5 Things to Look for When Buying an Engagement Ring
Are you stressed about the process of buying an engagement ring? Buying an engagement ring shouldn’t be hard. Ideally, it should be an enjoyable and romantic experience. And with the right jeweler, it can be just that. To help you through your ring buying experience, here are 5 important points to keep in mind when buying an engagement ring.
1. ESTABLISH A BUDGET RANGE AND TIMELINE
Make sure that you work with a jeweler that can accommodate your budget and give you options. If you don’t have one, they should be able to work with you and help you establish a budget. Similarly, a quality jeweler will be up front with you about when you can expect to have your ring ready. Though it might seem like a simple enough process, certain styles and customizations can take up to 8 weeks or more to finalize. Be mindful of this timeline when planning your proposal.
2. FIND A CREDIBLE JEWELER
When making a purchase this important, you want to make sure the jeweler you pick has a near stellar reputation. One way to do this is by checking that the jeweler you’ve selected has glowing recommendations and high online ratings. Similarly, you’ll want to have a good idea of the store policies that they offer. Do they offer a price match and a price guarantee? Warranties? Do they have an upgrade policy? Jewelers that have these kinds of policies tend to care a great deal about maintaining positive client relationships. And when buying an engagement ring, this high level of attention to details is exactly what you need in a jeweler.
3. KNOW THE 4C'S
When it comes to diamond engagement rings, it’s nearly impossible to make an informed decision without understanding the 4 C’s of diamond quality: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. By no means do you need to be an expert on the specifics of the 4 C’s, however, because the right jeweler will walk you through the specifics of the 4 C’s and teach you how they apply to you. Furthermore, a good jeweler will provide you with a diamond grading report as they are explaining the 4 C’s to you. It’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to buying an engagement ring, the more thorough you jeweler is throughout the education process, the more educated you will be.
4. MINED DIAMONDS AREN'T THE ONLY OPTION AT YOUR DISPOSAL
For whatever reason, if you don’t see the allure of the traditional, mined diamond, there are plenty of other options to choose from. If you like the look of mined diamonds but are perhaps weary of the price tag, lab-grown diamonds or moissanites are a great alternative. Similarly, if you are looking for a bolder look, precious gemstones can certainly replace the traditional diamond. The right jeweler will give you these options from the beginning, so that you know that you can pick from much more than just mined diamonds.
5. PICK A PRACTICAL STYLE
Like people, not every ring is made the same, and it is important to keep this in mind before you even start looking for a ring. There are so many different styles out there, but the ring that you pick should be a style that works for you. Classic styles are popular and time-enduring, while unique styles can offer a bold look that no one else has. So whichever way you are leaning towards, make sure the jeweler that you are working with offers customization to create the perfect ring for you.
