If you’ve been with your partner for a long time now and you’re certain that they’re the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, it may be time to make your union official. In other words, marriage might be at the top of your to-do list. However, before you get to planning your wedding, there’s still one hurdle you must go through: a proposal.
Regardless of how you’re going to propose, whether with a fancy proposal or an intimate one, you will certainly need an engagement ring. Take note that these don’t usually come cheap; a survey conducted in 2022 revealed that the average price of an engagement ring is around USD$5,000. Thus, it’s important to do your research if you want to find the right ring for your partner. After all, you wouldn’t want to spend a hefty amount on a ring that doesn’t suit you or your partner’s preference.
To help you out, keep the following tips in mind when you shop for an engagement ring.
1. Ignore trends
An engagement ring doesn’t only symbolize one’s relationship status; it should also be a reflection of your and your partner’s ideals. So, when choosing one, don’t allow yourself to be guided by whatever is currently trending.
A ring that’s currently in vogue won’t necessarily stand against the test of time. Since an engagement ring is supposed to last a lifetime, it may be counterintuitive to choose one that’s based on something contingent. If you want an engagement ring that your partner will love, you should make an effort to research specific types of rings that will remind your partner of you and the relationship you share.
2. Have a set budget
As stated above, engagement rings are expensive, so your budget is a crucial factor when choosing a ring. Some people would say that the ideal budget for an engagement ring is dependent on how much you earn per month; some even go by the specific guideline of having a budget worth three months of your salary. Whatever you decide may depend on different factors specific to your situation, but it’s indeed a good guideline to base the amount on your monthly salary if you’re still saving up for the ring.
Once you set a budget, make sure to stick to it. Don’t get caught up in the idea that you have to get the grandest ring or the one with the biggest stone; otherwise, you might bite off more than you can chew, and this could put you in a financial bind. To make things easier, do some research beforehand on jewelry shops in your area that offer rings within your budget.
3. Determine your partner’s ring size
If you want the proposal to be perfect, that means getting everything right, even down to the ring size. To get your partner’s ring size, you could go shopping for the engagement ring together. However, that may not be doable if you’re planning a surprise proposal.
In that case, you’ll need to be creative. You can ask their close friends or family members for this information. If they don’t have the answer, you could use one of your partner’s rings as a reference when you go ring shopping. To eliminate the guesswork, you can also use a ring size chart, which may be conveniently provided by a reputable ring supplier.
4. Consider the stone’s shape
Once you know the ring size, the next step is to determine the right stone shape. This applies if you’re planning to buy a traditional engagement ring, which usually features a prominent stone. You can consider the common stone shapes used in traditional engagement rings:
- Round cut
- Princess cut
- Emerald cut
- Oval cut
- Pear cut
- Heart cut
5. Choose the right metal
Engagement rings are often made of two important parts: metal and stone. The main purpose of the metal is to provide the framework of the entire ring and set the stone in place. In addition to its function, the metal also affects the overall aesthetic of the ring. So, in your buying process, make sure to consider these features in choosing the metal:
- Type: Metal can be categorized as precious or contemporary. Sterling silver, solid gold, and platinum belong to the former category, while titanium and tungsten are examples of the latter. Keep in mind that precious metals, as their name implies, are significantly more expensive than contemporary ones.
- Color: Metal has a distinct color. But when it comes to engagement rings, metal alloys are often mixed with pure gold, making them more durable. In addition to durability, pure gold is also used to make the following colors: rose gold, yellow gold, and white gold.
6. Gather helpful advice
An undecided and picky person may find the whole buying process of an engagement ring daunting. If you’re this type of person, one way to make this task simpler is to ask for opinions from friends and family members, particularly if they have experience in buying engagement rings or diamond rings in general. Once you’ve gathered their recommendations, you can then compare them with your prospects. This way, you can narrow down your choices significantly.
7. Choose the right design
The right ring design will be different for each person. Hence, you should consider your partner’s taste when making your choice. Would they love a simple ring design or a flashy one? Do they prefer a center stone or an eternity ring? Consider how they would answer such questions.
The right design will also depend on your partner’s lifestyle. For instance, if their line of work involves them using their hands frequently, you may want to consider getting them a ring with a bezel setting, as the stone will be more secure in such a design. Additionally, depending on the jeweler, you can request to modify the engagement ring’s original design so it’ll suit your and your partner’s preferences.
Final words
In addition to wedding planning tips, it’s important for you to do research on how to choose the best engagement ring for your partner. For the proposal to be perfect, it should be done with the right type of ring. This way, it will significantly boost your partner’s happiness.
