For numerous folks, shopping for an engagement ring is a daunting experience. They are shopping for a diamond for the first time and they are wondering what to look for. I'm here to help! As odd as it may sound, shopping for an engagement ring should be enjoyable. We will explore the first 3 things you need to decide on. Once you know these 3 things you will be able to focus on the most important area of the ring - the diamond!
1) Set a budget
This is the first thing I recommend to my clients. You want to set a price that you can afford and stick to it. There isn't any rule that is set in stone about how much you would spend, but many people fork out about two months worth of salary for their ring.
Please don't spend more than you can afford. I have friends who took out a massive loan just so they could buy a bigger ring and they are still paying it off years after the fact. There is no point putting you (and her) in financial difficulties. If you can't get her the size of diamond you want right now, you can always "upgrade" her ring later on in life when money isn't as tight. Your budget is going to depend on a number of different factors, but be prepared to fork over a decent chunk of change. Diamond aren't cheap, but she will wear it forever and I promise the smile on her face will make it worth it.
2) Choose the type of metal for the band
There are three choices for the metal used in the setting for the ring: yellow gold, platinum, and white gold. Look at the kind of jewelry she now has. If her preference is yellow gold that's an easy choice and the decision is made. On the other hand if her favorite jewelry is white gold or silver then your choice is between platinum and the white gold. Platinum is a whopping 3 times the price of white or yellow gold, so if you're on a budget white gold becomes an easy choice. However, platinum is the most durable of the 3 metals and numerous folks love it as they believe it's durability makes it possible for the ring to become a family heirloom. Keep in mind that the platinum will get a matte look unless you polish from time to time. This is really the only maintenance with this metal.
White gold is cheaper and a bit more shiny than platinum. It will damage a bit easier but not enough to worry about. You may have to have it replated once every year or so. White gold is not actually white; it is actually gold combined with different metals that give it a look of white. Rhodium is used to plate it with to take the yellow tinge away. If this plating comes off you will start seeing the yellow tinge return. Replating is not very expensive just remember this will need to be done.
It's not a bad idea to go and have a look at how both white gold and platinum look. Some don't like the way platinum looks and vice versa. It will help you out as you make this decision.
3) Choose the setting
The setting is just the style of the ring. Does it have multiple diamonds? Does it have just a singular diamond? This is decided by which setting you pick for the engagement ring. You have 3 main types to choose from. The most popular is the solitaire engagement ring, which is also the simplest. There is a single diamond on the band. What a perfect way to help show off that beautiful diamond. A 3 stone ring has one diamond in the center, and 2 diamonds that are smaller 1 being on each side. The diamonds on the sides are about 30 to 60% the size of the larger center diamond.
A diamond engagement ring with side stones has one main center diamond and then several small diamond on both sides. These diamonds are usually very small so they don't cost an arm and a leg. If you aren't sure what she would prefer, try to find out. The best way is to have one of her friends (that you trust!) ask her and then let you know. Girls talk about jewelry so she won't automatically suspect anything. You will feel a lot better knowing you got her the right one.
After you have these three steps down, you can move on to the fun part - choosing the diamond! She is going to be wearing this for life so make sure you focus on getting a stunning diamond - it's so much fun seeing my wife get compliments on it. Reminds me of the good job I did! - 15485
1) Set a budget
This is the first thing I recommend to my clients. You want to set a price that you can afford and stick to it. There isn't any rule that is set in stone about how much you would spend, but many people fork out about two months worth of salary for their ring.
Please don't spend more than you can afford. I have friends who took out a massive loan just so they could buy a bigger ring and they are still paying it off years after the fact. There is no point putting you (and her) in financial difficulties. If you can't get her the size of diamond you want right now, you can always "upgrade" her ring later on in life when money isn't as tight. Your budget is going to depend on a number of different factors, but be prepared to fork over a decent chunk of change. Diamond aren't cheap, but she will wear it forever and I promise the smile on her face will make it worth it.
2) Choose the type of metal for the band
There are three choices for the metal used in the setting for the ring: yellow gold, platinum, and white gold. Look at the kind of jewelry she now has. If her preference is yellow gold that's an easy choice and the decision is made. On the other hand if her favorite jewelry is white gold or silver then your choice is between platinum and the white gold. Platinum is a whopping 3 times the price of white or yellow gold, so if you're on a budget white gold becomes an easy choice. However, platinum is the most durable of the 3 metals and numerous folks love it as they believe it's durability makes it possible for the ring to become a family heirloom. Keep in mind that the platinum will get a matte look unless you polish from time to time. This is really the only maintenance with this metal.
White gold is cheaper and a bit more shiny than platinum. It will damage a bit easier but not enough to worry about. You may have to have it replated once every year or so. White gold is not actually white; it is actually gold combined with different metals that give it a look of white. Rhodium is used to plate it with to take the yellow tinge away. If this plating comes off you will start seeing the yellow tinge return. Replating is not very expensive just remember this will need to be done.
It's not a bad idea to go and have a look at how both white gold and platinum look. Some don't like the way platinum looks and vice versa. It will help you out as you make this decision.
3) Choose the setting
The setting is just the style of the ring. Does it have multiple diamonds? Does it have just a singular diamond? This is decided by which setting you pick for the engagement ring. You have 3 main types to choose from. The most popular is the solitaire engagement ring, which is also the simplest. There is a single diamond on the band. What a perfect way to help show off that beautiful diamond. A 3 stone ring has one diamond in the center, and 2 diamonds that are smaller 1 being on each side. The diamonds on the sides are about 30 to 60% the size of the larger center diamond.
A diamond engagement ring with side stones has one main center diamond and then several small diamond on both sides. These diamonds are usually very small so they don't cost an arm and a leg. If you aren't sure what she would prefer, try to find out. The best way is to have one of her friends (that you trust!) ask her and then let you know. Girls talk about jewelry so she won't automatically suspect anything. You will feel a lot better knowing you got her the right one.
After you have these three steps down, you can move on to the fun part - choosing the diamond! She is going to be wearing this for life so make sure you focus on getting a stunning diamond - it's so much fun seeing my wife get compliments on it. Reminds me of the good job I did! - 15485
About the Author:
Try to find a diamond buying guide to make sure you you are fully educated when shopping for an engagement ring. There are ways that you can save big bucks on a diamond - Click Here for a copy of my buying guide!
