Buying an engagement ring is the biggest purchases you’ll ever make — you want to make sure you’re doing it right. Learn how to pick engagement rings here.
Are you about to propose? You can’t do it without buying an engagement ring!
However, figuring out how to pick engagement rings can seem daunting or confusing. They’re big investments, after all, and you don’t want to screw it up by rushing your decision.
Fortunately, we’ve got a guide here to help you out. Read our tips below to learn how to buy an engagement ring:
Set Your Budget
Don’t buy into the old tradition that states an engagement ring should cost 2-months’ worth of a man’s salary. This saying was a marketing ploy back in the 1940s so people could rip off soldiers coming home from the war.
Set your budget according to what you know you can afford. Sure, you’ll want to buy the best ring available but there’s no reason to get into debt for it.
Pick a Gemstone
Diamonds are the most common choice when it comes to gemstones and for good reasons. Diamonds are among the most precious stones in the world. Prioritizing diamonds increases the price of the engagement ring but they will last for centuries.
Not sure how to pick the right diamond? Look into the four C’s: carat, color, cut, and clarity.
However, if you’re tight on a budget, you can turn to a few alternatives. You can go for cubic zirconia diamonds, for example. They’re more affordable but they discolor quickly.
Pick a Metal Type
Do you want the ring band to be yellow gold, white gold, or platinum? Do you want a unique kind of metal for the ring band? You also need to consider the shape, design, and how the gemstone sits on it.
If you’re going for traditional gold, don’t go for anything lower than 14k gold. Anything below that standard contains too many other alloys and won’t carry a high value in the market.
Looking for vintage engagement rings? You’ll want traditional yellow gold. If you want something chic, white gold or rose gold are better options.
Know Her Size