It's fun to look around for an engagement ring. Your search for the ideal engagement ring has finally come to an end, and you're ready to pop the question. If you've never done this kind of shopping for an engagement ring before, it can be both exhilarating and perplexing. We've compiled a list of 10 things to know before purchasing an engagement ring to help you get educated.
Setting and centre stones are often sold separately, and this is something many people don't know. For an engagement ring, there are usually two things to consider: the centre stone (typically a white diamond) and the setting (often platinum) (the metal framework that holds your centre stone).
Some rings come with a centre stone pre-installed in them. As an example, almost all antique engagement rings are already assembled, and many modern jewellers offer pre-made rings as well. Be aware of this when you're shopping for jewellery, as it's becoming more common for jewellers to sell settings and centre stones separately.
If you're in the market for an engagement ring with a diamond, you'll want to know what the 4Cs mean before making a purchase. A diamond's quality is graded using the 4Cs, which are the four elements of a diamond. Here's a quick rundown of the 4Cs:.
Cut: The quality of a diamond's cut determines how well it reflects light.
Color: The colorlessness of a white diamond can be gauged by looking at its colour.
Clarity: A grading of a diamond's internal and external flawlessness.
Carat: When comparing diamonds, the carat weight is a good way to get an idea of how big the stone really is.
Visit our 4Cs Education Page to learn more about the 4Cs.
The 4Cs are important, but experts recommend prioritising the cut of a diamond when evaluating a stone. You may be asking yourself, "Why?" Poorly cut diamonds don't reflect light well, making them appear dull and dim.
Your centre stone's shape and setting style are the two most important factors in the design of your engagement ring. For example, round, oval, princess and emerald are all diamond shapes that can be used to create a variety of different styles of engagement rings. Style will be determined by the type of setting you choose for your engagement ring. It's possible to have a vintage-inspired, modern, contemporary, and so on and so forth setting.
As long as you're not purchasing a pre-set engagement ring, your jeweller will need a little time to put in your diamond of choice. It's also possible that your engagement ring will be made only after you place an order, which will add time to the process altogether. Make sure you get your engagement ring by the date you want to propose by pre-ordering. Your jeweller can tell you how long your ring will take to be made, but a good general guideline is that you should order six weeks in advance.
You may have heard that you need to spend a certain amount of money on your engagement ring before you can get engaged. An engagement ring should cost at least three months' worth of salary, according to the traditional rule of thumb. When it comes to the price of an engagement ring, there is no "right" amount of money to spend. Don't go overboard with your spending; stick to your budget. Rather than relying on the "rules" of the past, consider your own unique financial situation when making a budget decision. For your engagement ring, you can spend whatever you want.
Remember that even if you can't get the ring of your dreams when you get engaged, you can always get a better one later on. If your dream ring isn't in your budget right now, know that you can always upgrade your diamond or setting on anniversaries or birthdays.
A wide variety of precious metals are available for engagement ring settings. In addition, many precious metals can be used to make the same setting style. Platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold are the most popular precious metals for engagement rings. Your ring's style and upkeep will be influenced by the precious metal you choose.
When it comes to warranties and jewellery insurance, many people confuse the two. To ensure that your jewellery always looks brand new, warranties like our Peace of Mind extended maintenance plan protect you from manufacturing defects and normal wear and tear on your ring. Jewelry insurance, on the other hand, may provide coverage in the event of things like accidental theft or loss.
For those times when you can't find the engagement ring of your dreams, you can always have a custom engagement ring made. If you've ever wondered how to make a custom ring, you're in luck. And having something made to order is well worth the additional time it may take. A unique ring will be created for you at the end, just like your love for each other.
