For those who are ready to pop the question to their loved ones, the intricacies of a proposal can get quite overwhelming. Of course, a crucial piece to proposing includes the perfect ring. Those who are ready to propose know that they need to give that special someone the world and everything in it. A ring is a symbol of this love, and is a way of declaring the desire to spend a lifetime together.
In other words, a ring is something that a partner will remember for the rest of his or her life, which is why it is so important to pick one out that is simply perfect.
The process of buying a ring isn’t something that can be done in a matter of seconds. Because of how important this item is, it essential to take the time to find the best one. However, there are a few things that can make this process significantly easier. Here are some of the factors to pay attention to when selecting the perfect engagement ring for that special someone.
1. Establish a Budget
Before even stepping foot into a jewelry shop, it is essential to figure out a budget. Different kinds of styles, cuts, and metals all should factor into a budget; this is why it is essential to figure this out before selecting the ring.
The common saying is that an engagement ring should cost around two months’ worth of salary. While there may be the urge to splurge on the fanciest ring, there is no reason to go broke just before starting in on married life. It is important to find the balance between a ring that fits that special someone while also staying within a set budget. The most important thing is not the price tag, but the love and effort that went into picking it out!
2. Find Out the Proper Ring Size
Finding out the ring size of an unsuspecting partner is one of the trickiest things to do, especially for surprise proposals. To those that have partners who already regularly wear rings, this task is a bit easier. All one has to do is use one of these existing rings. Then, one should give that to the jeweler, so that they can make a ring that fits well. The risk of taking a ring a partner wears regularly is that he or she might notice it being gone and figure that something is up.
The good news is that most sellers allow for resizing on engagement rings.
3. Brush Up on the Technical Terms
While a ring may seem like a simple accessory, there are some technical terms that one must understand before heading on out to buy one. The technical aspects of the diamond itself are important here. The quality of this stone is mainly based on the four C’s, which are Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. These can vary, depending on the kind of diamond, and can also determine the price of the ring as a whole.
Simply put, these terms mean:
- Cut: The proportions, symmetry, and polished nature of the diamond.
- Color: The actual color of the stone. Ranging from grades of D to Z, high-grade diamonds (D) are colorless.
- Clarity: How clear the stone is, or, in other words, if it contains internal scratches or other such blemishes (called inclusions). FL is the highest grade here, standing for “flawless.”
- Carat: Weight/mass of the stone.
4. Go Over the Current Trends
Those unsure of what style of ring to look for should review the current trends in the jewelry industry. There are a number of blogs, magazines, and posts that can provide glimpses into what is trending at the moment.
Some current trends include: accents of various colors, mixing various metals, unusually shaped stones, yellow gold, or other gemstones as the centerpiece besides diamonds.
5. Opt for Well-Known Jewelers
Where a ring is purchased is incredibly important. Since a diamond engagement ring tends to be an expensive purchase, it pays to notice the details and go to a respected retailer. People should opt for well-known jewelers to be assured that the ring really is worth the price paid.
The company Signet Jewelers owns many reputable brands, including KAY Jewelers, Zales, and Jared (The Galleria of Jewelry). Each of these brands is a great venue for finding that special ring:
- Jared: This company offers many exclusive pieces, which means that a fiancé will receive something no one else has! There’s also the option to work with someone to create a custom piece. Prices usually begin around a few hundred dollars and can reach beyond $10,000.
- Zales: Founded in 1924, this company has a lot to offer, including the ability to customize a ring. This brand allows people the ability to come back in for check-ups, fixes, and diamond replacements on certain rings, so there’s security in purchasing from this retailer. They offer options under $100 to pieces that can cost over $5,000.
- Kay Jewelers: Founded in 1916, this brand sells more than just rings, also offering a wide variety of necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces. Their engagement rings can fit any budget, with offerings ranging from under $100 to other options over $10,000. This company offers a wide range of styles, bands, sizes, and other variables, so there will be something for everyone. They also offer the ability to customize a ring.
6. Pick A Metal
The metal for the band can significantly change up the appearance of the ring a whole. There are a number of options for the band. Traditional options are gold, platinum, and silver. This band material is also something that can significantly impact the overall cost of the ring, which is why one must pay close attention to this detail.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that buying a ring can be a challenging task for some, but it is something that will definitely bring an immense amount of joy after seeing that special someone’s face when he or she receives this gift.
