5 Tips for Engagement Ring Shopping
Choosing an engagement ring is an exciting experience and one that requires a lot of thought and planning in advance. If you’re ready to select a sparkler for that special someone, you want to make sure you do it right.
Whether you’re shopping for a ring with your significant other or heading out to browse on your own, here are the best tips for finding “the one.”
- Decide on a Shape
Before going engagement ring shopping, it’s worth getting familiar with your partner’s tastes, especially when it comes to diamond shape. It’s also good to set a budget, and select a shape based on that since every shape is priced differently. Round cut diamonds are always classic, but other beautiful options include pear and marquise shapes, princess cut, cushion cut, emerald cut, and heart cut.
- Choose a Metal
Engagement rings are traditionally made from silver, white gold, yellow gold, or platinum. However, in recent years, other metals like rose gold have become popular as a chic and modern alternative. In addition to considering taste, you should also consider lifestyle, as some metals scratch easier than others.
- Play Detective
Nowadays, it’s common for couples to ring shop together. That said, if you’re more of a traditionalist and you’re doing it alone, make sure you get familiar with your significant other’s taste before going engagement ring shopping. Alternatively, you can always ask their friends and loved ones for help. Do they favor platinum or gold? Vintage jewels or modern pieces? Pay attention in the weeks leading up to your excursion to ensure you will find a ring that he or she will adore.
- Think Outside the Box
You don’t have to stick to traditional shapes and stones when it comes to buying the perfect engagement ring. You can always opt for something personal and unique instead.
“People are yearning for something different. They want something that feels ‘fashion’ and relevant, but also timeless—not basic, boring, or predictable,” says Azlee designer Baylee Zwart.
- Allow Yourself Plenty of Time
Don’t rush the process. Choosing the right engagement ring takes considerable time, thought, and effort. What’s more, it can take several weeks to arrive, or possibly even longer if you’re having the ring custom designed. To ensure you get your ring on time–and the ring you know he or she will love–give yourself at least six weeks to shop the sparkler.
Engagement Ring Inspiration
Here are some of my favorite engagement rings for both men and women.
Tiffany Harmony Round Brilliant Engagement Ring
An elegant 18k rose gold engagement ring featuring a round brilliant diamond in a four-pronged setting.
Cartier’s Solitaire 1895
A platinum engagement ring set with a cushion-cut diamond and pavéed with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Tiffany’s Men’s Engagement Ring
A sleek and sophisticated platinum ring featuring strong contours, clean lines, and a round brilliant diamond in the center.
Harry Winston’s Oval-Shaped Engagement Ring
A timeless piece set in platinum with an oval-shaped diamond gleaming from the center. She’ll adore it!
Bulgari’s “Marry Me” Ring
A lustrous, sleek, and sculptural platinum band encrusted with five brilliant diamonds in square settings. He’ll treasure it forever!
About The Author
Debbie Azar is the Co-Founder and President of Gemological Science International (GSI), one of the largest gemological organizations in the world, and a distinguished leader in the global diamond and jewelry industry. As an executive with extensive knowledge of the jewelry and gem lab industries, her entrepreneurial skills and vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide, establishing 13 leading-edge gemological facilities on four continents. She currently serves on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Responsible Jewellery Council, and Jewelers for Children, and is a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York. She has been featured in Forbes, Daily Mail, Good Morning America, Bloomberg, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fox Business, Fox5, CBS2, BOLDTV, Varney&Co, The Street, and NASDAQ, among others.
