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How to Shop for Engagement Rings: 9 Tips to Get the Best Ring

Nearly 1 in 4 women have turned down a marriage proposal, according to Cosmopolitan magazine. The reasons for that dreaded “no” vary from person to person:

  • I’m not ready to settle down.
  • It doesn’t feel right.
  • You’re just not The One.

While some of these are unavoidable, your choice of an engagement ring doesn’t have to be. Once you learn how to shop for engagement rings, your proposal will be too hard to resist.

How to Shop for Engagement Rings

When proceeding with the following tips, it is important to keep an open mind. The perfect ring shouldn’t be unattainable — rather, it should be affordable and suit all aspects of the bride’s lifestyle.

1. Know Her Size

This should go without saying. If you don’t want to tip her off, ask her best friend (or her parents when you seek their blessing). And if worse comes to worst, you could discreetly slip a ring out of her jewelry box and ask a professional to measure it for size before she realizes it’s gone.

2. Mind Your Metals

Not sure what her favorite precious metal is? Pay attention to the jewelry she wears most often, and go with a metal that she can mix and match with it.

Silver, gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum are all popular choices for engagement rings. But it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each one against your lifestyle and budget.

3. Keep the Wedding Band in Mind

Remember that the engagement ring is only one-half of the symbol of your commitment. When browsing engagement rings, consider how they will look paired with your ideal band. Be aware that some aren’t designed for stacking.

4. Shop in Person

While it can be temptingly convenient to shop online for an engagement ring, don’t. It’s perfectly okay to look online for inspiration, like with these popular engagement rings, but the only way to know exactly what you’re buying is to see it in person.

If you want to keep it a surprise, bring someone with a similar ring size to test for fitting. It’ll also help to have a second set of eyes give feedback.

5. Negotiate

Shopping for an engagement ring is like shopping for a car — they’re often marked way higher than they’re worth, and you don’t want to leave without the right one. If you find a ring that your heart is set on, shop similar rings to compare prices with the retailer.  Many people also get their rings made online; in that case, it is possible to negotiate and get the best price for your design. To get an idea, you can click the Design Your Ring Here section of online brands and get a quote according to the style and size of the ring.

6. Remember the Four C’s

Say it with me: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Color refers to the diamond; those with less color are rarer. Cut refers to the number of facets on the diamond, which determines how well it reflects light.

Clarity is the quality of the diamond, referring to its blemishes and inclusions. And carat weight is the apparent size of the diamond. Prioritize the C’s you find most important so you know what you’re looking for when you ask a professional.

7. Buy Certified

Don’t be fooled; the best-accredited laboratories are the American Gem Society or the Gemological Institute of America. If your diamond is certified by another lab, there’s a chance the grade could be inflated to make a higher profit.

8. Don’t Ignore the Sides

If you want your engagement ring to appear bigger and more brilliant, side stones are a great addition. Choose her birthstone to add a personal pop of color, or complement the center with side stones that are closest to it in color grade.

9. Examine the Ring Under Different Lights

The ring will look different in different lighting conditions because the facets of the gemstone act like mirrors. Daylight, candlelight, fluorescent light, and spotlights can all have different effects on the ring’s overall brilliance.

Test the ring under all conditions and consider where your bride-to-be is likely to wear it most. Don’t leave without knowing everything there is to know about your ring.

Final Tips

An engagement ring should never be an impulsive purchase. Choosing the perfect one takes time and careful consideration. And now that you know how to shop for engagement rings, remember you’re allowed to trust your gut. If she truly loves you, there’s no engagement ring she’ll turn down.

Need some extra words of wisdom before you start shopping? Contact us at Beautiful Touches or subscribe to our email newsletter so you never miss an update.

One thought on “How to Shop for Engagement Rings: 9 Tips to Get the Best Ring

  • These are some interesting ideas on how to shop for engagement ring. The information are useful for all of us and we would like to thank you from the bottom of our heart. Keep posting ahead.

    Reply

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