Engagement Ring Shopping: Dos and Don’ts
Engagement ring shopping can be just as nerve-racking as it is exciting. A ring for a partner is an investment and also has meaning that represents your life together. No matter how much or little you know about rings, you can have a great shopping experience. The following dos and don’ts are intended to give you useful engagement ring shopping tips, from doing your research to picking a ring setting and diamond size that fits your budget.
Dos
Do: Research Engagement Ring Styles
If you’ve never shopped for engagement rings before, you might not know what style to look for. Browse engagement ring sites for inspiration and print out photos of rings and styles you like. What are your partner’s style and preferences? Do they gravitate towards something modern and contemporary or are they inspired by a vintage engagement ring? Either way, the 4C’s of diamonds (color, cut, clarity, and carat) must be considered, which you can learn more about here on our website.
Do: Think About Your Budget
Discussing a price range is an important step. You can then have a clearer picture of the diamond size, carat weight, and type of metal you can afford. There are rings for all types of budgets; about half of couples spend less than $5,000.1 Your timeline is also a factor. If you don’t need the ring right away, a layaway plan might be useful, while financing options let you pay over time.
Do: Consider a Variety of Diamond Shapes & Ring Settings
Diamonds come in a range of shapes. Popular ones include round brilliant, princess, emerald, Asscher, pear, and cushion. But before you settle on a shape, think of the ring setting that suits you most. Examples include a prong setting, which showcases a diamond’s brilliance but can catch on clothing or hair. If you want more stones, try a pave or halo setting. A bezel setting partially or fully surrounds the edges of the stone to create a smooth surface; it’s suited for wearers who work with their hands a lot.
Don’ts
Don’t: Limit Your Options
Although it’s helpful to have a plan, keep an open mind. There may be options have haven’t thought of or didn’t know about. For example, carat weight isn’t the only influence on price. A different clarity or color can make the diamond ring more affordable. The most important thing is to find a ring you like, regardless of its rating—if it looks good and you love it, go for it!
Don’t: Rush Your Purchase
Remember the decision is yours to make. Don’t let any retailer pressure you into making a purchase; you’ll just regret it later. Take the time to research things like ring sizing, return policies, and warranties that covers potential defects or even routine care. Most ring shoppers visit a few stores before making a final decision. Expect to not make a purchase the day you visit your first jewelry store.
Don’t: Expect to Buy a Ring and Walk Out Wearing It
Even when you find the perfect ring, it probably won’t be an exact fit. It’s common to have rings resized or re-set. Customizing a ring is exciting but it often requires a design process that allows a jeweler to create a one-of-a-kind product. You might wait a while before the ring is finally on your finger.
Contact Jeweler’s Touch
At Jeweler’s Touch, we carry a wide selection of engagement rings, and offer many different options. We’ll even help create a custom design just for your needs. You can visit our Placentia jewelry store in person, or set up a virtual appointment; we’re also offering curbside pickup and delivery services for our clients in Anaheim, Brea, Fullerton, Yorba Linda, La-Habra, and other parts of Orange County. Call 714-579-1616 to learn more.