First comes love, then comesmarriage… Well, almost.
In between those two things comes a pretty big purchase: the ring.
Though it pales in comparison to finding The One, finding the right engagement ring is no simple task.
Heather Comparetto/The Penny Hoarder
Knowing how to buy an engagement ring is a science in itself.
From stones to tweaks, it can quickly get complicated, overwhelming and expensive.
Worst of all, its easy to get duped if you dont know what youre doing.
5 Need-to-Know Engagement Ring Shopping Tips
Need the basics?
Are you sitting in your car outside the jewelry store right now?
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help… (But we recommend taking your time.)
The rule is actually the result of awildly successful diamond industry advertising campaign.
(So are diamond engagement rings in general … but thatsanother story.)
Did you know?
), but only spend as much money as you saved.
Then pay the full balance when you get the bill.
Remember: Youre going to be together for a lifetime (ideally).
Think again, Rico Suave.
However,theres something to be said for seeing the diamond yourself.
Raju Khiatani ownsBarclays Jewelersin Miami, Florida and is a 40-year veteran of the diamond business.
Traditional jewelers handpick each diamond they sell.
Some women have family heirlooms theyd rather wear others prefer specific gemstones.
Proceed With Caution
Theres no nice way to say it: The diamond industry is notoriously shady.
Instead, ask friends for recommendations or look up a local jeweler with excellent Yelp reviews.
It probably looks like a 0.85 or 0.90 [carat].
Next time one of her friends gets engaged, listen to what she says about the ring.Beautiful?
Ask Her Friends and Family
Her inner circle probably knows what kind of ring she wants.
Consider Conflict-Free
Does your girlfriend care about social issues?
She may want a conflict-free (read: non-blood) diamond.
Figure Out Her Size
When secretly buying an engagement ring, this is the trickiest part.
Her friends and family may know her size.
), according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)guidelines.
photos, and you’ve got the option to get it resized later.
Some jewelers Blue Nileincluded resize for free.
Choose a Shape
A diamonds shape is one of the most important aesthetics of your ring.
Roundis most popular because it catches the most light its the sparkliest.
Princessis second most popular.
It offers much of the shininess of round in a more modern style.
Marquise,oval and pearare long and slender, which can have a slimming effect on fingers.
Because almost the entirety of these stones appear in the setting, they can also appear larger.
Other less-common shapes includecushion, emerald, asscher, radiant and heart-shaped.
it’s crucial that you know your 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat.
These metrics are used to rate every diamond.
Not only will they give you an idea of a stones quality theyll also help you estimate the cost.
The cut of your diamond typically has the biggest impact on its price about 25% to 50%.
(If you really want inside info, orderRapaport Magazine it lists the market value for different diamonds.)
check that the diamond you buy is officially rated by the GIA not the jeweler.
Your stone should also come with a certificate detailing its C scores.
It affects the sparkle of the stone, Khiatani explains.
Go for the best cut your budget allows: Very Good, or if possible, Ideal.
Color
Diamonds are rated on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (yellow).
The less color, the more expensive the diamond.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the stones number of imperfections, called inclusions.
Stick to diamonds rated SI1 or SI2.
These may have small inclusions, but not visible to the naked eye.
Carat
The C youve probably heard most about actually is the least important.
Carat refers to the weight of your diamond: 142 carats per ounce.
If choosing between quality and quantity, go with the former.
Buy a small sparkly diamond, not a big dull one.
We also recommend buying shy.
Purchase a diamond thats just under the carat youd like.
Its like looking at girls, Khiatani explains.
To me, she might look beautiful; to somebody else, they dont like what she looks like.
I find some diamonds of lower quality in terms of what the certificate says and the diamond just sparkles.
This is where the sleuthing comes in handy hopefully you have some idea what she likes.
If you need more guidance, Brilliant Earth has anexcellent guide.
Choose a metal, too.
The most common colors areyellow, white and rose gold and platinum.
If she normally wears silver-colored jewelry, shed probably prefer a white gold or platinum ring.
The former is cheaper, but the latters more durable.
Turn to the experts.
Snap a few sneaky pics of her jewelry collection and show your jeweler.
If you dont know what her collection says about her tastes, they might.
Or,propose with just a diamond and let your future fiancee choose the setting.
Its always a possibility, so be sure to purchase ring insurance.
Most people can get coverage as an add-on (or rider) on their homeowners or renters insurance.
The most important thing is to read the fine print, The Knot says.
Propose
Alright, youre ready!
Now all you have to do is… plan a proposal.
Your Turn: Have you purchased an engagement ring?
Any tips to share?
Disclosure: We appreciate you letting us include affiliate links in this post.
It helps keep the beer fridge stocked in the Penny Hoarder break room.
Susan Shain, senior writer for The Penny Hoarder, is always seeking adventure on a budget.
Visit her blog at susanshain.com, or say hi on Twitter @susan_shain.
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