The holidays are here already. I know, it probably still feels like we just went through this last year about five minutes ago, but it really has been a whole year already. Are you ready for the holiday season? Do you have all your gift shopping done and your plans made already? Well, if you’re like me, then no, no you’re not ready at all and haven’t even started shopping yet and probably won’t for at least another week.
Not to worry – we’re here to help you with shopping for one of the most important gifts you’ll ever pick out in your entire life: engagement rings, which can be tough to figure out. There are myriad choices, those four C’s to worry about and everyone’s personal preferences to take into account. It can be overwhelming, so it’s no small wonder if you’ve waited this long to make a decision.
You don’t have to wait any longer and make it seem any more difficult, though. Check out these great engagement ring buying tips and then get shopping!
Understand the Four C’s
You’re going to hear a lot about the four C’s when you shop for an engagement ring, but if you don’t know anything about them, then being told about the merits of a particular stone’s color, cut, carat or clarity isn’t going to do a whole lot for you, is it? Read up on the Four C’s before you walk into a store and start listening to salespeople.
Get Familiar with Different Settings
News flash: there’s more to rings than just the rocks! Yes, the type of stone itself is extremely important and the first thing most people will notice, but what about the frame? The frame around the center stone goes a long way in determining what a ring looks like, so don’t overlook this.
Know the Difference Between Metals
Gold isn’t just gold – it can be rose gold, white gold or yellow gold. Heck, some rings have two or even all three! Platinum is another popular option for the metal used in the band, and then there are a number of other more unique metal possibilities. You need to understand how the different metals make a ring look different and affect its durability.
Consider Customization
For many people, an off-the-shelf ring is the right one. For others, something a little more original or even completely customized is the perfect option. Many ring shoppers find rings that are almost exactly what they’re looking for but not quite. You can have certain aspects of a ring customized, but keep in mind that this will cost more money and take more time.
Give Yourself Enough Time
That brings us to our next point. I know I started this blog talking about last-minute shopping. But while that may work for clothes, a toy or an electronic gadget you can order on Amazon or snag at the local mall, it’s not the best idea for engagement rings. It can take up to six weeks for an engagement ring to arrive and longer if you want it customized. Shop early. Order early.
Know Your Would-Be Fiancé
No one knows the person you’re about to ask to marry you quite like you do. Are they a rule-breaker or a stringent follower of rules? Do you imagine the two of you having a traditional wedding or something more fun and trendy? Different rings have different styles, and they’re right for different types of people. Think about who you’re buying for before you walk into a store/open your web browser.
Put Together a Budget
An unfortunate reality: no one has infinite funds. Think realistically about what you can afford so you know what rings you can consider. The two-month salary myth is just that: a myth, so forget about it. In 2016 almost anyone can buy a beautiful ring without putting themselves into crippling debt. Also be sure to figure out which of the four C’s are most and least important to you. For instance, if you think clarity isn’t going to be a big sticking point, you can save money there and spend more on carats, especially since most defects aren’t visible to the naked eye.
Find the Right Jeweler
Buying an engagement ring is something most of us only do once, so you probably don’t have experience with different sellers. Talk to your friends, family members and co-workers about where they bought theirs. Failing that, read stores’ return policies and online reviews.
Consider Cubic Zirconia
Lastly, understand that you’re not locked into diamonds, but if you do want the beautiful look of a diamond without busting your budget, you have options. High-quality cubic zirconia engagement rings have all the sparkle and beauty of the “real” thing but can save you big time money. The difference between the two is so slight, that only seasoned gemologists with specialized tools can spot them.