How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring
What would you think of if we asked you to imagine the picture-perfect marriage proposal? Probably, you’d daydream of a romantic dinner, perhaps by the sea and under a moonlit sky, with soft, atmospheric music in the background. And, of course, the star of the show: a stunning engagement ring.
The best proposals, in fact, are completed with the most gorgeous rings that you can think of, and which you (or your lucky other half) are going to wear for a lifetime. If you are already having “the talk” with your partner, then it may be time to have a look around and decide what ring would suit you, your style, and your personality best.
You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, you will find some great, inspiring ideas to find the perfect engagement ring. Are you ready for that picture-perfect marriage proposal? Then, keep on reading.
Set Your Budget
Right, let’s start with something a little bit boring, but essential: money. When planning a wedding, few things are worse than finding something that you fall in love with only to realize that you can’t afford it. Whether it be your wedding venue, bridal dress, catering service, or, of course, your engagement ring.
So, in order to avoid any frustration and disappointment, make sure you establish a rough budget before you even start looking at rings. Of course, there is some leeway in how much you can over-spend, but setting a budget will allow you not to waste time on rings that you definitely can’t afford to buy.
Customize or Buy off-the-Shelf?
Is it going to be online, or at a store? And if you decide to shop at a store, what kind of store do you think might have the ring of your dreams? At the moment, you have so many options if you settle on a ready-made ring: just make sure that the store you buy from is fully certified and that their pieces are ethically produced and meet all the industry standards.
Prefer something completely unique? Then, a bespoke engagement ring is the right choice. You can either design the ring yourself, or with assistance from a professional, and then ask a jeweler to handle the creation.
Just remember: professionally executed customization is a long process and can take up to a few weeks. If you opt for a fully bespoke ring, then allow plenty of time for its masterful creation.
Learn a Bit About the Industry
Do words like “cut”, “setting”, “carat”, and “clarity” mean anything to you? If not, then you should start doing a bit of reading about the jewelry industry, and about engagement rings in particular.
This becomes very important if you have decided to go the bespoke way: you’ll need to have many conversations with designers and jewelers, so knowing the basics and learning the industry lingo will come in super-handy.
Decide Who Is Going to Buy the Ring
Do you think that it always has to be the boyfriend the one who picks and buys the ring? While this is of course more traditional and remains a fairly popular option, more and more brides to be are now taking matters into their own hands.
Meaning: they want to have more than a say in what is going to be the most important ring of their lives. So, if you fall into this category, you might want to make it clear to your other half, in order to avoid them buying you something that you end up not wearing (or maybe even liking).
If you are happy with leaving the choice and buying process in the hands of your partner, then you’ll still want to give them some input and ideas to make sure that what they get you is what you really want.
Consider Aesthetic as Well as Durability
Two factors are very important when choosing the perfect engagement ring: how it looks, and how durable it is. The aesthetic is a crucial part because you want your ring to look and feel stunning and special. But don’t underestimate the essential value of a long-lasting ring.
You are likely planning on wearing your ring very often, if not daily, so you’ll want to opt for a solid material like 18kt gold or platinum, and a hard stone like diamond, sapphire, or ruby. You also want your engagement ring to sit nicely with your wedding band, so consider whether the styles of both rings are compatible.
Remember to Measure Your Ring Size
This might sound like a trivial thing, but it’s another vital aspect to keep in mind: your ring size. Even though you know, or think you know, what your ring size is, for greater peace of mind it will still be best to have your finger re-measured.
Many factors can affect a ring size, so it’s wise to take your measurements as close to the actual shopping day as possible. Even better, try and have your ring measured by the same jeweler where you or your future spouse are going to buy your ring from, as that’s going to be even more accurate.
Have Fun and Make the Most of This Special Occasion!
Picking the perfect engagement ring is one of the most special and memorable experiences for a couple. So, keep this in mind whenever you feel a bit stressed or overwhelmed by your quest! Remember, you still want to enjoy the process.
And if you think that you’d rather leave the whole thing to your partner, then hand them over this guide and they’ll know exactly how to get you the ring of your dreams!
Ready to Find the Engagement Ring of Your Dreams?
With our easy tips, you can now start shopping for the perfect engagement ring in total confidence. Whether you are buying a ring for your future bride-to-be, or if you are leaving it in the (hopefully capable!) hands of your fiancé, you’ll surely find something that truly meets your taste, style, and personality.
Remember to consider elements such as carat, clarity, color, and cut, decide on a budget, figure out whether you’d prefer something customized, and always buy from a reputable, certified seller.
If you are serious about buying an amazing engagement ring, then check out our collection at Garner Wallace. We feature some stunning pieces that are sure to absolutely wow any future bride. Take a look now!
