3 Things to Consider Before Choosing an Engagement Ring

Buying an engagement ring is no small commitment. After all, this is the ring you’ll be presenting to your significant other when proposing to him/her, so it’s going to be the focal point of one of life’s most important memories for years to come. While it’s uncommon for a person to be downright disappointed with the ring you choose for them, being that the relationship itself is more of a concern when deciding whether to say “yes” or “no,” you still want to do your best to pick a ring that will impress, if for no other reason than to show you genuinely care about your soon-to-be spouse’s preferences. (image: Maison Margiela, Gold Crystal Open Band Ring)

With that said, here are three things you should take into consideration before deciding on an engagement ring:

Delfina Delettrez, Marry Me Double Lips Ring

Buying Budget

While staying within your budget might seem like an obvious tip, you’d be surprised how many people overlook this aspect before comparing some of the other aspects listed below. Establishing a budget first will help you narrow the options further, which is why it should be a mandatory initial step. Fortunately, the price spectrum for engagement rings is very wide, so you should be able to find something appealing regardless of your budget. The best way to compare prices would be to conduct a web search for jewelers in your area and then visit each one. For example, if you live in Atlanta you’d search “engagement rings Atlanta” to find a list of nearby jewelers.

Lifestyle and Preferences

Consider the recipient’s daily activities and lifestyle before deciding on a style or shape. For example, if he or she works in a setting with other people, it might be a good idea to get a ring that doesn’t have an elevated gemstone as it may scratch others. If your partner is athletic and will need to remove the ring often, be sure to choose one that is easy to take on and off and make it perfect addition to her jewelry collection. Solitaire rings in a single prong setting are the easiest to clean, so keep that in mind if your partner gardens or gets their hands dirty in other ways.

Pearls Before Swine, Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Ring

Ring Size and Style

Be certain that you know the exact ring size of your partner before making a purchase. Likewise, don’t hesitate to ask them what kind of ring style they prefer. Asking questions like this can also break the ice and give you an indicator of whether your partner is going to say “yes” to your proposal. You could even try browsing an online catalog of ring styles to see which style they prefer.

Go Window Shopping with Your Partner First, and Don’t Forget Presentation!

In closing, a good way to ensure that you’ll be getting a ring that your partner will love is to take them window shopping at some jewelry stores in the weeks before proposing. This can be something you do casually while passing through the mall to avoid dropping too big of a hint. At the same time, slightly hinting towards an upcoming proposal is a good way to gauge whether your partner will be receptive to it, and could even save you the hassle of being rejected if you notice a change in their behavior after the window shopping. Finally, be sure to put effort into the presentation and proposal, as this will be the moment you’ll unveil the ring that you’ve put so much effort into choosing.

Looking for more wedding inspirations? Browse through DESIGN SCENE Magazine Bridal Archive.