Top Tips for Buying an Engagement Ring on V-day

Jewellery — By dolceSPOSA on February 5, 2010 at 8:00 am

Valentine's Day Proposal IF you are feeling all the LOVE this month with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I’d say “it’s not too late to buy the perfect diamond engagement ring for the most romantic V-day proposal!”

9 days to go before Valentine’s Day and if you are seriously considering popping the big question, then we’d give you a list of things to consider before buying a diamond engagement ring. It is not something you do every day, and you’re going to want to make sure you do it properly because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime gift that will be worn for years to come, and also because diamond engagement rings are very expensive!

1. What style does she like?

Do you know what she likes when it comes to diamond engagement rings? They come in a large range of sizes, styles and colours, not to mention the setting and the band, and you don’t want to choose something she doesn’t like. Look for clues in her style of jewellery, and if you don’t have a clue then maybe ask one of her close friends as they are sure to know. There is nothing worse than being stuck with a ring she does not like, so if you’re going to buy it without her knowledge then make sure you do it right. To get started, have a read about what diamond cut will suit her personality and you take it from there.

2. Stick to your Budget

It can be very easy to go over your budget when you see all the diamond engagement rings on offer. And the jewellers will know how to exploit the fact that this is a once-in-a-lifetime event. So pick an absolute maximum price and try your best not to get carried away and over blow your budget. Trust me, I’ve heard way too many stories….

The unofficial rule on the price is three months’ salary, but obviously stick within your means and buy an engagement ring that you can afford and she’ll love you for it no matter what. You don’t want to start off a marriage by getting heavily into debt, so stick to your limits.

3. Get Familiar with the ‘Four Cs’

The ‘Four Cs’ are what you have to know about when you’re buying diamond engagement rings. They stand for Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat. There are a lot of things to find out about this and I am in the process of writing another article specially dedicated for this. In the meantime, you can check Blue Nile and their Diamond Education resource page to find out more.

4. GIA Certificate

A good jeweller will have good quality diamonds in their boutique, so going to a reputable shop is always a good start. But if you are not sure and since you are not a diamond expert (and you probably aren’t), then asking to see the GIA certificate of the diamond you want to purchase will give you the peace of mind. This will prove that it is genuine and of the quality described. Most jewellers will be able to provide this for you.

5. The Band

The band of the ring is just as important when buying diamond engagement rings. Do you want to go for a platinum band, rose gold, white gold or yellow gold? What band thickness will suit her? Do you want it to have a plain band or with diamonds all around? Good jewellers will be more than happy to show you all the different styles and you will get an idea of what style you like and what she will like.

6. The Setting

The setting of the diamond can come in many different styles. Pave settings, micro-pave settings and the Tiffany-style settings are some of the popular ones and the list can go on. Visiting some of the luxury jewellers in New Bond Street like Tiffany’s, De Beers and David Morris can be a good way to get inspiration (even if you don’t ultimately get the ring there), as they have a wide range of stylish settings for you to pick from.

7. Shop Around

Even if you see a fabulous ring in the first jeweller you visit, don’t be tempted to buy it there straight away. You may well be able to find a cheaper alternative, or even a better ring, elsewhere. Visit as many places as you can, and you can also choose to buy the ring online which is becoming very popular in this modern age. Wherever you go, check the store’s reputation before buying and find out about its guarantees, warranties and any trade associations it belongs to.

Good luck with the research and we hope you find a beautiful diamond engagement ring that she will love!