Need some tips to help pick the perfect engagement ring? This is the post for you!
The thing is, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to engagement rings. Some are perfect for some people, and others for others. You know what I mean? Finding the perfect engagement ring means that you know what your partner wants, and what their style is. Too much in one way, or not enough in another, means it won’t be the perfect engagement ring for them.
There’s more to it than just style. The perfect engagement ring just makes sense. Sense for your partner, and sense for you. This means that you’re taking into account how you feel about engagement rings. The budget that you have. The stones, and the gems, and the bands, and the metals, and all of that. More details to come on all of those factors later.
How To Pick The Perfect Engagement Ring
This post is going to share how to pick the perfect engagement ring. As mentioned above, it will take into account many different factors. The point is that you know what you need to factor into so you feel confident choosing the best ring for your partner. Ideally, one that you’re excited to show them and for sure know that they will love. They’ll likely be wearing it the rest of their life, so you know, it’s important to make it matter.
Let’s get into it!
FIND OUT IF YOUR PARTNER WANTS A DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING, OR SOMETHING ELSE, FOR THEIR PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING
As mentioned above, style is important. And while diamond engagement rings are definitely the most common choice out there, they are by no means a requirement.
So, find out if your partner wants a diamond engagement ring, or something else.
Some people just don’t want a diamond ring. Or, they don’t want one that is mined, too small, too big, or clear. Have the conversation with your partner about what their preference is, and what they see on their hand. Their answer may surprise you, or it may just confirm what you already knew to be true.
CHOOSE AN ENGAGEMENT RING THAT IS TIMELESS
The thing about engagement rings is that they can be fad-driven, or they can be timeless.
I suggest that you choose a timeless one for your partner. Even if they tend to stick to trends with their everyday clothing.
Engagement rings aren’t the kind of thing you want to change out every season. They tend to become a mainstay in someone’s jewelry, and every day use. A timeless piece will not go out of style as trends change. It won’t be something that the wearer gets sick of wearing. A timeless piece is meant to last.
DON’T FOCUS JUST ON CARATS. NOT EVERYONE WANTS A HUGE ROCK ON THEIR HANDS
I could do a whole post just on carats and sizes of rocks and what exactly goes into diamonds and other gemstones. This isn’t the time for that.
The moral of this tip for choosing the perfect engagement ring is that you shouldn’t pick something just because the gemstone is big. Not everyone wants to lug around a huge gem on their hands every day, you know? Some of us like smaller diamonds, or are more concerned with quality over quantity, so to speak.
ASK A FRIEND TO SHOP WITH YOU FOR THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING
Sometimes we need a little help from our friends.
If you need help picking out the perfect engagement ring, bring someone along. It could be someone close to you, who you trust, who has good taste, or it can be someone close to your future fiancé. This person can be a wonderful thought partner for you as you decide which ring is the right one. Just make sure it’s someone you can trust with the secret. They will likely be honored to join.
BUY YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING FROM A REPUTABLE SOURCE, AND LOOK FOR CERTIFICATION
There are a lot of rings out there, and not all of them are what they seem.
It may be tempting to buy a ring that seems too good to be true. Yeah, maybe there are people out there selling old family heirlooms or unused rings at a deep discount. But, truthfully, there are more out there trying to make a buck off of crap.
So, be smart about who you purchase the ring from. A reputable shop, with certifications and paperwork, is your best bet. Beyond that, beware.
CHOOSE AN ENGAGEMENT RING YOU CAN AFFORD
Okay, this is a biggie. The perfect engagement ring is one that the buyer can afford.
Long gone are the days where the proposer was supposed to use three months of salary to pay for the ring. Seriously. Buy the ring you can afford. Avoid going into debt for it. Use cash. Feel good about it. You, and your partner, can always upgrade later if your current budget is limiting.
EXPLORE LAB GROWN DIAMONDS
Alright, maybe you really, really, want an old rock on your partner’s hand. Still, spend a little time looking into lab grown diamonds.
If you aren’t sure what lab grown diamonds are, check out this post. Essentially, they are grown in a lab. They have the same qualities as mined diamonds, but they don’t come with all the extra controversy. Plus, they are about a third of the price of mined diamonds. These diamonds can be an excellent option for many couples (and seriously, no one will know).
LOOK AT THE JEWELRY YOUR PARTNER ALREADY WEARS FOR INSPIRATION
Remember earlier when I recommended you talk to your partner about their perfect engagement ring? If you’re unsure about that conversation, you do have another way to be a detective.
Look at what they wear.
Do they tend to wear simple jewelry? Minimal jewelry? Chances are they may want a simple, minimal ring. Does your partner wear big jewelry, with lots of color? Do they layer items on top of each other? Perhaps they may want a bigger rock for their ring, or would be into layering rings (which are a thing).
Look at what they already wear as inspiration. It may even open up the opportunity to ask them about ring preference in a way that doesn’t tip them off.
TAKE YOUR TIME FINDING “THE ONE”
Some people get really excited about getting engaged. If this is you, I suggest you maybe take a step back.
Don’t rush it. Yes, perhaps you knew right away that your partner was “the one”. Perhaps you’re quite skilled at decision making, and are very confident in your choices. Still, when it comes to the ring, take your time. At least sleep on it once you decide the one you want to purchase. Solidify your decision, before you jump in.
KNOW THE STORE’S RETURN POLICY, BEFORE YOU PURCHASE
Sometimes the journey to the perfect engagement ring includes a few U-turns. Or, to be clear, some returns of the actual product.
Just in case, before you purchase a ring, you should be aware of the store’s return policy. Of course, if you buy the ring at an auction or second hand, or it’s a family treasure, the return policy will be unavailable, or very tricky. However, if you buy the ring at a store, know what your options are. You may find that the first ring you buy needs to be exchanged or returned after you get feedback from your partner.
And then, once it’s returned, you can go get the perfect engagement ring.
IF NOTHING SPEAKS TO YOU, DESIGN YOUR OWN PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING
If you are going out and looking for that perfect engagement ring, and nothing is popping out as “the one”, you may need to take matters into your own hands.
Many jewelers will work with customers to design their perfect rings. These rings can be super special, one of a kind, custom made jewelry, if done with thoughtfulness and intent. Again, know the return policy when it comes to these rings, as it may be a bit different than when you buy a standard ring that is massed produced.
BE CONFIDENT WITH YOUR CHOICE
Just like you should be confident with your choice to get married to your partner, you should be confident with your choice in engagement rings.
If you are unsure of a ring, second thinking your decision to give it to your partner, then it is likely not your perfect engagement ring. You should know, in your gut, that this is the one you want to give. There should be no doubt. If there is, you should probably look some more.
THOUGHTS ON PICKING THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING
Friends, it’s not easy to pick the perfect engagement ring. A lot of factors can go into making the choice. However, at the end of the day, you should feel very confident that this is the one. If you are having trouble determining what’s best for your partner, talk to them, or bring a friend to shop with you. You’ve got this! Happy wedding planning!
More On Getting Engaged From Hummingbird Wedding Advice
10 Things To Do As Soon As You Get Engaged
9 Ways To Announce Your Engagement
12 Engagement Party Games That Are Actually Pretty Fun
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