Is it about time to start ring shopping? Congratulations! Buying an engagement ring and gearing up for the proposal is a crazy exciting time, and it's easy to get caught up in the romance, but remember: an engagement ring is usually a considerable expense, so you want to make sure you do it right.
Whether you'll be scouting out rings together or you're heading out to shop solo, this extensive guide is key to finding the perfect engagement ring for your significant other.
1. Don’t Panic
2. Think of Her Style
Remember what we mentioned about “keeping her in mind”? You probably have a starting idea on what her style is: her clothing choices, her go-to accessories, her favorite colors, and the list goes on. Take note on her favorites:
Does she like the elegance of smaller, delicate jewelry?
Does she favor the wow factor of a flashy center piece?
Write down what she wears when you go to a party together; write down the precious metals she wears the most (yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, etc.); keep in mind what she considers her style.
Most importantly, do you know what she doesn’t like? Take note of that as well (like if she “can’t stand chocolate diamonds” or “could never see herself even considering a halo” or “has no idea why pave diamonds are even a thing”).
Knowing what she likes, what she doesn’t like, what she wears most, and what her day is like should be your number one guide to finding the perfect ring for her.
3. Figure Out Your Budget
Finding a budget that works for you is crucial. Knowing your limit before you begin searching for engagement rings will ensure the biggest return of investment. All you need to do is find a budget that makes you feel comfortable, and stick within those limits. By keeping your budget in mind as you shop around, you will be able to focus on options where your dollar goes farther (but the ring still has a stunning design).
4. Do Your Research
Now that you have her style in mind and your budget in hand, the search can begin. Online searches will definitely help narrow down the initial ring styles you’re considering. Browse jeweler websites and check out their collections, and their portfolios.
Pretty soon you’ll have a good assortment of options. If you need to hold the ring to better visualize the end product, compile a list of jewelers you want to check out. Ask your married friends or your family for recommendations. Just be sure to always check reviews online before you commit.
This is a big decision. Choosing the right jeweler could make all the difference. In our experience, the highest quality rings come from experienced, well-respected and respectful jewelers who keep your interests as the focus.
We will suggest finding time and visit our showroom in Birmingham if it is not far from you, so you can see the quality of rings by touching them yourself.
5. Consider Custom Ring Design
If you’re looking for something truly unique, can’t find the right style out there, and have an idea on what the right ring should look like, custom ring design is the perfect solution.
The trick is to collect your thoughts, her preferences, and all the inspiration you’ve gathered and bring them to a jeweler who can do a custom design, preferably on-site (for timing and better accessibility). The best custom jewelers will sit down with you to talk through everything:
- Budget and Timeline
- Diamonds and Gems
- Styles and Cuts
- Additional Details
- Concerns and Questions
6.Compare Your Options
Alright, you’ve come this far and the finish line is in sight. After the research and soul-searching, you might be down to a few options. This is where you dig the deepest: what ring screams “this is her”? For some this might be a gut decision that just feels right, and for others this might be a pro-con list. But, no matter which direction you go, this is a decision that you and you alone can make.
7. Seriously, Don’t Panic
Choosing the right ring is all about the details. But at the end of the day, no matter how much a ring will cost, no matter how many bells or whistles you add, no matter the stone, cut or color…the goal is to find a ring that tells your story.
No matter which ring you decide is right, she will love it because you took the time to make sure it was right for her. She will love it because she will see the effort you put into it. And, most importantly, she will love it because she loves you. Best of luck to you!
