How to Pick the Perfect Engagement Ring

Shopping for an engagement ring and preparing for a proposal is an exciting time, and it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. However, whether you shop alongside your significant other or alone, it’s important to take your time when picking out a ring. An engagement ring is a big investment, after all.

Here are five tips to help you pick out the perfect engagement ring.

5 Tips for Picking the Perfect Engagement Ring

1.     Know your budget. When it comes to how much you should spend on an engagement ring, there are many different opinions. I'm sure you've heard of all of the different salary rules, but luckily enough, those are incredibly outdated. Most people expect to spend around $1,000 to $5,000 on an engagement ring—however, the average costs around $6,000. Regardless of your salary, it's important to marry your engagement ring cost with your ideal budget. 

2.    Narrow it down by shape. This is where shopping with your future wife or husband can be beneficial. Knowing what shape your significant other desires for their engagement ring will narrow down your search tremendously. If you're not sure what shape or cut they want or you're going for a surprise engagement, do a little research before you start shopping, so you know what the different cuts are and the different prices that correspond with them. Round cuts are the most expensive and the most popular, while pear and marquise cuts are less expensive.

3.    Have your correct measurements. You need to know your significant other's exact ring size as well as your own when it comes to ordering an engagement ring. You don't want to order a ring that is impossible to get on or one that is too loose and constantly in danger of slipping off your fiance’s finger. The right fit should be snug but comfortable. Even if you and your partner are shopping for rings separately, you guys can get sized at a jewelry store at the same time. 

4.    Make sure it’s certified. Purchasing an engagement ring is one of the biggest expenses you will encounter in your life, so it's important to make sure you're buying a certified stone from an accredited laboratory. With how expensive this industry is, it's easy to get tricked into thinking you're getting a better stone than you are if you purchase from a dishonest seller. 

5.    Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Engagement rings, like any other wedding product, can be marked up well beyond necessary profit margins. Some popular rings are marked up as much as 500%, which is crazy when you consider what the regular price would be. Keep this in mind while shopping, and don't be afraid to negotiate when you find the ring you like. The right jeweler will be open to working with you and your budget to give you a high-quality ring that satisfies your needs. 

Whether you choose to shop for your engagement ring with your significant other or you choose to shop alone, it's important to keep these five things in mind. Make sure you have an ideal budget before you start shopping, take a look at popular stone cuts, know you're correct ring measurement, make sure you buy a certified stone, and never be afraid to negotiate with the jeweler. If you follow these five tips, then you will have an amazing engagement ring that will make you and your significant other smile for years to come.