The Glitters Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring
There’s lots of advice for buying an engagement ring out there, but they aren’t the Glitters Guide. Just consider us your mom or sister inside the jewelry business. We’ve been on both sides of the counter. We know the indescribable excitement that comes from slipping on an engagement ring for the first time, and we’ve also experienced the joy that comes with helping another couple make their dream come true.
Before You Pick Out a Ring
Talk about it with your partner beforehand. It’s never too soon to start shopping for an engagement ring. It can be a time-consuming process. Follow jewelry accounts on social media and browse the online catalogs of jewelry stores to get a sense for what styles are out there. Save your favorites and put together a wish list or mood board, and bring inspiration pics to the store when you’re ready to make a purchase. If your partner can give you a wish list, you can surprise them with something you know they’ll like.
Most people, however, prefer a proposal to come as just kind of a surprise. The ideal situation is that you’ve talked about marriage and your partner knows a proposal is coming, but you don’t know exactly when or how. Discuss with your partner what they like and dislike in jewelry in general and an engagement ring in particular. Some couples even shop for the engagement ring together. The main thing is knowing your partner and what they prefer. Diamonds vs. alternative stones, white gold vs. yellow gold, trendy or traditional: these are all things to work out before putting money down on such a big, important purchase. While only one half of the relationship wears the engagement ring, it’s really something for both of you, as it is a symbol of your relationship.
See the Ring In Person
Nothing beats an in-store visit! While you may be drawn to a certain style or vibe of a ring in photos online, a ring that looks great on your phone screen might not look great in real life or on every hand. A complex design might not be the most comfortable. If your partner can actually try on the ring before you buy it, you can be sure it’s the right one. Seeing the ring in person will also let you get a look at it in different kinds of light.
Traditional or Unusual, It’s Up to You
A lot of people will tell you exactly what an engagement ring is supposed to look like. The only important consideration is that it’s meaningful. Diamonds are the traditional engagement ring stone, and you can’t go wrong with a diamond (unless your partner just hates diamonds for some reason…we’re not judging). But if there’s a color or a stone that is special to your relationship or to your partner, don’t be afraid to use it in place of the traditional diamond. Alternative stones are becoming increasingly common, and it’s unlikely anyone will bat an eye at an engagement ring that’s not a diamond ring.
Making it meaningful also means considering your partner’s lifestyle. If they work in a hands-on career, for example, you’ll want something that sits closer to the finger and isn’t at risk for getting snagged and a stone and metal alloy that can stand up to repeated accidental impacts. That’s one of the main reasons diamonds and gold are the standard: they’re durable.
Budgeting
Throw out that old rule about spending three months’ salary on an engagement ring. This is a purchase meant to last a lifetime, which means a durable, tarnish-resistant precious metal like gold or platinum and a hard stone that can stand up to daily wear like a diamond, so it will be a big purchase. At the same time, buying the perfect engagement ring shouldn’t mean eating ramen by candlelight and taking cold showers for the next six months. Spend what you can afford, but be responsible.
Educating Yourself Before the Purchase
You don’t need to be an expert. Do what research you can so you can ask good questions. Learn the difference between karat and carat (the short version: karat measures the purity of gold, with most jewelry being 18k, while carat measures the weight of a gemstone). Get a feel for how diamonds are graded. Go in informed so that you can let the jeweler know exactly what you’re looking for.
Shop around until you find a jeweler you’re comfortable with. If you’re feeling pressured or if it feels like a salesperson is more interested in making a sale than helping you find the right ring, move on. We’re confident that as soon as you walk into Glitters, you’ll know you’ve found the right place.
Have Fun With It!
Amid all the stress of engagement ring shopping, don’t lose sight of the most important fact: this is one of the most joyful and memorable moments in your life. Have fun with it! Talk about it with your partner, make sure you understand each other’s expectations, and become intimately acquainted with what they like and dislike in a way that brings you closer together. An engagement is cause for celebration, and when you come to Glitters, we’ll be celebrating right alongside you.