Here are a few things to consider when shopping for an engagement ring.
Choosing an engagement and wedding ring should be an exciting time, but it often causes a lot of anxiety. To relieve some of this stress, couples are now choosing to shop together! From window shopping hand-in-hand to paying attention to what jewelry trends your partner likes, there are various ways to find the ring of their dreams. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for an engagement ring.
Have a Budget
It’s essential to ensure that you can afford a ring before purchasing one, especially as you begin your new life as a married couple and combine finances. Before shopping for rings, consider your income, investments, savings, and expenses. Compare your costs to your income. If your income is greater, you’re in good shape! If your expenses are higher, consider where you can start cutting back to set aside some savings for the ring. Start to allocate some or all of it to an engagement ring fund.
Know Your Partner’s Preferred Style
While many couples are now choosing to shop for rings together, some prefer to be surprised by their partner. If you’re ring shopping solo, be sure to know what ring style(s) your partner likes. If you’re unsure, look through your future spouse’s jewelry. Do they prefer yellow gold or platinum? Diamonds or gemstones? Solitaire or halo? You can also ask their close friends and family. Chances are, they’ve already had many conversations about their dream engagement rings and can even show you a few inspiration photos!
Understand the Four C’s
If your partner prefers a diamond ring, you need to understand the four C’s. This term will frequently appear when you begin researching engagement rings. Diamonds are graded and priced based on the four C’s: color, cut, clarity, and carat. These are important to know because they not only help you understand the quality of a ring, but they also help determine its price. Many jewelers provide information about the 4 C’s directly on their websites, making it easy to understand the most important characteristics when it comes time to purchase an engagement ring.
Know Your Partner’s Ring Size
There are several factors that contribute to ring size, including finger shape, the width of the ring, and the individual’s preferred ring-wearing style. If you don’t already know your partner’s size, secretly slip on a ring that they wear on their ring finger onto your finger and mark where it hits. You can also use a ring sizer to determine the ring size. Keep in mind that not all rings can be resized. Ask an experienced jeweler about the style you’re considering if you don’t know your partner’s size, and they can advise you.
HISTORIC OAKLAND MANOR: THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE
Nestled in a peaceful wooded area in the heart of downtown Columbia, Historic Oakland Manor stands proudly in natural splendor. Elegant Oakland is the perfect setting for ceremonies, wedding receptions, bridal showers, holiday parties, family celebrations, business meetings, or retreats. Schedule a tour today with our expert venue coordinators! Please call (410-730-4801), email ([email protected]), or visit our chat on our homepage to book a tour appointment.