Are you planning on asking the big question soon? Congratulations! Gearing for a proposal and going ring shopping is an incredibly exciting time, but also one that requires careful planning.
An engagement ring is a big (and often very expensive) purchase, so you want to make sure you do it right. Finding a ring that fits your budget, suits your and your partner’s tastes, and commemorates the beautiful love you have between you two can be a lot of pressure.
But fret not! Whether you’re heading to the shops solo or picking out rings together, here are the top 7 considerations when buying the perfect engagement ring for your partner.
1. Decide The Shape
Having an idea of the shape of the stone your partner prefers can greatly help you narrow down your ring choice when you’re checking out a store like Larsen Melbourne.
The shape you go for also affects the overall price of your ring — round cuts are the most expensive, while others like pear cuts cost lower.
If you want to spoil your partner with a large stone, choosing a more affordable cut can allow you to get more carats at a lower price. So before you hit the stores, look into the various diamond cuts available, and pick a favorite or two.
2. Choose Your Metal
Your chosen stone may be your ring’s centerpiece, but the metal of the band is also an important consideration.
Typically, engagement and wedding rings are made from white or yellow gold, silver, or platinum (although rose gold is also a new favorite).
Keep in mind that rings derive a lot of value from the band, so if you’re looking to impress your partner, you’ll want to pair your dazzling round-cut diamond with a beautiful rose gold setting. If you’re working with a tight budget, look into metals like silver as more affordable alternatives.
3. Determine The Stone Size
The size of the stone is perhaps the most important factor for most ring buyers. And although people often judge the overall value of an engagement ring by how large the diamond is, bigger doesn’t always mean better.
When choosing the carat size for your ring, you should try and figure out what your partner will actually like. Would they prefer a breathtaking, fully clear, smaller diamond? Or would they compromise on clarity in exchange for a heavier stone?
It’s important to have a general idea of the carat size you and your partner will prefer, as this will serve as a good starting point for your budget. If size matters, decide on an ideal carat size, and then tweak other factors like color and clarity to find something within your budget.
4. Take Proper Measurements
This may seem like stating the obvious, but make sure you measure your partner’s ring size correctly before making the big purchase. You don’t want the ring to end up cutting off your partner’s circulation, or worse, falling off their finger! The ideal ring should fit snugly, slide off easily, and feel comfortable on the finger.
If you’re unsure of your partner’s ring size, we recommend asking their family or close friends for confirmation. This can help you purchase the correct size without ruining the surprise. You can also use a ring they own as a guideline, as long as they wear it on the ring finger. If you’re still unsure, it’s always better to opt for a slightly larger band that can be resized later if needed.
5. Pair With Your Wedding Band
While it’s exciting shopping for the perfect ring to get down on one knee, the engagement ring is only one half of the equation. The ring your partner will eventually end up wearing long-term will be the often overlooked other half — your wedding band.
As a symbol of your vows and commitment to each other, your wedding bands are equally, if not more, important than the engagement ring you give to your partner.
It’s important to consider what style of wedding band will go with the ring you purchase. Some engagement rings don’t allow a band to sit well with them, so take that into consideration before committing to a final style. If you prefer a more gothic look, you can click here to check out some incredible gothic designs, but if you prefer a more classic look, you should easily be able to find something to match your wedding band.
6. Check Certifications
An engagement ring will be one of your life’s most important, and likely most expensive, purchases, so make sure you shop smartly. Considering the significance this jewelry will hold, it’s important not to compromise on quality in exchange for a cheaper deal.
This doesn’t mean you must purchase the largest, most extravagant diamond in the shop. A more subtle and smaller ring will be just as meaningful as long as it’s high quality and authentic.
So make sure the ring you purchase is certified by an accredited laboratory.
If a seller is offering a suspiciously good deal, this could mean they’re selling a lower-quality diamond with an inflated grade. You want only the very best for your partner, so don’t shy away from asking for certifications when choosing a stone.
7. Order In Advance
Unless you’re purchasing in-store, your jeweler will require some time to place your desired stone with your chosen ring setting. Additionally, a custom ring will be crafted only after you place your order, so make sure you hit up the stores well in advance!
A good rule of thumb is to get the ring in hand around 6 to 8 weeks before you plan on proposing, which should give you plenty of breathing room.
