The rules of engagement are by no means simple. First you have to find someone you are ready to spend the rest of your life with. Then comes the part where you ask for permission to propose from the father (a truly daunting task for most).
Once you have done that you need to move onto the next important step… buying the perfect engagement ring for your special person.
For most men, the process of buying an engagement ring can be very stressful and intimidating. For those buying an engagement ring for the first time, there is a lot of pressure walking into the jewellery store to find the perfect symbol of your love for your partner.
There is also the complicated process of being introduced to new and confusing terms when it comes to rings. Will you choose a Tiffany or an Eternity Band? Do you even know what these terms mean?
To ease your mind and make the process a lot easier, here is a step-by-step guide on purchasing the perfect engagement ring for your partner.
Step 1: Establish a budget
As you should know, engagement rings are by no means cheap. In fact when planning a proposal the person proposing is expected to save up at least two months’ salary to spend on the engagement ring. Though today’s society this has thrown this out the window entirely.
Much like buying a car, the price of an engagement ring can be negotiated. Surely your potential spouse wouldn’t want you to end up deep in debt over an engagement ring?
While I’m sure you would love to buy your loved one the best-looking ring out there, be reasonable and stick to the nicest ring you can afford. Don’t wait to buy the ring when you want to propose, a humble ring for the start of your life together can become a great memory.
Keep in mind you can always buy a better ring in the future as an anniversary present.
Step 2: Keep it a surprise
Lately most couples will forgo the surprise aspect of a proposal and bring their partner to the jeweller to pick out an engagement ring. Now where is the romance in that?
While doing this means that you get the right size for the ring and are certain to find one your partner loves, you are taking away a great opportunity to show off your romantic side.
Simply imagine the look of surprise and wonder on their face that you managed to pick a ring that not only fits, but is exactly what they wanted. And you managed it all on your own. Surely you will be the subject of envy when your partner brags about this.
Step 3: Get the right size
Admittedly one of the biggest problems faced when buying a ring, getting the right size ring for your loved one can be a challenging task.
Though it’s not a total train smash if you get the wrong size, it’s just going to end up costing a pretty penny to get it resized. Also the embarrassment you might face when the ring doesn’t fit your partner won’t be fun. So it’s best to avoid getting the wrong size for your budget.
To make sure you get the right size, and still keep the proposal a surprise, grab a hold of a ring that your partner isn’t wearing at the time and take it to the jewellers for sizing. Make sure to be super sneaky when doing this though. Take a ring that they don’t wear often so that they don’t notice its missing.
Step 4: Check her style
Heaven forbid your partner like simple things and you end up getting a totally gaudy ring. Make sure you understand the style of ring they would prefer that suits them.
You may have to channel your inner Sherlock for this part. Try to see the kind of jewellery your partner likes. Does she prefer gold to silver? Does she like diamonds or birthstones?
Keep in mind their personality as well. If she is the type to show off then a big ring would be better. However if she is very down to earth then a simple ring might suit her better.
You could also find a way to get them right into the jewellery store under a different pretext. Say you want to go in and take a look at some of the watched they have, or you need to find a gift for a family member. You can use this time to see what they look at in the store.
Step 5: Picking the band
When picking the band you need to consider the metal you want to use. You can choose anything from rose-gold to silver to platinum.
Each metal has its own problems though; some might be more durable than others, while some will start to look dull over time.
Keep in mind that your partner might not care so much about the durability when you present it to them. So pick the band that your partner would like for the initial presentation – you can worry about durability after 20 years or so.
Step 6: Diamonds are a girl’s best friend
The focal point for any engagement ring; selecting the diamond can be daunting task for most. But don’t worry, as long as you follow the 4 C’s; cut, colour, clarity and carat, you should be able to walk out of the jewellery store full of confidence in your choice.
The cut is very important, as it will affect the brilliance of the diamond. Colour of the diamond will depend on your partners taste and style. Do they want a colourful diamond or would they prefer the traditional white.
Clarity is measured on a scale; the clearer the diamond is, the more expensive it will be. Make sure to get a diamond as clear as possible so as not to affect the brilliance of the diamond.
The carat is the weight of the diamond, which also reflects the cost. Try not to get too hung up on carat weight though. As long as you have the right jeweller, you can make a diamond appear bigger than its actual carat weight.
Step 7: Shape the diamond
Again, your partner’s preference will play into this part. Selecting the perfect shape of the diamond depends on what your partner likes. You can choose from a round, heart, princess, pear, and oval shape.
Step 8: The setting
The final step in the design of the engagement ring; how you place the diamond. With your partners preferences in mind, select the ‘setting’ of the diamond. There are a wide variety of settings to choose from, and you can even combine a few. Choose from a traditional Tiffany, to an Eternity band, Bezel, Channel or Pave’.
Article by: Jesica Slabbert
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