Top 9 Considerations For An Engagement Ring
Buying an engagement ring is not a purchase, it is one of the most important investments you can ever make in your lifetime. An engagement ring is an expression of love that is second to none and materialises the everlasting emotional feelings you hold dearly for your beloved partner. For these reasons alone, you must carefully do you research and not rush in to this life changing event otherwise you could end up humiliated on a "best of" worst engagement rings ever list, like this one.
So lets run through the top nine considerations for perfect engagement rings.
engagement ring design
What design does your partner like? Do they like bold or subtle styles? Have they shown you examples of what designs appeal to them? Best to start here and then consult with your jeweller as they are the experienced experts that can guide you.
engagement ring stone
They say diamonds are a girls best friend however not all rings have diamonds solely, some have multiple stones or multiple coloured diamonds such as pink or yellow diamonds. Is diamond even appropriate? Alternatives can be emerald, sapphire, topaz, opal, pearl, ruby, and onyx. Diamond is by far the most popular given its scarcity however it comes down to personal preference. What is your partners preferred stone?
engagement ring metals
Platinum is often the most popular of metals for an engagement ring as it is scarce, is very hard and has a natural vibrance. Other metals include and are not limited to: white gold, yellow gold, palladium, silver, rose gold and titanium. Does your partner have an allergic reaction to any metals? Now is a good time to find out.
designing team
The design team for the engagement ring is vital. Are they locked away or outsourced where the only communication you can have is via email or online? Or can you go and sit down with them in person, read their passion for their craft and get a good feeling for how committed they will be for your expensive lifetime investment? A dedicated design team that can be met with in person can make a massive difference to the outcome of your engagement ring.
jeweller experience
How long has the jeweller been in business? What examples of other engagement rings can they show you? Are they a custom jeweller or do they only create a limited style of rings? What sort of reviews do they have online? How do they respond to the reviews and specifically any raised issues online? Are they confident when they explain the different options that you have? These are all considerations to ponder.
think of the lifetime value, not the cost
Sure an engagement ring can be expensive and you don't want to be labelled as a tight fist by your partner as it can create a feeling of low worth which no one wants in a healthy relationship. So you may go in and get a shock when $10,000 and $20,000 and $30,000 are brought up as potential price points but don't treat them as pain points and here is why. Say the perfect custom hand made designed engagement ring is $25,000 - and you are expecting to live until you are at least 80. Presuming no divorce and you are 30 when you propose. you can divide that expense over up to 50 years and it equates to $500 per year, $42 / month and $1.39 per day - are you telling me your partner is not worth $2 a day for the rest of your happy lives? Focus on the value - not the cost.
current trends/fashions
Your jeweller is the best point of call to advise you on trends and fashions as they are frequently engaged and creating stylish timeless pieces so they can tell you what is in and what is out and match the current trend and fashion for your partner and their unique likes and tastes best.
lifestyle and occupation
Its common for an element of showing off to creep in to an engagement ring choice however do you really want to be bearing a 3ct masterpiece if your daily job is a nurse helping delivery babies? The lifestyle and occupation of your partner comes into play as you want a ring that will slide in to their life as seamlessly as possible.
certification/authentication
Very critical. You don't want to get ripped off and drop $25,000 on a shiny piece of glass. What certification and authentication can the jeweller provide and how can this be independently verified?