How to Find the Perfect Engagement Ring

You’ve found the love of your life. Whether it’s love at first sight or a relationship that slowly blossomed over the years, you know you simply can’t live another day without this person. It’s time to tie the proverbial knot.

But if you thought you beat the insurmountable odds by finding “the one,” think again. You now face the daunting task of selecting the perfect engagement ring.

A quick internet search will lead to hundreds of sites, thousands of ring styles, and more unsolicited advice than you could ever possibly sift through. The jewelry store chains beckon to you with their simplicity; wouldn’t buying the ring online save you both some time? Not always. Engagement rings are meant to be as unique as your relationship and as everlasting as your love. The process shouldn’t be time-consuming or exasperating if you go to the right place.

Hands Jewelers is here to help! We’ve put together some tips that will help you find the perfect diamond engagement ring.

Find a Trustworthy Jeweler

The most important thing to remember is that jewelers are trained experts on engagement rings and diamonds; consumers are not. Don’t put yourself at the mercy of a salesperson simply trying to make commission; stick with a reputable jewelry store with credentials and quality diamonds. An expert jeweler should guide you through every step of the process, from identifying the right style and cut to finding the ring that’s in your budget. As jewelers, we’re here to educate you as you look for a ring that expresses your love and commitment.  

Know the 4Cs

To teach couples the Four Cs — cut, color, clarity, and carat — is one thing. To help them identify what differentiates quality among a varied collection of diamonds is another thing altogether. Brilliant diamonds are impressive. As a consumer, you should know exactly what you’re looking at when you see a beautiful diamond.  

However, we know choosing the ring isn’t always based on diamond education and information. Sometimes all it takes is seeing a certain style of ring on your fiance’s finger to know your search for the perfect ring is over. And just wait until you see the look in their eyes when you open the box!

Showcase Your Love  

Ultimately, the ring you choose should exemplify the love you feel—and whether the style of that love is elucidated from dropped hints or subtle preferences teased out from family members or close friends depends on the person. You can browse mountings, shapes, styles, and trends until your head spins, or you can simply put your trust in experienced jewelry experts who help people make these decisions on a daily basis.

Know your partner’s likes, dislikes, and ring size before making a purchase. Pay attention to hints about preferences, or be straightforward in asking them what colors, bands, shapes, and styles they find most appealing.

Make an Investment

You get what you pay for. Investing in a chain jewelry store will get you a ring, but investing in a specialty jewelry store will get you superior quality, expertise, a vast selection, and hand-picked diamonds to create an everlasting expression of your love.

According to The Knot’s 2017 Real Weddings Study, the average engagement ring costs $5,764. Before you start your search, learn about the quality of diamonds in your price range. A trusted jeweler can help you stay within your budget while choosing a diamond the love of your life will treasure. If you’re invested enough to buy the ring, be sure you’re buying it for the right reasons. Most jewelers also offer financing options to make your purchase less intimidating.   

Final Word of Advice

By doing your homework, visiting the highest-quality and most customer-centric jewelry stores, and getting some idea of your partner’s preferences, you can turn this formidable task into a stress-free experience. Your love deserves the engagement ring of a lifetime; make your choice the most memorable part of your unforgettable proposal.

Ready to get started? Check out our Wedding and Engagement page for inspiration, or learn more about the meticulously chosen diamonds you’ll find at Hands.