image via (Flickr)
Proposing to your girlfriend is one of the most exciting things you will do in your life. Making the decision to spend the rest of your life with this woman is momentous, and the occasion when you ask should include a few things — one of which is the perfect engagement ring.
Buying an engagement ring is intimate business. It requires knowing what style your future wife prefers and which metal interests her, and it requires educating yourself about the four “C”s of diamond shopping: color, clarity, cut, and carat.
Know your partner
One of the easier aspects of shopping for an engagement ring is knowing your partner. While you might not have paid much attention to the jewelry she has worn in the past, it’s time to take note. Does she wear yellow gold, white gold, or platinum? Not knowing the answer to this question can make buying the perfect ring difficult.
Try to get her ring size. If you can’t confiscate a ring to take to the jeweler as an example without her knowledge, try asking her best friend or her mother. Finally, try to understand what style she likes. Perhaps you could bring it up yourself or you could enlist the help of a friend or relative so you know if she prefers princess cut, round, square or ascher.
Know your budget
An unlimited budget makes ring shopping easy, but when you’re working with a budget you need to know what you can
Going into debt to purchase a ring is not a good idea. It also helps to know exactly what type of ring you want to purchase so you have an idea what you might need to spend. This might mean spending a few months saving up.
Know your color and clarity
Color is perhaps the most important aspect of any diamond ring. The color of a diamond is rated based on letters that start at D and proceed through Z. The closer to the beginning of the alphabet a ring is rated, the clearer the diamond. Colors closer to Z are slightly tinted and less expensive.
Clarity is the internal characteristic of a ring. The clarity of a ring is rated on a 10-point scale. The better the clarity, the more expensive and desirable the ring.
All about the carat
Many people are fooled by the term carat. Some think that this determines the size of a diamond, but it actually refers to its weight. For example, a 3-carat diamond may not be half the size of a 6-carat ring because more weight is distributed at the top and bottom of the 6-carat ring.
Cut is important
The cut of a ring matters because it determines how much light shines through the stone. The way a ring is cut can actually affect its value by as much as half. This is because the way the light shines through the ring makes it more or less desirable.
Where to shop for an engagement ring
Where you shop for an engagement ring also matters. Shopping at a retailer such as Kranich’s Jewelers means you’ll find the best engagement ring for the best price. You can rest assured that the ring you purchase is of good quality and it’s designed by one of the world’s leading engagement ring designers.
Buying an engagement ring is a much more intimate process than simply heading to the local mall to find a jeweler. The woman you plan on spending the rest of your life with deserves more than that. She deserves your best effort, and a ring that will last a lifetime.
Twitter: fitnessdash
I’ll never understand why a diamond ring is a requirement for getting married. My parents don’t have one. They have been married for 25 years.
Dash Eva recently posted..List of Compund Exercises
Twitter: SuperBlogga
Hi, Dash:
I don’t think its so much a requirement, as it is a token of love from one to another. Plus haven’t you heard “a diamond is a girls best friend”. He he.
Thanks for commenting!
Missy Diaz recently posted..4 Foolproof Traffic Ideas For ANY Blog (Even Yours)
Twitter: wcloudtech
Good guide. This just reminded me of this guy who had to return the rings after wedding because he bought them by himself thinking that they will fit the lady’s figure. But they had to use them that day. I wish he could have seen this to avoid the mistake he made. Thanks for the share ~ Anetta
Anetta Bursh recently posted..CPU-Z Free Download for Windows 7/8/XP
Twitter: SuperBlogga
Great story, Anetta. It does happen indeed, especially with surprise engagements.
Thanks for coming by.
Missy Diaz recently posted..WordPress Affiliate Programs: Top 3 to Promote This Week
Twitter: findallanswers
For me two things take priority here – pleasing your girlfriend (of course, what did you think?) and the budget. If you want to keep a check on the latter, you should not take your girlfriend for the purchase LOL.
But seriously, cool advice! Thanks Missy
Jane recently posted..Designer Engagement Rings: Making The Right Choice
Twitter: SuperBlogga
Hey, Jane:
Ha, good one Jane. Yes! if you take the girlfriend along for the wedding ring shopping trip, surely it will cost more than if you go alone. Lol.
Good point.
Missy Diaz recently posted..4 Ways To Use A WordPress Blog To Promote Your Small Business
Twitter: Yogesh_pant5
hi missy,
I think the most important point while buying the engagement ring is knowing our partner.
It is not always the price that matters.
It should be appreciated by our partner.
Yogesh Pant recently posted..Ayers Rock- Hill that changes its colour
Twitter: SuperBlogga
Hi, Yogesh:
Indeed, what is the point of buying an expensive ring – if it is not the style (or type) that your girl will like. And the only way to know this, is to know your girl. Right you are my friend.
Thanks for coming by!
Missy Diaz recently posted..4 Foolproof Traffic Ideas For ANY Blog (Even Yours)
Hello Missy,
Good points on how to buy engagement rings. I have your points concrete enough
But seriously, a low budget ring that your pocket can pay is the best. Try to kill yourself because of just a ring, doesn’t worth it, right?
Thanks for the tips and do have a great weekend start
Babanature recently posted..How To Make Your WordPress Mobile Theme Compatible With W3 Total Cache
Twitter: SuperBlogga
Hi, Baba:
Sometimes all one can afford is a modest ring, but your girl – will LOVE IT just the same as if it were a much more expensive ring. So no worries here.
Appreciate your visit and comment.
Missy Diaz recently posted..My Blog Guest: 5 Minute Video Review and Commentary
Twitter: eastportphoto
The key is to definitely know what your partner likes. Would they prefer a ring with an antique look, something modern, simple, or extravagant? If you want a unique wedding ring there are some amazing ones on Etsy.
Bill recently posted..Annapolis Farm Engagement
Twitter: SuperBlogga
Hi, Bill:
You’re right – Etsy has beautiful engagement rings. I’ve seen plenty and varied – from modern to vintage and low cost to luxe. All handmade, which IMHO makes them ever more special.
Cheers!
Missy Diaz recently posted..50 Ways To Use #Vine To Promote Your Store
Twitter: jafardhada
WE must be careful about size while buying wedding rings, and also the victim’s choice and liking. If it doesn’t fits to them, then the money will be totally wasted. Also the cut and finishing is important!
Jafar Dhada recently posted..Micromax Canvas 2 Price in India
Twitter: SuperBlogga
Hey, Jafar:
Size is definitely important, this is why many engagement rings are custom made. An ill fitting ring just wont do, not too mention your girl can end up losing it and well this would be quite disastrous – wouldn’t it?
Good point, buddy. Thanks for your comment.
Missy Diaz recently posted..WordPress Affiliate Programs: Top 3 to Promote This Week
Twitter: sunsettalks
From a woman’s perspective I can say, expensive or princess cut is awesome, but showing that you had put extra thoughts into an engagement ring defiantly scores more.
Anchal Bhatia recently posted..For Brides-to-Be: What Not To Do When Planning Your Wedding
A great guide! Finally something I can relate to with my wedding photography business! I definitely agree about knowing your partner. Can’t just think she will like anything you go and think is nice looking to YOU! I am going to share this a few people that I know might be proposing soon. A job well done!
Twitter: techguru3D
I would first of all go for the beauty of the ring..and then consider something else.. It is indeed one of most precious thing in my life…
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Twitter: IamSantoshSingh
Hey Missy,
nice post and thanks for sharing these tips with us. I think, knowing your partner is very important point because if we know our partner, then we understand what she like and what she not and it help us on buying good engagement ring. I will keep in mind other points also which you mentioned above.
Sudipto recently posted..Best Android Phone Under 5000
yes, Budget is always an important factor while choosing the correct engagement ring for your partner. So it is imperative to seek the advise of your partner when you are going to select the ring. Thats what I think.