Top Tips for Buying an Engagement Ring

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 basics about diamonds which you should inform yourself about prior to buying a diamond engagement ring. They stand for Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat. We’ve published a separate article entitled the Beginner’s Guide to Diamonds where we’ve discussed this in a little more depth. Giving yourself this basic education will place you on much firmer ground in your search for the perfect engagement ring.

4. GIA Certificate

A good jeweller will have good quality and properly certified diamonds in their boutique, so going to a reputable shop is always a good start. As much as possible, we would always recommend that you ask to see the GIA certificate of the diamond you wish to purchase. This will give you some comfort that the diamond is genuine and of the quality described. Most jewellers should be able to provide you with this or something similar. Purchasing diamonds online is now also becoming popular, and in many ways it has enhanced the education of the average consumer as prices are more widely available. A good and reputable online retailer like Blue Nile will also provide you with GIA certificates for all their diamonds.

5. The Band

The type of band for the ring is another important consideration when buying the engagement ring. 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 one encrusted with diamonds? Ultimately this is a question of taste and design. Good jewellers will be more than happy to show you all the different styles and to allow you to decide which will best suit the ring you’ve chosen for your prospective wife!

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 such as 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. And these days it’s even possible to buy your engagement ring online – but we would recommend sticking to reputable online retailers such as Blue Nile. Even if you don’t ultimately purchase your ring online, it’s an excellent starting point for you to find out what you can get for your money, bearing in mind that Blue Nile’s prices tend to be very competitive.

Good luck with the research and we hope you find a beautiful diamond engagement ring that she will love! And if you’re looking for some inspired proposal ideas once you’ve got your ring, check out Dolce Sposa’s romantic marriage proposal ideas!

Related posts:

1. What Your Engagement Ring Says About You….
2. Beginner’s Guide to Diamonds
3. The Perfect Cocktail Ring – YSL Arty Ring
4. Celebrity Engagement Rings
5. Asprey Cut Diamond