Roughly half of American adults are married. If you’ve found your perfect match and you’re planning to tie the knot too, you’re probably considering buying an engagement ring. Getting one and preparing for the proposal can be exciting. But it can also be daunting if you don’t know where to begin.
From your budget and your partner’s preferences to the ring shape and size, there are many things to think about when you’re planning to buy an engagement ring. Unsure where to begin? Here’s what you should consider before you set out to buy one for your partner.
1. Your Budget
Before you start searching for an engagement ring, set a budget. Some people set aside the equivalent of a month’s salary, but you can find a method that’s ideal for you. Once you determine a budget, you can start your ring search.
Finding a ring within your budget will help you avoid comments that could ruin the proposal, such as, “Can we afford this?” Sure, you may want to buy the best ring possible for your partner, but it shouldn’t leave you with massive debt that will take years to settle.
2. Your Partner’s Preferences
You buy an engagement ring you love, and you can’t wait to propose to your partner. On the big day, you go down on one knee, whip out the ring, and ask for your partner’s hand in marriage. Your partner is ecstatic, but she frowns when she sees the ring. She hates it. This is a scenario you certainly want to avoid.
Therefore, before you decide to buy one, find out your partner’s preferences. One easy way to find out what she likes is to examine the jewelry she already owns. And if you do this and you’re still unable to determine what she likes, ask her friends and family about her tastes. You may think she wants a diamond engagement ring only to learn that she favors custom rings.
3. The Four C’s
Acquaint yourself with the 4 C’s of diamonds before you set out to buy an engagement ring. Understanding the 4 C’s of diamonds (cut, carat, clarity, and color) can help you make an informed decision when picking an engagement ring. Simply put, here’s what each C means:
- Cut: Contrary to what most people think, cut doesn’t refer to the diamond’s shape. Instead, it refers to the diamond’s angles and proportions. Well-cut diamonds sparkle more.
- Carat: It the weight of the stone. Generally, the heavier and larger the stone, the more expensive it is.
- Clarity: Diamonds aren’t entirely flawless. They have minor imperfections. High clarity diamonds have fewer imperfections and cost more.
- Color: Diamond color is graded on an alphabetic scale from D to Z, where D is the highest and Z the lowest. D grade diamonds are colorless, and they sparkle more. Thus, they’re more valuable.
4. Ring Size
You’ve identified the perfect location to make your proposal. You’ve invited close friends and family. You’ve hired a pro photographer to capture the moment, and you’ve even crafted a heartfelt speech. You have everything planned out. Until the big moment arrives, you slip the ring on their finger, and to your horror, it doesn’t fit. Spare yourself from this embarrassing scenario by finding out your partner’s ring size.
If you won’t buy an engagement ring together, you can take one she usually wears on her ring finger and have it measured at the jewelry store. Remember, while it’s possible to resize a ring, getting the perfect size the first time is much better.
Create the Perfect Memory
You want your proposal to be a memorable occasion. Picking an ideal engagement ring is vital to a successful proposal. Whether you’re looking for a custom ring or favor a traditional one, you’re certain to find a suitable ring at Markman’s Diamonds.