You’ve found someone you want to marry. Now, you need to find the perfect engagement ring. Choosing an engagement ring is like buying a house—it’s a big decision that takes a lot of time and effort and must be done carefully. We’ve pulled together this helpful guide to help you navigate this exciting process with ease. Below are ten important things to consider when shopping for an engagement ring.
Ring Style
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for an engagement ring is how well the style complements your finger. The ring should fit comfortably around your knuckle and rest at the base of your finger. A large stone, such as an emerald cut or a marquise-shaped stone, is suitable if you have long fingers. Alternatively, a halo ring can give you extra length down the finger. Shorter fingers are often the perfect canvas for a round, brilliant, princess-cut solitaire or even a trilogy ring.
Type of Stone
The gemstone is another crucial factor to consider when choosing an engagement ring. Different types of stone require different amounts of care, and many believe hardness is the most critical factor when shopping for a diamond. Because of their hard nature, diamonds are frequently chosen as the gemstone for engagement rings. Ruby and sapphire share a high abrasion resistance, making them ideal for everyday wear. You could also substitute an emerald in place of the ruby, but an emerald is a brittle, softer stone that requires more care.
Cut and Shape of Stone
When selecting an engagement ring, it’s essential to consider the cut and shape of the stone. The brilliant round cut, princess cut (square), and emerald cut (rectangular) are the most popular shapes for diamonds. Diamonds that are well-cut and highly polished will sparkle more than those that are poorly cut. If you like colored gemstones, you might also want to consider a cut and shape that brings out their optical qualities. In addition to the popular marquise, oval, pear, and cushion-shaped stones, there are many other unusual shapes of diamonds and gemstones that are also available.
The Metal
Next, you should decide what metal you want for your engagement ring. Platinum rings are increasing in popularity, but gold is still the best-selling metal. White gold, yellow gold, and rose gold are always in fashion. Platinum is recommended for wedding bands since it’s a durable metal that will last a long time and keep your ring looking brand new.
Stone Setting
When setting a jewel, choose a design that showcases the stone’s beauty while retaining its structural integrity. A claw-style setting is frequently used for engagement rings, allowing much light to pass through the stone. Bezel settings wrap the stone entirely in metal, protecting it. This means that the light from the stone shows up differently than it would in a prong setting, and it also can lend itself to more interesting designs.
Stone Certification
There are two main categories of gemstones: certified and uncertified. Certified gemstones have been examined by an independent third-party jeweler who has verified their authenticity. Uncertified gems require more research to ensure you’re getting what you pay for. The presence of a certificate and the other factors mentioned will increase the cost of a gemstone, but you can be confident that the stone is authentic.
Price
How much you spend on a ring depends on your budget and preferences. There are many factors to consider, and each has a bearing on the overall price of your ring. There is no right answer, but whatever you feel most comfortable with is the best option.
Customizations
If you plan to ask your sweetheart to marry you soon, we recommend purchasing something that’s readily available and does not require adjustments or customizations. Size adjustments can be made quickly but if you’re looking for a unique piece, be sure to allow enough time to customize it to your specifications.
Guarantee
When you buy a ring with a lifetime guarantee, you can wear your ring knowing that the store will help you if anything goes wrong. If your gemstone becomes loose, your finger size changes, or the setting wears out, you can rest assured that you can get the issue fixed without hassle if your engagement ring comes with a guarantee.
Financing Options
If you’re planning to propose but don’t want to compromise on the engagement ring of your dream, consider keeping liquidity at your disposal and leveraging financing options. Many reputable jewelers offer their clients interest-free and interest-bearing financing options, making it easier than ever to afford the engagement ring of your dreams.
Shopping for an engagement ring is fun but can also be stressful. Engagement rings are expensive, so it’s important to take your time when deciding. You want to be sure that the ring you choose is right for you and your partner and that it will last a long time. By considering these ten considerations when shopping for your engagement ring, you can ensure that you get the most out of your investment.
