Meeting that special person that you want to spend your life with is one of the most exhilarating parts of life. Then comes the adventure of marriage. But before that, you have to tackle the engagement stage and an essential part of this is the ring.
Engagement rings are important because they are the first symbolic item of your future union. This is why finding the perfect piece can be an anxiety-inducing process for some people. But it doesn’t have to be!
Check out these 8 key ring shopping tips to help you pick out the perfect one for your significant other.
1. Know Their Style
You probably wouldn’t be ring shopping if you really didn’t know the person. Now is the perfect time to put that knowledge to use. If you know your partner has certain preferences of jewelry styles then maybe you should start from there.
For instance, they may be more traditional and like a classic looking ring. On the other hand, they might be eccentric or flashy. These are things to consider when you’re getting assistance from a salesperson.
You may have to consider going to specialty shops if you know they have a very unique style.
2. Consider Metal Type
Here’s another factor that may come down to preference while engagement ring shopping. There are some people who will only wear yellow gold and some who only wear white gold or platinum.
The point is everyone doesn’t wear everything when it comes to metals. This is something to consider if your significant other has a preference. Some people don’t believe certain metals fit them appropriately so you definitely don’t want to make the mistake of buying the wrong one.
3. Stay Within Budget
Although you want to get the very best for the person you love, sometimes finances just aren’t unlimited enough to make a large purchase. It’ll probably be best to think about carat count before beginning your ring shopping process. Do some research beforehand to get an idea of how much you’d have to spend to get the desired carat size.
Be sure to make your budget clear to the clerk from the beginning so that they can give you suitable options. Stating your budget upfront also helps to narrow down options and avoid overspending straight out the gate.
If you do happen to see a ring that is out of your price range, it might be possible to haggle a bit so brush up on your negotiating skills.
4. Check Out Gemstone Options
Some people want a diamond as big as their hand. But everyone isn’t as attracted to the glitz and glamour as others. In the case, you should search for an alternative that still makes a lasting impression on your partner.
Gemstone rings are a great option when it comes to going a more unconventional route. They are beautiful, shine well and come in all sorts of colors. This also allows you to get more creative with what you can base a ring choice on. For instance, you can choose more personal factors, such as birthday months or favorite gems.
5. Get Sizing Right
Here’s something to remember before bringing home an engagement ring to propose with. Rings, like clothing or anything else you wear, need to fit the person just right.
You must know the appropriate size of their finger or you could risk buying a ring that needs to go out for fitting. It’s best to get it as close as possible on the first try so they’ll actually be able to put it on during the proposal.
Consider looking at some of their other jewelry (if possible) to get an idea of what size to purchase. You could also just ask them to get sized ahead of time to avoid any type of disappointments in the future.
6. Buy Certified
Purchasing an engagement ring is a big financial step. The last thing you want to do is sacrifice quality because you rushed into it. Take some extra time to shop around for certified diamonds that can be verified through accredited laboratories.
Be sure not to fall into any tricky sales tactics that end up leaving you with a lower grade of diamond under a higher price tag.
7. Look for Ethically Sourced
Some people might not care about where their jewelry comes from but if you or your significant other do, it’s best to consider finding jewelers who sell and support ethically sourced pieces. The mining of precious minerals, such as diamonds, has been an environmental issue for a long time.
There are still ways that you can be considerate of the ecosystem while celebrating this special moment in your life.
8. Ask Friends or Family for Help
Marriage can be difficult but at least you’re in it with another person. However, when you’re engagement ring shopping alone, all of the pressure is on you. This can be a rough time, especially if you’re a perfectionist or chronic overthinker.
One of the ways to help take the edge off is to ask for some assistance from your spouse’s family and friends. These are the people who also know them very well so getting some guidance and second opinions could really come in handy.
Get in contact with someone that you know your partner has a good relationship with and run some ideas by them.
Going Engagement Ring Shopping Soon?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just too excited to get through the engagement ring shopping journey then consider taking note of some of these tips. Think about personal style, preference, budget and anything else important to you before even entering a store.
Keep in mind that although the ring is important, your special someone will appreciate you putting in the effort and thought. For more tips and guidance on marriage, check out the other articles and stories on our website.
