Halt! Don’t buy the first pretty ring you find in a jewelry store.
Getting an engagement ring is a big deal for couples. Not only do they signify the upcoming wedding, but these rings are also major financial investments. In fact, the cost people spend on engagement rings amount to an average of $3,000 to $6,000 as of 2018.
So, how will you get the right ring for this special moment? Here are some tips in looking at understanding and getting the right engagement ring types perfect for your beloved:
1. Check Your Budget
The first step in looking for the right engagement ring is to check your budget. This way, the jeweler can show you options that are within your price range.
Fortunately, there are many engagement ring types for any budget.
You don’t need to worry about that “spend 2-3 months’ worth for the ring” engagement rule. That concept is out of fashion and is long gone. Be practical when it comes to investing in her engagement ring. Go for what you can afford and feel comfortable with it.
You may also consider using a ring or diamond passed down from your relatives (or her relatives) which could save you a lot of money. Many jewelers will also accept this as a trade in or offer additional financing to help you get her the ring of her dreams.
2. Know Her Ring Size
Another thing to consider is her ring size. This is one aspect that men screw up when buying an engagement ring. You might manage to find the perfect ring that suits your girlfriend but the ring size is off.
If you ended up getting the wrong size, all isn’t lost.
You can bring the ring back to the jeweler and have them measure a proper fit. However, you may want to ask in advance if there will be an extra charge for this service.
3. Research Her Style and Preferences
You will also need to take note of her preferences and style before buying the ring. Finding something that suits her tastes will get you one step closer to choosing her dream ring.
There are many ways you can check on this.
Observe the type of jewelry that she wears. Take note if she prefers yellow gold or she is more towards white gold or platinum. Does she prefer a more simple design, or would she like something more glamorous? When in doubt, you can always ask her close friends or relatives for style advice. If all else fails, check her Pinterest Page for secret hints.
4. Pick the Ring Metal
Now that you have the size and style for the ring, it’s time to get the ring itself. First, let’s talk about the different types of metals to go for.
The most common metals used in jewelry include yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, platinum, and silver. It may be one of these or a mix of these metals.
Platinum sports a high durability and is capable of lasting a long time. Problem is that it dulls far quicker than gold and it’s even harder to bring back the initial luster it once had.
As for gold, it’s more economical than platinum and it’s easier to buff and polish. However, since it’s a soft metal, gold wears down faster. Expect a gold ring to need some reworking after 15 to 20 years.
Platinum or white gold are great if your lady loves to stay on top with fashion trends. If she is more towards the classic look, go with the yellow gold mounting.
5. Choose Your Setting
You’ve researched her style. You’ve chosen a metal. Now, here is some basic knowledge on mountings and settings that can help you decide:
5.1. Prong Setting
This is the most common and classic ring setting. A prong setting has a little metal claw (usually 4 or 6) gripping the diamond tightly in place. There are rounded options as well pointed, flat, and V-shaped.
This setting is capable of elevating the diamond and ensures that light passes through the diamond. It’s also simple to clean and maintain. However, it can be prone to clothing snagging and may loosen within time, so be sure to always get your ring checked periodically by your local jeweler.
5.2. Tiffany Setting
This one uses a solitaire six-prong setting to maximize the light return of the diamond. Developed by Tiffany and Co., this setting has a distinct “knife edge” to its shank.
Its notable features are that it easily supports a multitude of Carat sizes as well as diamond shapes. Also easy to clean to maintain a timeless look.
This one is also prone to snagging and also may loosen with wear.
5.3. Bezel Setting
This is the second most popular ring setting, sporting a modern look on the design. It’s suitable for someone with an active lifestyle. Instead of using prongs, the bezel setting encapsulates the diamond with a metal rim to hold the stone in place.
With a sleek, modern look, it doesn’t snag on clothing and it protects the diamond well. However, it has the tendency of hiding the stone.
6. Find the Perfect Diamond
Now that you have picked the band for the ring, it’s time to pick the diamond that you will be putting on it. When choosing the perfect diamond, consider these criteria.
They are the four C’s and it can help you understand the cost and quality of the diamond.
6.1. Cut
Noted as one of the most important of the Cs, this refers to the angles and proportions of the diamond. Nature tends to take care of the other three Cs while this one gets determined by the cutter.
With the way the light reflects on the facets of the diamond, it traps the light and brings out the sparkle. If it has a deep or shallow cut, it will cause the stone to become lackluster in appearance.
6.2. Color
Diamonds actually come in a variety of colors. The color gets graded on a scale that ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). The more colorless the diamond is, the rarer and more expensive it gets.
White color diamonds are the most popular, but it all boils down on preference. Think of what your lady prefers.
6.3. Clarity
When a jeweler discusses the clarity of the diamond, they may mention the diamond’s inclusions. To know what that is, inclusions are other minerals or tiny fractures found in the stone. The clearer the diamond, the more expensive it is.
In this case, the fewer inclusions in the diamond, the better it is. When looking for a diamond, avoid inclusions on the top and middle. These affect the light dispersion, making it less brilliant.
6.4. Carat Weight
Carat is how a diamond is measured in weight. It’s obvious that a heavier diamond would cost more, but don’t get too caught up with the size of the diamond. Proper mounting and shaping done by a master jeweler can make the diamond look larger than its weight.
6.5. It’s not a C, but it’s still important….Shape
When finding the perfect diamond, you’ll need to know which shape to choose. Even though shape is not a part of the 4 C’s, it will have just as much impact on the appearance of your diamond. Here are some popular diamond shapes:
Round Brilliant – This is the most popular shape of diamond. By the way this shape is cut, it brings out the most brilliance.
Princess – Cut in both square and rectangular shapes, color and brilliance is displayed mainly in the center of this shaped diamond.
Marquise – Vintage and elegant, this cut is perfect for maximizing carat weight. Its unique shape is perfect for creating a longer, slender effect.
Cushion – A beautiful combination of a square cut with rounded corners. This shape gives you the brilliance of a round in a variety of square-ish shapes.
Emerald – This rectangular cut includes step-cut facets showcasing the diamond’s color and clarity.
Pear – A combination of round and marquise cuts, this shape creates a teardrop shape.
Oval – Similar in shape and brilliance to the round cut, this is elongated version is perfect for a longer, slender look.
Get the Perfect Engagement Ring Today!
Finished our guide? Hopefully, with our help, you’ve narrowed your choices down.
Once you have the right diamond ring, all you need now is the right moment to surprise her.
Looking for the perfect ring for the love of your life? We may have just the ring style you are looking for. Check our selection today. Or contact us in case you have some questions we can help you with.
