Tips for buying an engagement ring

Buying an engagement ring is a significant and emotional purchase. It won't just be a reminder of the moment you offer the token to your partner. The engagement ring will also serve as a reminder of your love and commitment for years to come.

Here are six tips to help you navigate the process of buying an engagement ring and eventually make your decision.

Learn the 4 Cs

A good first step in your engagement ring research is familiarizing yourself with the four main factors that influence a diamond's quality. The "4 Cs" are the cut, color, clarity and carat weight of a diamond. They affect the overall appearance and value of the diamond.

• Cut: The cut refers to how well a diamond's facets interact with light. A well-cut diamond will sparkle and exhibit brilliance, fire and scintillation. The cut is crucial because it influences the overall beauty of the diamond.
• Color: The color grade measures the presence of color in a diamond, with the most valuable diamonds being colorless. Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less color in a diamond, the higher its value.
• Clarity: This refers to the presence of internal and external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. The fewer and less noticeable the imperfections, the higher the clarity grade and the greater the diamond's value. Clarity is graded on a scale from "flawless" (no imperfections visible under 10x magnification) to "included" (imperfections visible to the naked eye).
• Carat weight: Carat is a unit of weight for diamonds. One carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams. Larger diamonds are generally more valuable, but carat weight is just one factor in determining a diamond's overall value. Two diamonds of equal carat weight can differ significantly in value based on their cut, color and clarity.

The 4 Cs are certainly worth weighing when evaluating a diamond. But ultimately, personal preferences and budget are important in selecting the right diamond for your engagement ring.

Learn what your partner likes

In the lead-up to your research and shopping for engagement rings, paying attention to your partner's jewelry preferences will be invaluable. Take note of their taste in metals — gold, white gold or platinum, for example. Also, exactly what style of jewelry does your partner typically wear? Is it shiny and bold or dainty and understated?

If there are not any tell-tale signs, make an educated guess based on everything you know about your partner. Asking them directly is also an option that shouldn't be dismissed.

Review the possibilities for shapes and styles

While diamonds are traditional, consider alternative gemstones for a unique touch. Gemstones like sapphires, emeralds or morganite can add color and personality to the ring. Plus, the shape can significantly impact the ring's overall aesthetic.

You may want to explore less common diamond shapes, such as round, princess and cushion. Jewelry trends can pervade the options you find in stores, so you may have to ask about styles that appeal most to your partner. Going with a personalized option may also be smart considering that some ring designs are timeless and others are just trendy.

Choose a setting

Think about the type of setting your partner might prefer. Common settings include solitaire, halo, pave and three-stone. The setting can greatly influence the ring's appearance and style. Although online research can get you acquainted with these various options, a visit to a jeweler may help you make a choice of setting.

At this point, you may also want to consider the long-term wearability and durability of the ring. Think about your partner's lifestyle and choose a ring that can withstand daily activities.

Learn about ring sizing

When buying an engagement ring, a wise move is to ensure you have the correct ring size before finalizing your purchase. You may be able to discreetly borrow one of your partner's rings or ask a close friend or family member for help. Resizing a ring can be done and jewelers may offer the service free even after the purchase, but getting the size right from the start is ideal.

Pick a reputable jeweler

Maybe your family has used the same jeweler for decades. Maybe you don't know where to start. In any case, nowadays a reputable jeweler will have positive reviews and a good track record. You should be able to find a jeweler's certifications and return policies to help ensure you are getting a quality product and a fair deal.

Remember, buying an engagement ring is a personal and meaningful experience. Take the time to educate yourself, consider your partner's preferences and make a decision that reflects your commitment and love.