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In the digital age, engagement announcements are primarily posted on social media, where thousands of excited friends, family members, and followers exclaim their congratulations to the couple.
And because social media is largely image-centric, engagement announcements are expected to include an extreme close-up of the engagement ring.
This can put tremendous pressure on the person buying the ring. It should be the perfect choice if thousands of people are going to see it and comment on it, right?
The truth is that an engagement ring is a very personal piece of jewelry. It is meant to symbolize the relationship, and it is a distillation of the deep love and eternal affection the buyer feels for their intended.
On a personal and public level, the importance of this piece of jewelry should not be underestimated.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about buying the perfect engagement ring. Read on!
How Much Should I Spend on an Engagement Ring?
When setting a budget for an engagement ring, the most important thing you must consider is how much you can truly afford. Take a close look at your current financial situation and be honest with yourself about what you can spend.
The amount you set should not cause any financial strain, as this will only lead to pressure on your relationship. Stick to your budget and then find ways to accommodate your partner’s desires in terms of carat size, cut, color, clarity, quality, and band.
With a bit of patience and creative thinking, you will find the perfect ring within your means.
What Is the Etiquette for Buying an Engagement Ring?
After deciding on your budget, it’s time to get to the fun part: choosing the ring. Here are the steps you need to take:
- Consider the Shape and Style
Do you want to get a single stone on a metal band? How about a double or triple set? Do you go traditional or heirloom?
With seemingly endless options to choose from, answering these questions and more will help narrow down the search early on.
- Think About Cut, Color, Carat, and Clarity
- Cut – This is the most important indicator of quality, and it describes the polish, proportion, depth, and symmetry of the diamond.
- Color – The range for near colorless diamonds is G to J. Anything beyond this will have a yellow tint, which can make your ring look special.
- Clarity – Don’t worry if a flawless diamond is beyond your budget. Diamonds in the VS2-SI1 range look identical and are much more affordable.
- Carat – Contrary to popular belief, the carat is the least of your concerns. If you choose the best cut, color, and clarity, feel free to choose the largest carat you can afford.
- Choose the Best Metal
Once you’re set on the perfect diamond, it’s time to choose the band.
Platinum is a precious metal that wonderfully showcases the sparkle of diamonds. It is highly durable and hypoallergenic.
14-karat gold is the most common band choice for engagement rings, and it comes in many different shades and tints for maximum design flexibility.
- Choose the Best Setting
A low setting means the stone sits very securely, close to the band. This is great if your partner has a very active lifestyle—there is little risk of the diamond chipping or falling out.
You can opt for a setting that will make a relatively small diamond look bigger than it is or add special meaning to the ring in the form of engravings.
- Get the Right Diamond Certificate
Before purchasing anything, make sure the jeweler will provide all the needed documentation for the diamond you’ve chosen. Your certificate must reflect accurate and reliable gradings to ensure that you get your money’s worth.
What Should You Not Do When Buying a Diamond Ring?
Here are the things you must avoid when shopping for an engagement ring:
- Do not go beyond your budget
- Do not buy a ring without considering your partner’s style
- Do not settle on a ring without looking at all of your options
- Do not buy a diamond without proper certification
- Do not be afraid to be different
Should I Get an Engagement Ring Online or In-Store?
Walking into a jewelry store and choosing a diamond ring over the counter might seem like the most practical way to shop, but these days, making an online purchase is a much better option.
When you browse online, you have access to thousands of shops, merchandise, styles, prices, and seemingly endless options. You can shop in the comfort of your home and enjoy the experience without pressure from hovering salespersons.
When evaluating your online choices, do your due diligence and read customer reviews of the store you’re buying from, consider the pros and cons of the styles you’re considering, and research everything you need to know before finally clicking the purchase button.
In general, online stores offer lower prices because they don’t have to compensate for the expenses of a physical store and employees.
Do Couples Go Engagement Ring Shopping Together?
Traditionally, a man would buy the engagement ring on his own with the hopes of surprising his partner on the day of the proposal. He runs the risk of getting an unsuitable ring.
Today, over 60% of couples openly discuss marriage and are comfortable with choosing the engagement ring together.
If you are unsure about how to approach this discussion, pick a time when you are both happy and relaxed.
This is not the kind of talk you would want to have after a fight, when you are tired, or otherwise dealing with the stress of life. Maintain open and honest communication to make the best decision for your partnership.
Why Buy Engagement Rings at Othergems.com?
Othergems offers a unique shopping experience wherein you can be a part of the engagement ring creation process. Just present your dream ring design, and wait as we turn your dream into reality.
When you purchase your engagement ring from Othergems.com, you can rest assured that you get a high-quality product and excellent customer service. Each diamond is carefully graded and is in pristine condition.
We have flexible return policies, so any unforeseen circumstances will not result in a significant financial loss.
We have over 30 years of experience in the world of diamond jewelry. Our production process is streamlined to ensure the best products at fast turnaround times. We also provide expert customer service. We ship for free internationally, so order your engagement ring from us today!