shape is the geometry of the stone while the cut refers to the angles of the facets on the stone. The round diamond is the most popular but also the most expensive. Other shapes include oval, marquise, emerald, princess, rectangle, square, heart, etc. Choosing a fancier cut is a good way to save money while having a unique center stone.

7. Pick a Metal

When picking out the metal for the ring, yellow gold isn’t the only option. Some other popular colors include platinum, white gold and rose gold. Platinum is the most expensive, while white gold is a more affordable option. Besides the cost, it is important to consider how the gemstone will look with the ring. Diamonds look best with white gold and platinum. Yellow gold tends to be absorbed by the diamond depending on the color quality of it, almost giving it a yellow hue. If you want yellow gold, pick colorless or near colorless.

8. Know the Ring Size

The last thing you want is an engagement ring that doesn’t fit properly, so knowing the right size is important. If you need help finding out your significant other’s ring size, check out our post on how to secretly find out your SO’s size. You can ask a friend or family member or even borrow a ring from your SO.

9. Consider Wedding Band

It is important to consider the wedding band when shopping for an engagement ring as this part is often overlooked. When searching for a ring it is a good idea to think about what style wedding band will go well with the engagement ring. Also, some engagement styles/bands don’t allow the wedding band to sit flush against the ring. Wedding bands are also more plain while engagement rings typically have more details, so this is important to consider.

10. Be Patient and Don’t Stress

It is a good idea to start researching engagement rings a good six months to one year before you pop the question. Then give yourself about two to three months to buy the ring and then receive it. Don’t stress if you cannot find the ring you are looking for, you can always custom-make a ring. Designing your ring is not as expensive as you might think. It can even end up being cheaper. The most important thing to remember is: Don’t settle. You are shopping for your forever ring.