5 Expert Tips for a Flawless Engagement Ring Shopping Experience

October 23rd, 2023 / Alese Oldenburg

Time to pop the big question? Well, if you thought getting down on one knee was terrifying, wait until you start shopping for a ring! Most people (hopefully) only make this purchase once in their life and there’s a lot of insider information that can make the process daunting. Shopping for an engagement ring is a journey that’s as unique as the love story it represents. It’s a thrilling adventure, a symbol of commitment, and a beautiful moment in the making. But like any expedition, a little preparation can go a long way. In this guide, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of engagement ring shopping. Whether you’re a soon-to-be proposer or a couple venturing into this together, our five essential tips will help you navigate the world of diamonds and design with confidence. So, let’s embark on this exciting adventure and discover how to choose the perfect ring that not only fits your finger but also your love story. It doesn’t have to be that way though, these five tips will help you walk away with a dream ring.

1. Start with the ring style

Even if you’re on a tight budget, it’s always good to start by deciding what kind of ring you want. If you’re shopping together then this part of the process is really easy. If you’re surprising your special someone then it can be a little intimidating with thousands of styles available. Look to the jewelry and clothes your significant other wears for clues and don’t be afraid to ask a close friend. Once you pick a style, you can work with the jewelry company to make it fit your budget.

2. The ring size question

Just like clothes, you want a ring to fit just right in order to wear it comfortably. If you’re shopping together make a trip to your local jewelry store and they’ll get your exact size no problem. If you want the engagement to be a surprise, here are a few tricks you can try: Steal one of their current rings that they wear on their ring finger and have it sized. Tie a rope around their finger while they sleep and have that size (sounds crazy but it works!) As a last-ditch effort, find someone with a similar finger width and get their size.

3. Educate yourself about 4Cs

Color, cut, and clarity oh my! For those who haven’t purchased an engagement ring or diamond before, there’s going to be a lot of jargon you’re not used to. Don’t let that scare you away though; knowledge really is power when it comes to buying a ring. Unfortunately, there are many jewelers who will take advantage of you if you don’t know what you’re talking about. Luckily it doesn’t have to be that hard though. You can learn about the 4Cs of buying a diamond with this quick 90-second video. To learn more about your metal options, check out this good article. Start there and then rely on Google for any further information you need.

4. Browse the stores

Unfortunately, you’re actually going to have to get off your couch at some point during the buying process! And yes, you’re going to get hammered with 20 questions whenever you walk into a jewelry store. However, it will also give you a chance to see a wide range of ring styles live and in person. You’ll also be able to see the difference between a high and low-quality diamond if you’ve never seen it before. No matter how much pressure they put on you though, don’t buy in the store! This brings us to our next point….

5. Buy online

Time to get out the credit card and plunk down the money! Before you do, make sure you compare all your options to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Don’t look at just the price though, consider the company’s guarantees, return policy, and customer service rating. All of these are just as important as the price of getting a high-quality engagement ring. You’ll also want to make sure the company has its diamonds graded by an outside company like AIG, IGI or GIA. If they grade their own stones, you’re likely getting ripped off. As long as all that lines up though, you’re about to walk away with a dream engagement ring. Congrats!