It’s a pivotal moment in life, when you ask the person you love to spend forever together. It’s no wonder you want to make sure you pick out the perfect ring to make a statement.
Here are eight tips when choosing an engagement ring.
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Choose the Right Place to Buy It
It might be easy to randomly search online for a store that sells engagement rings. But it’s just as important when buying the ring to make sure you’ve selected the right company.
For example, Frank Darling allows you to customize your ring using a variety of styles and stones. You can get a free home kit to see a selection of stones, shapes, and settings before buying online.
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Ask What They Want Ahead of Time
More than likely, there was talk about marriage before you decided to propose. Initiate the conversation early on to learn about what your partner likes. This will help you tremendously when choosing what type of ring to buy.
If you’re worried about ruining the surprise, turn to their friends and family. They know your loved one very well. They may know what type of ring they like!
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Select the Shape
The shape of the ring, also known as the cut, will help you narrow down what type of ring you’re going to get. It also is a big factor in terms of cost for your wedding jewelry. Each shape has a different price range so depending on your budget, you’ll want to start with the shape.
Some shapes include, but are not limited to:
- Standard Round
- Princess
- Pear
- Marquise
- Magna
- Trilliant
- Radiant
- Oval
- Square Cushion
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Decide on the Band
Next, you’ll want to consider the metal for the band. Typically, the band is made out of yellow gold, white gold, silver, or platinum. In the last few years, rose gold has become an increasingly popular choice.
Since the ring is something they’ll wear for a very long time, it’s important to go for quality over cost. Consider what they do for a living. Some metals scratch easier than others. If they work a lot with their hands, you might want to choose something like tungsten, as it’s the most scratch-resistant.
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Know What Carat Size You’ll Be Getting
With every carat comes a cost. Your budget will largely be impacted by the carat size of the ring. Have something in mind ahead of time. For instance, a 1-carat diamond could start at $1,200 and go as high as $12,000 depending on other aspects such as the cut and band.
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Have the Correct Measurements
The last thing in terms of aesthetics is knowing the measurement of the band itself. Know what your partner’s ring size is. If you don’t, you can always ask someone they know or borrow a ring they typically wear to match the size.
You want it to be comfortable, but not too tight, as fingers can swell when you’re dehydrated. When in doubt, go bigger. It’s easier for jewelers to resize a ring if they’re going smaller rather than making it larger.
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Ensure the Ring is Certified
Because the engagement ring is one of the most expensive investments you’ll be making, it’s crucial to know the ring is certified. This determines the true quality of the ring.
Check to see if it’s certified by a laboratory such as the Gemological Institute of America or another accredited institution. Don’t forget to make sure to match the certificate with the diamond you’re purchasing.
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Ask About Return and Resizing Policy
No matter how hard you plan to purchase the perfect ring, things can still go wrong. Maybe your spouse-to-be doesn’t love the ring or it’s too big. Learn about what policies the company has for returns and resizing.
Conclusion
Shopping for an engagement ring is a big step. Do your due diligence and take time during the process. You want something your partner will love while remaining within your budget.