A Shopping Guide to Engagement Rings

Finally, you have found the woman of your dreams. You know you do not want to let the time pass without telling her how much you want to spend the rest of your life with her. Now that the right time has come, you have decided that you would propose to her and pop out that question that she has been dying to hear.

But before that, you have to find the perfect ring first! The engagement ring, one of the most important jewelry pieces that you will ever have to buy in your lifetime, can earn the sweet yes of your beloved. Because of this, you need to exert time, effort, and yes, money, to find that beautiful ring that she would love to wear on her finger.

To help you with your engagement ring shopping, here is a quick guide filled with important facts and practical tips to make things easier and simpler for you.

Where to Buy the Ring

Jewelry store, online jeweler, antique ring shop, jewelry auction—these are some of the places where you can buy your beloved’s engagement ring. Wherever you choose to buy, you need to consider the reputation of the store, the gemological knowledge of the people in the store, and if the store would provide efficient service, a warranty, and certification of authenticity (such as from GIA or the Gemological Institute of America). If you are going to shop online, you also have to ensure that the store has a secure system for handling credit card information.

The Diamonds Stone

Since most engagement rings have diamonds on it, you have to know the four C’s about diamonds that you should study before buying this kind of ring. Cut, color, clarity, and carat all affect the value and beauty of a diamond store.

The cut determines the sheen and brilliance of the stone. Make sure the diamond has just the right cut that is not too deep or too shallow; otherwise, the diamond will be less brilliant. As for the color, it would be good to go for colorless diamonds, which are the most valuable. Clarity, meanwhile, refers to the clearness of the stone. Look closely to see if there are any traces or inclusions in the stone that can affect its beauty. Lastly, the carat, the weight and size of the stone, also determines its value. The bigger the carat, the more expensive a diamond is.

Metal Band for the Ring

There are various choices on metals but the most common ones for engagement rings are gold, platinum, and titanium. Gold can be yellow or white. Most traditionalists go for the yellow shade while those who have modern taste prefer white. Gold is not as durable as platinum or titanium but it is definitely less expensive.

Platinum and titanium are both very expensive metals but for a good reason. Not only are they durable and beautiful, they can withstand wear and tear and maintain their brilliance for a very long time.

Cost and Budget

Traditionally, a man is required to spend two-month worth of his salary for the engagement ring. Modern times oppose to this. Today, budget is not as important anymore. Quality and value are priorities and a man should not be forced to spend beyond what he can afford.

The marriage proposal can definitely be an emotional event for the two of you. See to it that you make it extra special by giving your loved one that perfect engagement ring that she had always dreamed of.

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Source: This article was submitted by Tracey C. Smith for MyBeachFavors.com, a site specializing in beach weddings and beach wedding receptions.