Do we hear congratulations are in order? Good for you. Engagement is a huge step. But, what’s even more nerve-wracking is shopping for the perfect engagement ring for your partner. It deserves to be special. After all, this trinket is the symbol of commitment until you both say ‘I Do’.
So, how do you make this decision? Let’s just go with the oldest proverbs when it comes to choosing the perfect engagement ring: Diamonds are girls’ best friends. In ancient Rome, engagement rings used to indicate a man’s ‘ownership‘ of his wife. Yea, we know; it even sounds cringeworthy.
After all, we live in the 21st century. It’s not a man’s responsibility anymore to propose. But it is not so easy to choose the right engagement ring. Let us help you out while you concentrate on how you are going to propose.
Choose Your Gemstone
An engagement ring is a timeless and classic symbol of love and commitment. So it should be as evergreen as your perfect fiance. When it comes to choosing engagement rings, the first thing to look for is the gemstone.
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The timeless choice is obviously the diamond. After all, it is a woman’s best friend. But here’s the thing. You should not choose the gemstone based on what trends dictate. Instead of choosing what others might like, select the one you think is perfect for your partner.
Today, inspired by England’s Princess Katherine’s diamond-set sapphire engagement ring, many people are considering other gemstones like Emerald, Ruby, or Sapphire.
But remember, the stone of your engagement ring doesn’t necessarily have to be flawless. It must give you the feeling of perfection when you present it to your partner and promise her the world.
Select The Metal For The Band
When you’re happy with your gemstone, next comes the band that holds the stone, holds your future. Traditionally, engagement rings are set in yellow gold, white gold, platinum, or silver. However, recently rose gold is giving a fresh new take to this timeless piece.
When it comes to platinum, it may look similar to silver or white gold, but its density is far superior. While choosing the right material, consider your lifestyle as well, because some metals get scratched very easily.
Customize With Cut, Color, Carat & Clarity
When you promise a future, you want the proposal ring to represent how valuable and how rare your partner is to you. So the cut, color, carat, and clarity of the gemstone are highly important to consider. But what are they and why are they important?
Clarity
The age-old question of quantity versus quality is very much applicable to engagement rings. Some want their engagement ring’s diamond to be large — the bigger, the better. Others want the clearest one. They wanted to be so clear that it reflects light. That’s how much clarity matters.
Cut
The cut of the stone refers to the way it is cut for aesthetic appeal. In case you are choosing a diamond, the options are endless. The Classic choices would be round cut, oval cut, princess cut, emerald cut, cushion cut, and pear cut.
Color
The color of the diamond is graded from D (colorless & rare) to Z (light yellow in color). Colorless diamonds are extremely expensive and rare. However, the diamonds you see in the market are white. So, make sure you enquire about it properly, and your jeweler is knowledgeable enough to tell you the difference.
Carat
The last C in 4Cs of a diamond is the carat. You might have heard about the carat of diamond, especially from celebrity engagement rings. Carat means the weight of the diamond. So, the heavier the diamond is, the bigger the carat. It is applicable to all gemstones, not Diamonds exclusively.
Shop By Source
Two types of diamonds: natural and lab-grown. Many Shoppers are very specific about buying only ethically sourced diamonds. However, the jewelers who stock completely traceable – mine to market – Diamonds are rare to find.
However, such diamonds are extremely expensive. But if you cannot afford such pricy diamonds, then you can look for lab-grown diamonds. They are a suitable alternative.
As the name suggests, lab-grown diamonds are created using cutting-edge technology to mirror the quality of a real mine-sourced diamond. These diamonds cost 30% less than natural diamonds.
Decide Your Budget
When it comes to choosing the perfect engagement ring for your partner, price should not matter. However, for most of us, the budget definitely matters. During the great depression, a campaign was launched regarding it. It said men should spend at least a month’s salary on the engagement ring.
Later in 1918, it became two months’ worth of salary. But nowadays, it’s a popular belief that you should spend at least three months’ salary while choosing this forever piece of jewelry.
But honestly, there is no scientific rule behind how much you should spend on an engagement ring. After all, the ring is just the representation of your love and your commitment to the person. So, choose an engagement ring based on your affordability.
Always Check Certification
Most diamonds are laser inscribed on the girdle, which can be checked using a loupe available with the jewelers. Check the inclusions of the diamond and match the imperfections based on the map mentioned in the certificate.
If you opt for other gemstones as the ring’s main piece, authentic ones have certifications too. Thus, you must ask for it when you shop for your ring.
Ask for Someone’s Help
Finally, don’t shop for engagement rings alone. If you are not having a surprise proposal, go to the jeweler together and choose a couple’s rings. But if you are really having a surprise proposal, take one of her friends with you to help you in this daunting endeavor.
Alternatively, you can ask someone who already has experience in this and look for recommendations before you invest. Also, while choosing a diamond engagement ring, ask for an exchange policy.
Final Thoughts
Your engagement ring is the symbol of your love and devotion toward a life-long commitment. So, while choosing the perfect proposal ring for your beloved, look for the one that represents the rarity of your love story.
More than the monetary value of the engagement or wedding day ring you choose, the memories you make with these rings are what matters.
