In almost every mature, adult relationship, there comes a time when you think about marriage.
You look at your significant other and imagine the future.
But how do you begin searching for the perfect engagement ring?
Finding the right one will not be easy, which is why we’ve put together a guide to help you on your search.
Budgeting
Before you begin, figure out exactly how much you are willing to spend.
The ring you choose should be a testament of your love, not a financial burden.
In recent years, there have been “rules” about how much you should spend on an engagement ring. Is it one month’s salary? Two months? Three?
The real answer is whatever you can afford.
Figure out a date for when you plan to propose and if your current bills and your current income will change (for better or worse) in the near future.
Formulate a plan of how much money you can reasonably save within that time frame, set a budget for yourself and stick to it.
Remember: The main goal is to purchase a ring that she’ll love and feel proud of, regardless of the price tag.
Plus, she will love your financial responsibility.
Do Your Research
Before you plan to pop the question, you should have some idea of what type of engagement ring your significant other would like.
If you’re not sure which direction to go in, consider asking her friends for ideas, or check around any hints she may be leaving.
To make it less of a surprise, you could go “window shopping” together or ask your partner outright for ideas.
There are an endless amount of options when it comes to choosing an engagement ring.
Remember to aim for one that says as much about the person who will be wearing it and as little about you and your wallet as possible.
A well thought out ring that speaks to her individual personality will hold great meaning.
Before purchasing a ring from a retailer, make sure you fully understand the company’s payment and shipping methods, and the return policy.
Choosing a Diamond
When it’s time to make a decision on which ring to choose, you’re going to hear a lot about the four C’s of the stone – color, cut, clarity and carat.
- Color: When choosing a color to go with, it’s best to go with a clear-cut diamond.
- Cut: A cut is the actual shape of a diamond. A well-cut diamond will reflect more light and appear larger than it actually is. An inferior cut will appear dull and have considerably less sparkle.
- Clarity: A diamond with great clarity will be flawless, while a poor clarity quality will have inclusions and may have surface aberrations or chips in it.
- Carat: A diamond’s weight is measured in carats.
We know that this can all get very overwhelming extremely quickly.
If you find yourself in need of some help, schedule an appointment with our team of experts. We would be glad to assist you!
