Avoid These 7 Blunders While Buying an Engagement Ring

Finding the right engagement ring is very important to ensuring that your proposal is akin to a romantic fairytale. Whether you like it or not, buying an engagement ring is not as straight forward as going to a grocery store and getting a few flowers and chocolates for your partner.

An engagement ring symbolizes the promise of a lifelong partnership, signifying your affection and commitment to your beloved partner. From the perspective of personal taste, despite what you prefer, buying an engagement ring involves a lot of research, understanding, and at times professional advice. If you are pondering about proposing soon and want to pick out the perfect ring for her, you should know more than just the names or types of engagement rings.

That is exactly why we have put together this list of 7 common mistakes people make when picking an engagement ring. Are you curious to know what they are? Read on!

• Mistake 1 – Not knowing your pocket

  One of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing their fiancée's ring is not setting a budget before hand. Imagine doing all the hard work of researching, hunting, bargaining, etc. and then realizing, "Oops! I do not think I can afford it."

  The price range for an engagement ring can vary greatly. However, it is essential to set a budget before you start looking for the perfect ring. This way, you will know how much cash you have left for other expenses, such as your wedding or honeymoon plans. Many so-called “experts,” friends, and even family members might tell you to go all out to get the engagement ring of her dreams. However, it is important to choose one that you can afford. Also, do not forget to consider the cost of insuring your ring. Your partner will undoubtedly want to wear it on a daily basis, but that means you must protect it from loss, theft, and damage. You may want to buy a ring set with diamonds and other precious gemstones. However, it is critical to ensure that your budget covers the cost (including the insurance).

• Mistake 2 – Being unaware of what's what

  It would be best if you did a little homework before visiting a jeweler. You may believe that you know everything about diamonds, or perhaps you feel that your local jeweler will give you the best advice about what you should choose. Either way, it is well worth your time to familiarize yourself with diamond reports to ensure that the gemstone you choose is of good quality. There is more to shopping for an engagement ring, than just knowing about the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat weight). Without an understanding of everything that goes into creating a pave engagement ring or halo ring or solitaire ring, you are leaving yourself at the risk of paying for something you do not want.

• Mistake 3 – Playing the guessing game

  All the effort you put into choosing the perfect ring with a perfectly cut brilliant stone can go to waste if the ring you choose does not fit. Although your jeweler can resize most rings after your fiancée says yes, you will want to get as close to the right size as possible especially if the ring has an intricate design, or engraving, or stones set along the shank .

  Instead of guessing her ring size, try –

  • Using a ring she wears often and drawing around and inside of it on a piece of paper
  • Pressing one of her simple rings into a bar of soap to make a cast (make sure you wash it afterwards!)
  • Asking her friends and family, aka “the experts”
  • Using an online tool like findmyringsize.com
• Mistake 4 – Not knowing your fiancée's unique taste

  We know that choosing the perfect ring is not as easy as it sounds, especially when there are so many options from which to choose. Sure, you want to select an engagement ring that reflects just how bright your future will be, or one that is exquisite and has significance, but you also need to consider your partner's personal style and preferences. Is her style contemporary and sleek? Is it striking and confident? You can get ideas by –

  • Check out the current jewelry and clothes she wears
  • Ask her girlfriends about her tastes and preferences
  • Stalk her social media channels (if you do not do that already!) 
• Mistake 5 – Not consulting a diamond specialist

  When it comes to diamond engagement rings, a certified diamond whiz is the only one who can guide you properly. These experts specialize in buying and selling high-grade diamonds and can help you choose a stone that will sweep her off her feet. Something like a pave halo engagement ring can be gorgeous, but the pro tips you receive from a ring doctor will ensure you understand the practical details of the various options available in the market.

• Mistake 6 – Picking something off the shelf

  Listening to a hundred people, checking every store in the city, taking appointments with specialists for advice, and browsing the internet can be very exhausting. This is exactly when you may choose to give up and opt to buy something readymade. Most women love to know that you have put some thought and creativity into selecting a ring. So, why not have something specially designed and crafted just for her? It is a common myth eternalized by some stores that custom-made rings are expensive. If you know where to go, fine quality is affordable.

• Mistake 7 – Not planning the proposal

  The process of buying an engagement ring can overwhelm you. Invest some time into planning the perfect proposal. Presenting her the ring in front of the TV or putting it under the pillow while she is asleep may not earn you any brownie points. Put some thought and effort into making it special so she will remember it forever and happily share the proposal story with friends at every party!

  An engagement ring will stay with you for a lifetime. Buying the right one requires an investment of your time, money, energy, love and, most importantly, patience. At A.JAFFE, our engagement ring advisors are on hand to answer any questions you may have. We put our hearts and souls into designing unique personalized engagement rings from scratch. We hope this article helps you avoid these top blunders and get things right while planning a momentous proposal!