How to Choose an Engagement Ring
When you decide to propose to that special person, you will have a few important things to tick off your to-do list. Key among these is finding the perfect ring.
This process is different for everyone. For some, the right ring just pops in their face on the first day of shopping. For others, the recipient has already dropped enough hints of what they would like. However, not everyone is as lucky. If you have to take on this task from scratch, no cause for panic. Here are some pointers to help you navigate this process, and make the right pick.
Focus on the Wearer
In other words, forget about fashion and trends and all that jazz. A ring should be symbolic, and classic and should represent a bond that should last forever. So everything about this ring should reflect your significant other.
Think about their personality and the types of jewelry they love. Are they a gold or silver person? Maybe platinum? Do they like understated jewelry or statement pieces? Are they big on sustainability? Will they love a classic diamond, or do they hold sentimental value to other precious stones?
If you can find something that matches who they are, your job is halfway done.
New or Pre-Loved?
Traditionally, engagement rings were new or at the very least handed down within the family. Not anymore. Today, more and more couples are considering getting used engagement rings and even wedding bands.
There are multiple benefits to buying pre-owned rings, including better affordability for very unique items and eco-friendliness. Again, make this determination with your fiancé in mind.
Size Matters
While a ring can be taken back for resizing, it doesn’t hurt to get extra points for getting the size right. If you’re shopping together, this is easy, if it’s a surprise proposal, then you have some homework to do.
There are a few ways to get his or her ring size, thankfully. The first is to tie a string around her finger and take this to a jeweler. Two, you can have a friend or relative take your fiancée to try out rings ‘for fun’ and they can get their size. Another way is to ‘steal’ her favorite ring and take it to the jeweler for a similar fitting.
Know the 4C’s
At this point, you have a pretty clear picture of what your fiancé would want. So now it's time to pay attention to the actual ring.
The first rule of buying a diamond ring is knowing the 4C’s. These are:
- Color
- Clarity
- Cut
- Carat weight
Color
Color is graded on a D to Z scale, with D meaning the diamond is colorless, and Z meaning a diamond has a yellowish to brownish tint. In the diamond world, the clearer the better, and the more expensive.
Clarity
Clarify is graded on a scale from Flawless to Included. These refer to the absence or inclusion of internal features. Flawless speaks to the absence of blemishes, while Included speaks to a diamond having surface irregularities.
Cut
How a diamond is cut determines how it interacts with light. Similarly, its proportions, polish, and symmetry determine its fire (flashes of color) and brilliance (sparkle).
Carat Weight
Carat weight determines a diamond's obvious size, and the larger it is, the rarer and more valuable it is. One way to play around with this is to get a halo ring, where a diamond is surrounded by smaller ones, creating the illusion of a larger center stone.
Once you understand the above, figure out which of the 4C's mean the most to you and indeed, to your significant other. Additionally, determine which C’s you are happy to spend on, and which ones you can compromise on, depending on your budget.
Learn The Store’s Exchange Policy
Now, the worst case scenario: after all your groundwork, your intended agrees to marry you, but hates the ring. What next?
This brings us to our next point.
Do not commit to a ring before finding out what the jeweler’s return or exchange policy is. Should the ring be a flop, it should be possible to go back to the store and exchange it for a different one. Also, if you go for a high ticket ring, inquire about warranty and insurance.
One Last Thing…
Don't limit yourself when jewelry shopping, as you will be surprised about the gems (pun intended) you can find in the least thought of places. So look at physical stores, shop online, and try some trusted second-hand jewelry stores like the Twice Loved.