Engagement Ring Shopping: Dos and Don’ts
What to Know
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Before you buy an engagement ring, there are some serious mistakes to avoid and some things you should do to find the perfect piece of jewelry.
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Always research the diamond itself, the ring’s setting, the diamond shape, and budgeting options.
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Consider buying your engagement ring from a local jeweler, such as Jeweler’s Touch, for personal service and customization options.
How Do You Start Engagement Ring Shopping Without Feeling Overwhelmed?
If you’re planning to pop the question at a beautiful location like Carbon Canyon Regional Park, you want to have a perfect, jaw-dropping ring. Engagement ring shopping can be exciting but also overwhelming. Selecting a flawless ring for your future partner is a monumental decision, as this specific piece of jewelry symbolizes your life together. Fortunately, the experts at Jeweler’s Touch have some engagement ring shopping tips to help you find the right engagement ring to suit your partner’s style and your budget.
The Biggest Engagement Ring Shopping Mistakes to Avoid
When you think about how to shop for an engagement ring, you’re probably not considering what you shouldn’t do. Here are some key mistakes to avoid in this engagement ring buying guide to ensure that you select the perfect ring for your future partner.
Not doing any research
As you ponder engagement ring dos and don’ts, one of the key “don’ts” is forgetting to do some research before you buy. Explore various engagement ring styles for inspiration and print some photos of the ones you like for reference. Think about your partner’s own personal style and preferences, whether it’s sleek and modern or traditional and romantic. You should also learn about the four C’s of diamonds (color, cut, clarity, and carat) to help you choose the highest quality diamond possible within your budget.
You don’t consider diamond settings and shapes
Diamonds come in various shapes, like princess, pear, cushion, round brilliant, and more. Look at several diamond silhouettes to determine which one best suits your partner and your ring design goals. It’s also important to check out several engagement ring settings. A classic prong setting shows off the diamond’s brilliance, while a pavé or halo setting allows room for more stones.
Focusing on size over quality
A massive diamond engagement ring is always a showstopper, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate the true quality of the stone itself. A gorgeous solitaire diamond ring featuring a high-quality stone is a much better investment than a larger or multi-diamond ring made of lesser-quality stones. Clarity and cut grade are as important as carat weight when it comes to quality.
Not knowing your partner’s ring size
Another common mistake people make when shopping for an engagement ring is selecting the wrong size. You don’t want to get on one knee, only to find out that the ring you’ve carefully chosen doesn’t fit your loved one. If you need to find your partner’s ring size without them knowing, bring a ring they normally wear on their ring finger to the jeweler, or trace the inside circumference of the ring on a piece of paper to get an accurate fit.
Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds — What Should You Choose?
Which option should you choose when it comes to a lab-grown vs. a natural diamond engagement ring? Here are some things to consider when deciding which option is best for you:
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Lab-grown diamonds tend to be more affordable, so you can buy a larger stone for approximately the same price as a smaller natural diamond.
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Natural and lab-grown diamonds’ long-term resale value is similar, making both a smart investment.
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If you're concerned about sustainability, lab-grown diamonds are more ethically sourced and environmentally friendly.
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Both natural and lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and visually identical carbon structure.
What to Expect During an Engagement Ring Consultation
You can discover the perfect piece of jewelry for your significant other by scheduling a private engagement ring consultation. When you book an engagement ring appointment with Jeweler’s Touch, we’ll discuss your ideas and let you compare real diamonds side-by-side. You’ll also discover how to choose an engagement ring setting that reflects your partner’s style and how to select a ring that supports your long-term investment goals.
Engagement Ring Financing Options (Yes, It’s More Flexible Than You Think)
The engagement ring financing options from Jeweler’s Touch are more flexible than you think. Qualified customers receive 12 months with no interest, and we also offer a 90-day free layaway plan. If you're unsure about your budget, it's a good idea to start somewhere between $2,000 and $5,000. The “three months’ salary” rule has been replaced by an individual’s personal budget and goals, based on what you can afford rather than what you think you should spend.
Should You Buy Online or From a Local Jeweler?
Thanks to the e-commerce revolution, it’s easier than ever to buy an engagement ring online. However, consulting a local jeweler is often a smarter way to make this all-important purchase. The best local jewelry store for engagement rings provides in-person guidance, customization options, and long-term servicing after your wedding.
Local jewelers also offer resizing if needed in the future and additional warranty support to protect your investment. While it might cost less to buy a ring online, the benefits of going to a local jeweler make it worth the slightly higher price.
Why Couples Choose Jeweler’s Touch for Engagement Rings in Brea, CA
Couples choose Jeweler’s Touch for engagement rings in Brea, CA, because we offer a wide selection of beautiful, high-quality engagement rings, including custom designs. All of our diamonds are GIA and AGS-certified, giving you confidence and peace of mind. We also offer jewelry appraisals and ring repairs for convenience. Our GIA-graduate gemologists, accredited professionals, certified diamantologists, and skilled goldsmiths have spent years honing their skills while also forming lasting relationships with couples just like you.
Book Your Private Engagement Ring Consultation with Jeweler’s Touch Today
If you’re ready to pop the question, visit Jeweler’s Touch to explore our wide selection of engagement rings. We’ll even help you create a custom design just for your needs. Visit our jewelry store in person, or contact us today to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make a custom engagement ring?
The process of making a custom engagement ring typically takes approximately four weeks, from start to finish. Once the ring is created, it undergoes a thorough five-point inspection before we notify you that it’s ready for pickup.
What ring setting is most secure for everyday wear?
A bezel ring setting fully or partially surrounds the diamond's edges for a smooth surface, making it the most secure for everyday wear. Bezel settings are also best suited for those who work with their hands a lot.
Can I upgrade my engagement ring later?
Yes, you can upgrade your engagement ring later, any time, like when you want to celebrate a special milestone, such as your wedding anniversary. Upgrade options include replacing the center stone with a different diamond, resetting the stone to a new mounting, or adding more stones.