How to Pick the Perfect Engagement Ring

Decisions, Decisions:

How to Pick the Perfect Engagement Ring

You’ve made your decision. You’ve decided to ask that special someone to spend the rest of their lives with you. But now comes the hard part: Choosing a ring to give your future wife. It can be an overwhelming prospect. How can I possibly find the right ring to show that person how much I care? With so many different styles and options, it can be overwhelming to shop for such a timeless piece of jewelry. This guide will help you to make some decisions before ever stepping into a jewelry store or pulling up your favorite online shopping site.

The Basics

It may seem obvious, but make sure that you know the ring size of your fiancé-to-be. Also, consider his or her personal style. Do they like a classic look or prefer something ultra-modern? Big and flashy or subtle? These bits of info will help to begin narrowing down your options, eliminating selections that won’t fit your loved one, literally or metaphorically!

The Budget

This is a big one. Set a high and low-end budget. First, this is going to drastically narrow down the ring options that are worth your consideration. Second, setting a realistic budget is a great way to ensure that you don’t overspend and create a financial hardship down the road. Traditional wisdom says that you should spend 1 to 3 months of your salary on a ring. For a person making $50,000, that’s almost $4,200. But there are many other factors to consider. Are you looking forward to a big promotion in the near future and willing to up the budget to spoil your partner? Or maybe you both love to travel and would rather dial back the ring price in favor of an extra week or two out of town during your first year of marriage. At the end of the day, ignore what others have to say and choose a price range that is best for you and the family you are creating!

The Stone

The diamond is, of course, the go-to engagement stone. It is known for its beauty and durability. But don’t count out other options! Sapphires and rubies are almost as tough as diamonds. Even less durable stones can be attached to a band with a bezel or tension setting that will protect them from wear. This is a decision that should be largely informed by your partner’s style. Pick a stone that they love and will cherish forever!

The 4 C’s

The four C’s (carat weight, cut, color, and clarity) are used to judge the quality of a stone. Usually, they are applied to diamonds, but the same concepts apply for all stone types. Do some research on this rating system so that you will be prepared to reject stones that don’t meet your standards and be better able to examine stones of interest. This can be especially helpful if you find yourself in a position with a salesperson that seems more interested in commission than getting you exactly what you want.

Of course, there are many more factors to be considered in choosing a ring, such as a band material and whether there is the option for a warranty. But as long as you make some solid choices before visiting the list of jewelers that you compiled, you can have a pleasant time shopping for your loved one rather than tearing out your hair in frustration. After all, the ring should be a symbol of your love, not a source of stress!