How to Shop for an Engagement Ring.

Shopping for an engagement ring is a major step in any relationship—a big personal and financial commitment that says “This is the person I choose.” So, going into the engagement ring shopping experience with a little extra knowledge will help make it an easy and stress-free purchase (not to mention exciting!). Here are some things to consider when shopping for that special someone’s special ring:

via Jen Huang

· Budget. First and foremost, you have to be comfortable knowing what to spend. Set a budget and find a jewelry store that offers pieces within your price range. Communicate that figure up front so the salesperson can show you rings within your budget. And don’t forget to factor in ring sizing and/or personalization to the overall cost, as well.

· Decide if you’re shopping together. Some brides want to be part of the process while others prefer to be surprised. If you want to ensure she gets a ring she’ll love, go shopping together and then purchase the ring on your own to plan the ultimate surprise.

· Know her ring size. This can be tricky to find out, especially if the ring purchase is a surprise. Ask a friend or relative to find out what size ring she wears or an easy trick is to take a ring she wears often (on her ring finger!), trace it and take it to the jewelry store with you. If the purchase isn’t a surprise, be sure she gets sized while you’re in the store.

· Know your metals. Classic engagement rings come in either yellow gold or white gold but some brides prefer rose gold or platinum, as well. Read up on the differences and ask your partner what type of metal she prefers.

· Does she want a diamond? Diamonds are what we traditionally think of for engagement rings but these days, brides also veer towards colored gemstones. If she prefers something a little more unique, make sure you know which stone she has in mind.

· Get to know the 4 C’s of diamonds: color, cut, carat and clarity. Diamond colors are graded from D-Z. Diamonds with less color (D) are rarer and more valuable. The cut refers to how well it releases light. Lots of sparkle is good! Carat is the weight of the diamond. A one-carat diamond might not sound expensive but a quality one-carat stone can be anywhere from a couple thousand dollars to more than $15,000 depending on the quality. Clarity refers to the absence of imperfections, inclusions and blemishes within the diamond. A knowledgeable jeweler will be able to spot these upon inspection.

· Know the difference in shapes. There are at least 10 different shapes you can select from when it comes to diamonds. Does she want a pear-shaped diamond or is she a princess-cut kind of person? They’re all different and present a unique style. If you can, ask her or her close friend what she likes.

· Always buy certified. This is a big financial commitment. You want to make sure you’re investing in a quality product. Only buy diamonds that are certified and make sure the paperwork you receive matches up with the diamond or piece of jewelry you purchase.

via Renee Hollingshead

When shopping for engagement rings, if you do a little homework before you step in the store, you’ll feel confident in your decision. And after you do purchase that special ring, consider buying insurance to ensure your investment is covered.

How to shop for an Engagement ring