How To Buy An Engagement Ring

“Engagement marks the end of a whirlwind romance and beginning of an eternal love story.” — Rajeev Ranjan.

An engagement ring symbolizes love, honor, and commitment in the lives of two people. It is the physical embodiment of a lifetime emotional commitment the partners are willing to make for each other. Choosing the perfect engagement ring for your partner is a crazy exciting event in one’s life.

An engagement ring comprises several components like the head, prongs, peg, mounting or setting, shoulder, side stones, and shank. The choice of metal can also be either a single toned or two-toned. To help you choose the best engagement ring, consider these options first:

Pocket-Pinch

The price of an engagement ring can devilishly depend on the type, size, the cut of the diamond, or any other gem of your choice, and the metal setting you choose. The general thumb rule is ‘you should spend at least 2 – 3 months’ entire salary on the engagement ring”.

This estimate can be useful as a ballpark range and should not be considered as a precise average amount. Each individual’s taste and expectations are different and it’s best to stick to personal taste rather than a passing fad.

Choice of Metal

Traditionally, engagement rings were made from white gold or yellow gold. The gold engagement rings are timeless and romantic thanks to their beautiful luster and natural warm hue. In recent times, choice horizons have broadened and rose gold is a hotter option.

A more contemporary and popular new-age metal is Platinum. It has emerged as a top choice for engagement rings in the last couple of decades. It is shiny and beautiful yet durable as a workhorse. Each metal is a fashion statement about your partner’s style quotient and has its own set of pros.

The 4Cs

The grading for diamonds institutionalized by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is based on the 4Cs, that is, carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. Choose your diamonds that are graded by GIA only. The average diamond size for an engagement ring is somewhere between 1.08 and 1.2 carats.

The carat size of the engagement ring diamond is the most visual and popular aspect, while the cut directly impacts the brilliance of the diamond’s luster. The most popular cut is ‘Round Brilliant’ with all 57 facets perfectly aligned.

The color of the diamond should actually be colorless. The hue of high-quality diamonds is like a drop of pure water. Clarity is directly proportionate to the purity of the diamond. Lesser ‘blemishes’ and the overall appearance of the diamond are the evaluating clarity factors for the stone.

The Design

The desire for an exclusive and exceptionally designed engagement ring is crystal clear for all those who are ready to pop the question! The multiple designs of engagement rings across various stores and making a choice from the lot can be a mind-boggling experience.

The center stone and set design of any engagement ring are generally based on a solid shape that is in continuity. It signifies never-ending and continuous love between the two partners. Round, square, or rectangular are the most popular choices. Family heirlooms or a brand new ring, ‘Custom-Designing’ is the new kid on the block.

Customized details are incorporated into the ring either in its entirety or by adding personal touches to an existing ring. You can choose to approve the design after a CAD (computer-aided design) artist creates the ring on a computer with each and every detail. The common styles of an engagement ring are Solitaire setting, twisted or woven band designs, geometrical designs, three-stone styles, and many more.

Certified Jewelry

While buying jewelry from a reputed jeweler or a jewelry brand is extremely important, we should consider getting jewelry that is certified. As an engagement ring is a lifetime investment, it is always safe that the jewelry you are buying is evaluated and certified by authenticated third-party gemological laboratories.

Certification is important as it acts as physical proof of your jewelry’s worth and characteristics. The hallmarking of the metal and the authenticity of gems gives you much-needed peace of mind.

Wrapping Up

Regardless of the final choice of engagement ring, it is important to remember that your partner would be wearing it on a daily basis. An informed decision would help to make the choice of ring for your fiance or future wife to a great extent.

Take a cue from the style of jewelry that your partner already wears or take a look at the collection from her favorite jewelry store. Understanding your partner and her lifestyle choices are of utmost importance while making the selection. Also, while your engagement ring is priceless in terms of sentimentality, getting it insured with replacement coverage is extremely important for your convenience.