Whether you’re buying an engagement ring in collaboration with your partner or in secret, shopping for one can be challenging. That’s why it’s critical to avoid the following mistakes in order to have a smooth and enjoyable experience:
Don’t Just Shop at Big Retailers
While it’s tempting to shop at major retailers, you should take a close look at smaller options in your local area. Why? Two major reasons: ring selection and price.
Professional jewellers may not have the large storefronts and sales teams that their big box counterparts offer, but they create gorgeous engagement rings at affordable rates. If they offer custom designs, you can guarantee that no one else has the same ring as your partner. They will help you craft a one-of-a-kind piece for your proposal.
Plus, with smaller overheard demands than big box stores, their service prices tend to be lower.
Don’t Ignore Lab Grown Diamonds
If you’re a traditionalist, you may prefer mined diamonds because you believe they are more romantic or because you think they’re of better quality. In fact, the only physical difference is the origin of the diamond — unlike alternatives like cubic zirconia, moissanite, and other simulates, lab grown diamonds are real diamonds with the exact same physical characteristics.
Of course, there are many other advantages to buying lab grown diamonds:
- They are more cost-effective. A lab-grown diamond is usually 30% larger than a mined diamond, at the same cost.
- They have a lower environmental impact than earth-mined stones, making them an environmentally friendly and sustainable choice.
- They represent innovation that resonates with many couples who may work in engineering or sciences.
Don’t Do It Alone
Searching for an engagement ring should never be a solo mission. You always want to bring someone who knows your partner well with you. Contact one of their close friends or relatives to see if they would lend you a hand in secret. Not only will they help you make the right pick, but they can also help you shake off any nerves about the proposal and boost your confidence.
Or you could ask your partner to join in! Lots of couples are skipping surprise proposals in favour of going engagement ring shopping together. It’s a great idea if you’re planning on getting a custom engagement ring. You can talk to the jeweller together and go through every step of the design to make sure every part of the ring is perfect.
Don’t Focus So Much on Size
Bigger isn’t always better. Of course, you would love to follow in the footsteps of celebrities like Alex Rodriguez and spend a fortune on a ring with an enormous 16-carat emerald cut diamond. But that size of center stone comes at a steep price. The ring he gave to his fiancée, actress and singer Jennifer Lopez, is reportedly worth $1.8 million.
Focusing on the size of your center stone can quickly strain the limits of your shopping budget. You can keep your wallet in-tact and impress your sweetheart with a smaller center stone. Focus on elements like the stone’s cut and colour to make a statement. Sometimes less is more.
Although buying an engagement ring can be challenging, you’re likely to make the right selection by avoiding these four common mistakes.
