You’re convinced she’s the girl you’d like to spend the rest of your life with, and a marriage proposal is the logical next step. Congratulations! Now you need the perfect ring for your proposal. Easy, right? Not exactly. An engagement ring is a huge investment, both financially and emotionally. It’s natural to be nervous, but don’t worry; with these helpful tips, you’ll be down on one knee in no time.
Budget
It’s important to consider your budget when purchasing an engagement ring. While the old adage tells you to spend two to three months of your salary on the ring, we suggest spending what you can comfortably afford. Remember that a good jeweler can create the perfect ring while staying within your budget.
Her Dream Ring
Your lady has probably been dreaming about her engagement ring for a long time. She’s also probably talked about it, exhaustively, with her sisters and/or closest friends. By tapping into these resources, albeit discreetly, you’ll have a good handle on what she’s looking for.
- Choose a shape. Diamonds and other precious stones come in a variety of shapes. While round cuts are by far the most popular, she may prefer oval, princess cut, cushion, emerald cut, pear or marquise.
- Select a setting.When it comes to ring settings, you have a lengthy list of options to choose from. Your jeweler can help you understand the pros and cons of each one. The two most popular choices are prong (a metal claw that holds the diamond in place) and bezel (a thin, metal custom rim that encircles the diamond). The style of your ring is dictated by the setting and the type of metal you choose (yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum), so be careful not to overlook the importance of these decisions. This is where it helps to know about her taste in jewelry. For instance, does she prefer traditional pieces, modern creations or vintage classics?
- Shop for quality. When speaking with a jeweler, you’ll undoubtedly have a conversation about the 4 C’s—cut, color, clarity and carat weight. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created this method of comparing diamonds, and we believe they still provide the most credible certification in use today. The independent certification removes any bias in the grading and ensures that the retailer did not grade it higher than it should be in an effort to make more money or falsely lead the customer into thinking he’s getting a better deal. While we also think that cut and color are clearly the most important visually, you can learn more about the 4 C’s in one of our previous blog posts.
Peace of Mind
Given the time, energy and cost involved in purchasing an engagement ring, you’ll want to insure it. The first thing you’ll need is an appraisal. Many jewelers provide a written appraisal at the time of the sale, or they can direct you to an outside appraisal company. You can add the ring to your homeowners or renters insurance policy, or you can purchase jewelry insurance from a separate company such as Jewelers Mutual Insurance.
For years, grooms have trusted us to help them with their engagement ring purchases. In addition to our collection of loose stones and setting models, we specialize in custom engagement ring design and special orders. Stop in today to browse our selection or to design the perfect ring for your proposal.
Jeff Johnson & Co. is a full-service jeweler located in Upper Arlington, Ohio. We specialize in custom engagement rings, keepsakes for significant moments and giving new life to family heirlooms. Our gemologists are trained by the Gemological Institute of America, and they work closely with each customer to ensure that we meet your vision and beyond. Stop by our showroom at 5025 Arlington Centre Blvd. (off Henderson Road), call 614-459-8890, or visit jj.tripleg.dev. You can also follow us on Facebook at Jeff Johnson & Co.