You should have some things in mind if you are planning on proposing, anticipating a proposal soon, or already shopping around with your partner for an engagement band. Your forever sparkler is an expensive piece of jewelry and one you will be wearing for the rest of your life. Do you need help determining where to begin? We can help. Below are expert tips to help you choose the right engagement ring.
Decide on your engagement ring budget
You should forget about the three-month wage myth and instead buy the best ring possible without taking on major debt. The average price of an engagement ring currently stands at $6,000. According to The Knot 2022 Jewelry and Engagement Study. If you are looking for a large stone but need more money, consider a larger center stone. The shapes with the largest carats are oval, marquise, and pear diamonds. Although you won’t see as much sparkle in a one-carat ring, it will look more prominent if the stone has yet to be cut as deeply. You don’t want to compromise the appearance of your stone. A savings of almost 20 percent can be achieved by buying just shy of the next Carat (1.8 instead of 2) Clearance-wise, purchasing shy of the next carat (1.8 instead of 2) can save you nearly 20%. Also, halo settings, can give the illusion of a larger center diamond and are less expensive.
Choose between Natural and Lab-Grown Stones
The main differences between natural and lab-grown stones are their origin and cost. Natural gemstones are formed millions of years ago. They are mined using modern mining techniques from deep within the earth. Lab-grown gemstones are made in labs by scientists in a matter of weeks. Lab-grown gemstones can be 30% to 50% cheaper than those mined because their production and availability are controlled by mankind. Both lab-grown and natural stones are chemically as well as optically identical. It would be best if you chose the right option before buying an engagement ring. A lab-created center stone could be the right choice for you and your partner if you are looking for something more affordable. Another plus? Another pro? Lab-grown gemstones are never subject to conflict. It is important to remember that lab-grown rings are not always conflict-free. These futuristic stones are still relatively new and may lose value over time. Consider natural jewelry if you are looking for jewelry that you can sell later or upgrade.
Buy Loose Stones
You will most likely look at loose stones unless you buy an estate ring. The samples you see in the jeweler’s case may not be the final product. Because the ring’s center stone is the largest cost element, you should make sure that you get the best ring possible within your budget. A good jeweler (more about that later) can help you find the right one and guide you.
Buy Smart
Recommendations from family and friends are the best way to start your search for a jeweler. Are you looking for leads? You can check for affiliation with industry organizations. You can start by looking for stores that are accredited by the Jewelers of America, or members of the Gemological Institute of America. You can also locate local jewelers. Many chains with a reputation are reliable and often offer sales. Always ask about the return policy of a store. You should be able at least to exchange the stone with your partner if you are surprising them.
Do Your Best for Less Than Six Weeks
It can take up to six weeks for a ring to arrive once it has been ordered. Custom orders may take longer. You can engrave the inside or outside of the ring by asking for it when you place your order. Also, account for any additional time.
Learn It in Writing
A diamond grading report from an independent gemological organization such as the GIA, or the American Gem Society should accompany any diamonds over one carat. A “fingerprint” might be included on your bill of sale. This would include information about the stone’s four C’s, shape, and dimensions, as well as any cosmetic enhancements. Also, anything that affects its value–if it was made by a famous designer, is an antique or period piece, or is handmade or custom-designed–should also be noted.
You can protect your purchase
Real talk: Ring theft and loss happen. A ring insurance policy will cover your wedding and engagement rings, regardless of their value. You have two options for insuring your engagement ring. Either you can add it to your home or renters insurance (known as a “rider”) or you can buy a policy through an insurer that specializes in jewelry. For a small fee, you will need to submit your receipts and an appraisal.
Admire Your Partner’s Style
These days, it’s perfectly normal and encouraged for couples to shop together for ring shopping. The Knot 20022 Jewelry and Engagement Study shows that 75% of people are proposing to do so with the selection process, while 40% drop hints about their preferences to their partner. If you are a more traditionalist and want to surprise your partner by choosing a ring that they will love, do some research. Ask your best friend or sibling (and swear to secrecy) for assistance. If you don’t want to tell anyone, take a look at the jewelry they have. Are they more likely to wear silver and platinum, or gold and yellow? Are they more drawn to vintage jewels than simple, modern pieces of jewelry? Take a few weeks to pay attention and make mental notes about their style. What is your partner looking for? Ask. It’s okay to have an open discussion about their likes, and we promise that it won’t ruin the moment when they ask.
Select Your Gemstone
You don’t have to choose a diamond. The Knot 2022 Jewelry and Engagement Study found that 10% of couples choose a sparkler with a non-diamond center stone. The main advantage of choosing an alternative engagement ring is the cost. Gemstones can be more affordable than comparable-sized diamonds and are available in many colors, each with its own significance. sapphires, for example, are associated with faithfulness. They have been chosen by the Royal Family as their engagement ring stone. Rubies are a symbol of passion and are a timeless, but unexpected choice. You can make your ring stand out from the crowd by thinking beyond the box. There are many stunning options for engagement rings, including morganite, tourmaline, and aquamarine. Not all gemstones can be worn every day. This is evident in the example of opals and pearls. You might want to reconsider if you are tempted to buy a stone with a Mohs rating lower than 7. This is because it’s more likely that it will crack or break due to wear and tear. You might also consider softer stones. You can wear your engagement ring on special occasions only by choosing a bold band.
Choose a Shape
Before you know 4C’s (cut color, clarity, carat, and carat), you can get an idea of the diamond shape that you or your partner love. The shape of the stone refers to its actual geometry, not the cut, which refers to the angles of the stones. Round diamonds are the most popular, but it’s not the only choice. The most popular shapes are round, oval, pear, emerald, and rose-cut diamonds. has a comprehensive guide to all the different shapes of diamonds.
Settle On A Setting
The ring’s tone can be set by a quality setting, which is the metal frame in which your stone is placed. In a bezel setting, a classic round diamond is given a modern twist. In a four-prong setting, a trendy oval can look even more traditional. A vintage-inspired setting featuring milgrain and filigree details creates an heirloom-worthy emerald-cut diamond. It is important to find the perfect combination of setting and shape. You can get exactly what you want by customizing your order. Although it is more expensive than premade designs, you will know that you are getting exactly what your partner or you want.
Take a look at the metal
There are many metals to choose from when it comes down to choosing a band. Platinum is a popular choice. Its durability and particularly pureness make it an excellent choice for sensitive skin. You can also get gold in many colors including black, white, yellow, and rose. You might also be interested in palladium, which has a grayer hue than platinum, or a recycled metal band that might contain a mix of gold and platinum. It’s “something old and something new” all in one.
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