Once upon a time, an engagement ring was carved with anything on hand, often materials like ivory or bone, as a simple way of signifying love and obedience. In the modern world, choosing the right engagement ring has gotten a little more complicated!
With thousands of different types of rings, each of them more brilliant and beautiful than the last, how do you find one to start your journey with the person you love? From navigating the budget to finding the perfect style, there’s a lot to consider.
Don’t stress: we’ve got you covered! Let’s take a look at all of the details you’ll need to consider, research, plan, and discuss as you narrow down your options for the perfect ring.
Your Goals and Budget
Before you dive into the details, figure out your budget. For many couples, this is one of the most pressing factors when choosing an engagement ring.
Ditch the myth that you need to spend three months’ worth of your salary on a ring! The truth is that budgets vary widely, with some couples spending far less and others far more. If you’re not sure how much to spend, keep in mind that the average cost of an engagement ring in 2023 is around $6,000.
As you figure out your budget, don’t forget to consider your big-picture goals as a couple. What do you envision in your immediate future? What do you want in the next five years?
If you’re both focused on buying a house and building a family, you may want to set aside a smaller budget for your ring. There’s nothing wrong with choosing less expensive options that still capture the sparkle you desire! There are plenty of gems and styles, including lab-made diamond engagement rings, to help you save up front while building your future.
Don’t be afraid to take things in steps: the ring you propose with today doesn’t represent where you will be tomorrow. As you grow together, there’s nothing stopping you from buying your dream ring once you’re in a more comfortable place financially.
The Timeline
Deciding on an engagement ring isn’t often a speedy process, nor should it be! Your ring will be with you for decades to come, so don’t rush the decision. Many couples will take weeks or even months to find the perfect option.
From there, give yourself enough time for the ring’s creation and delivery before planning your proposal. Six weeks is a good rule of thumb for most engagement ring styles, though you may need to wait longer if you’ve chosen to custom-design or engrave the piece.
Your Lifestyle
Next, consider the wearer’s lifestyle. Most traditional styles and settings work for a range of people, but they may not work for everyone.
If the wearer is a fitness enthusiast, for example, consider a practical bezel or six-claw setting for extra security. If they bake or paint, channel-set stones, filigree details, and intricate engravings may be too frustrating to clean every day. If they work with their hands, choose a ring without a high setting or raised edges to prevent it from catching on things.
The care and upkeep can make a difference as well.
Intricate settings often require regular check-ups and prong tightening to keep gems from growing loose or falling out. The same is true of raised settings. Rings with these popular touches can be gorgeous, but make sure you’re willing to invest time and money in their upkeep!
On the other end of the spectrum, some rings need lower maintenance. Platinum, for example, won’t need refinishing after a scratch the way gold does, as long as you don’t mind its satiny patina. Though all types of engagement rings need regular cleaning, some metals don’t tarnish as fast or at all, so they may be a superior choice for anyone who prefers a no-fuss option.
Your Style Preference
Next, it’s time to navigate the wearer’s preferred styles. This is easier if you’re shopping as a couple, but it can be tricky if the ring will be a surprise!
Consider the general style of the person you’re purchasing for. Do they prefer timeless elegance in their jewelry, or do they love a piece with a bold, graphic shape? Do they enjoy sleek, minimalist pieces, or do they like to hunt down vintage designs?
When in doubt, think about the fashions and jewelry styles they often wear. It may help to peek at their jewelry box to see their existing collection. An engagement ring design should always reflect the personality and fashion sense of the wearer.
Another great resource is family members and friends. Ask around for advice, as your significant other may have discussed their hopes or preferences with the people closest to them.
The Stone
The gemstone is one of the most eye-catching features of a ring, so weigh your options with care!
If you prefer the timeless symbolism of a traditional engagement ring, go with a white diamond. These flashy gems make a big statement, though you’ll need to pay close attention to the 4Cs of diamonds as you choose a specific stone. For a pop of color, consider fancy diamonds in beautiful blue, black, or pink shades.
For a budget-friendly option, lab-grown diamonds may be the better choice. These are indistinguishable from diamonds to the naked eye, and they’re also an ethical and sustainable choice.
Though the majority of engagement rings use diamonds as the center stone, a growing minority uses gems instead. Moissanite and morganite, for example, mimic the dazzling look of a diamond with a lower price tag. In general, any gemstone you choose will be less expensive than a diamond of the same size.
More colorful gemstones are also popular, provided their structural makeup is hard enough for everyday wear. Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are timeless options with a long history of use in engagement rings. Aquamarine and topaz are also beautiful diamond alternatives.
No matter what type of gem you choose, quality should be the most important factor. When in doubt, always choose a smaller but higher-quality stone over a higher carat weight.
The Metal
There are numerous metal options that work well in engagement rings. Traditional choices like white, yellow, and rose gold are common, as well as platinum and palladium.
The aesthetics of the metal is the most important detail for many couples, as it’s helpful to know that the ring will match any existing pieces. If most of the wearer’s jewelry comes in cooler silver tones, for example, consider a silver ring to match. This isn’t an absolute, of course: mixing metals can create a lovely two-tone effect!
You’ll also want to research the best metals for sensitive skin. If the wearer is one of the 18% of people with a nickel allergy, for example, the trace amounts of nickel in most gold alloys may be enough to make wearing the piece uncomfortable. Instead, hypoallergenic metals like pure platinum are great alternatives that you can enjoy wearing every day.
As mentioned above, the budget should factor in as well. For example, while platinum is durable, it can be much more expensive than white gold.
Insurance
No one likes to imagine their engagement ring getting lost or stolen, but it happens all the time. No matter the cost of your ring, an engagement ring insurance policy is always a good idea.
Most home or renters insurance companies will allow you to add this option to an existing policy for extra coverage. You’ll need to get the ring appraised first, but the modest fee for this pales in comparison to the potential cost of losing the ring! Many policies will also cover prong tightening services and minor repairs for damage up to a certain dollar amount.
The Jeweler
Last, but not least, consider the source! It’s important to buy from a trusted jeweler with experience in creating handcrafted pieces.
Ask for recommendations and do your research early on. The right jewelers will have a convenient website, a good reputation, and glowing reviews that showcase high levels of customer satisfaction. When you reach out with questions, you should get timely replies that suggest high expertise without feeling like you’re getting rushed through the process.
If you’re buying online, make sure the jeweler carries a complimentary return or exchange policy: no one wants to have to rethink a purchase, but you should at least have the option! Engraving and financing options are also a plus, as they save you an extra step.
Consider Our Different Types of Rings
Navigating your options can be nerve-wracking when you want to make sure every last detail is perfect, but the tips above can help. Don’t forget that picking an engagement ring should be no different from surprising your significant other with any thoughtful gift: you know them well, so don’t overthink the process! Consider the factors we’ve mentioned and trust your intuition.
As you search through different types of rings for the right option, be sure to check out our collection. With earth-created and lab-made diamonds as well as a spectrum of stunning gemstones, you’ll find everything you need at Barkev’s. Shop our engagement rings now.