Things to Keep In Mind When Searching For a Ring
There are tons of details about diamonds that you could research before buying an engagement ring. To save you some time, here is a break down of some of the most important things you should keep in mind when buying a ring:
1. Your budget. When you first get the idea of proposing you should start saving. The diamond industry’s guidelines say you should spend two month’s salary on a ring. Just remember that the size of a ring doesn’t show how much you love your soon to be fiancé.
2. Ring size. You might have to be sneaky in order to get her ring size if you want the ring to fit the moment she puts it on. Check out our previous blog for Clever Ways to Get Her Ring Size. Just keep in mind that most jewelers will charge you to have the ring sized twice so if you don’t know her size you’re better off not guessing and coming back with the correct size after you propose.
3. Have an idea of what she wants. You can do this by paying attention to clues she gives, jewelry she wears, or what she’s told her friends and family her preferences are.
4. Know the 4 C’s of Engagement Rings: color, cut, clarity, and carat. These are four of the most important things to know to determine the quality of a diamond.
5. Get it In Writing. Don’t buy a diamond without an independent diamond-grading report from the GIA or the American Gem Society. It should include the 4 c’s of color, cut, clarity and caret, as well as the shape and size.
6. Get it Insured. The worst thing would be losing the ring and all of your hard work and hard earned money. Getting it insured protects you if your ring gets stolen or breaks and saves you from pre-mature grey hair.
7. Know your jeweler. Ask around and see what jewelers people recommend. Sometimes boutique jewelers have better quality diamonds than chain jewelry stores. No matter what jeweler you choose, make sure they are accredited by the Jewelers of America or is a member of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Also, before buying anything find out what the return policy is so you can exchange it if it’s completely not what your girlfriend/boyfriend wanted.
8. Can you find it cheaper somewhere else? Part of knowing your jeweler is knowing if they’re giving you a good deal or ripping you off. Sometimes it’s better to shop around different jewelers before deciding to go with one.
9. You might not be able to get it right away. If you’re custom designing your ring or getting it engraved keep in mind that you’re not going to be able to walk out of the store with your ring the day you buy it.
10. How will it look on? You don’t want to get a ring that’s too big for your loved one’s hand, or one that is not her style. Sometimes it’s better to take one of her friends or family members with you when you go to get a second opinion.
Now that you have the perfect ring, let’s get started choosing the perfect proposal package. Once you have looked at all of our proposal packages and chosen the one that is right for you, get the perfect engagement ring box from www.ringstash.com.
Photo courtesy of Clary Photo
