So the time has come to pop the question to the one you love. Problem is, you might not know a thing about engagement rings or where to start looking. There seems to be an overwhelming number of styles, cuts, colors, and stones to choose from, how are you supposed to know which will be the right one?
How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring
Just like everything, breaking a decision down into smaller choices can really help you choose the perfect engagement ring.
The world of engagement rings has drastically changed since when our parents went through it, so our thinking towards how we choose and buy these rings need to adjust as well.
With a few simple considerations, you will be able to choose the perfect ring. Give yourself the confidence you need to pop the question of a lifetime!
Know Your Budget
Many people believe that an engagement ring should cost the same as two months salary. Firstly, this is incredibly outdated, and secondly, who has that money to spend?
This idea seriously needs to be ditched and replaced with the sensible idea of a budget. Know your budget before you go into purchasing an engagement ring, and stick to it as best as you can. While you might want to really spoil your fiance to be with an incredible ring, you need to make sure you do not overspend and land yourself in too much debt.
Just like your relationship, your financial situation is unique. Do not follow any silly rules or guidelines. Take your time to work out what you can afford, and start looking from there.
Choosing Your Diamond
Generally, the diamond is the most expensive part of an engagement ring. There are different diamond types to choose from, all ranging in quality and price.
When choosing a diamond, you need to consider the 4 C’s. Cut, clarity, color, and carat.
Color – The color of a diamond is rated from D to Z. A diamond rated D sits at the highest on the color scale and is considered colorless. These are the most expensive diamonds and are considered the best quality. However, you can compromise on the scale here as some diamonds rated up to H appear as colorless to the naked eye as D rated diamonds, and are considerably cheaper.
Clarity – The clarity of the diamond is rated from Flawless to Included. Flawless diamonds have no internal blemishes or inclusions, whereas Included diamonds do. You can find a diamond in the middle of the scale with inclusions that are barely visible to the naked eye to save some money.
Cut – The cut of a diamond is what makes it appear so exceptional. The right cut will help the diamond have an incredible light performance, shining bright and sparkling set in a ring. The cut of a diamond does increase the price of the ring, but it is important to buy a good cut diamond.
Carat – The carat is the weight of the diamond. The higher the carat weight, the more you will pay for the diamond. Remember though that some diamond shapes might have a smaller carat weight, but appear larger due to their specific cut.
Gemstones
With people wanting to save on a diamond engagement ring, gemstone engagement rings are becoming more popular. They are incredibly unique and can really speak to a persons individuality and style. To add some flair, you could always add in some smaller diamonds to surround beautiful gemstones.
Gemstones really do look wonderful in a ring and are generally quite cheaper than a diamond.
Choosing A Setting
The right setting will be one of the most important decisions in choosing an engagement ring. There are quite a few to choose from, so make sure you have an idea of what you want before you browse.
Keeping the wearer’s lifestyle in mind is really important. If the ring is for an active person, it is a good idea to keep it simple. A setting with small bits and points could cause a problem in everyday life.
It is also a good idea to choose a setting that will keep the diamond securely in place. While you might want the diamond to sit free without too much covering it, it won’t be any good if the diamond falls off and gets lost.
Choosing The Metal
The metal you choose will depend on your budget and personal style.
The most expensive and luxurious metal setting is platinum. It lasts an incredibly long time and is really durable.
You can also look at the types of gold – yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. Choosing between these depends on the style of the ring you are looking for and personal style.
If you have purchased a colorless diamond, it is a good idea to set it in platinum or white gold as this will keep the colorless appearance of the diamond. A diamond with a slight color would look good set in rose gold or yellow gold, as it will only add to the warmth of the ring.
Ring Size
This is a tricky one, but if you are able to, try and find out the right ring size beforehand. There are some guides online on how to discreetly measure ring size, but if you are too nervous to give it away, you can always have the ring resized after the proposal.
Get The Right Certification
When purchasing an engagement ring, it is so incredibly important to make sure the ring and diamond you purchase are properly certified. This is the best way to tell the authenticity and value of the diamond. It will also help you for insurance purposes and for possible resale in the future.
The Big I Do
Following these steps, you should be able to choose the right engagement ring for your loved one without becoming bankrupt. Do not put too much pressure on yourself, take it easy and save all of your nerves for the big day!
Good luck and practice your winning line for the proposal!
