The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Ring for Proposing

You’ve finally decided to pop the question. Congratulations! Now it’s time to prepare for one of the most important shopping trips you’ll ever make before asking their hand in marriage. There are many things that go into choosing a ring, and I’m here to help with this ultimate guide for picking the perfect ring for your loved one.

Here are eight tips on what goes into picking out the perfect engagement ring:

 

1. Know Your Budget 

The cost of an engagement ring is largely dependent on three factors – diamond size, setting type (prong/bezel), metal quality (gold/silver). Understanding these variables will allow you to find the perfect ring for your budget.

 

2. Pick a Jeweler

You have two options here – buying from an independent jeweler or using one of the well-known online marketplaces like Blue Nile and James Allen. The key difference here is that in an independent store you’ll be able to have a jeweler help you find the best ring for your partner and have a personalized experience. You’ll want to find an experienced jeweler who will take care of everything from finding your perfect diamond, selecting a setting and polishing it for you. *A reputable jeweler should provide lifetime jewelry insurance that backs up their word on how long they will stand behind the quality of their craftsmanship.

 

3. Consider the Ring Shape

A diamond is usually set in a round, cushion, square or marquise shaped setting and will differ greatly depending on the woman receiving it. Currently a big trend is different shaped or clusters of diamonds. Another thing to think about is the band being lined with smaller diamonds – which can add some extra sparkle!

 

 

4. The Stone

There are so many options available – diamond, sapphire, ruby? It’s entirely up to you and your budget. If she wants to go against the typical tradition, you might want to go with one of her favorite gems or birthstone. . The cut of your stone is going to have a major impact on how sparkly it will be. So before you go shopping, make sure you try to read up about different cuts and shapes so that you know what’s best for you. A diamond lasts longer than any other stone on earth and will never lose its sparkle or shine so it’s a great way to make sure your love lives on forever when she accepts your proposal.

 

5. Know Her Ring Size

A great way to make sure it fits her finger is by knowing the ring size before you go shopping for a ring. There are a few ways to do this: One is by guessing her size based on other rings she wears. But the most accurate way is to use a ring sizer. You’ll need to know this before you buy the ring, which will make it easier for the jeweler. However, if it doesn’t fit you can always bring it back in to be adjusted.

 

6. Plan Ahead

You’ll want as much time as possible when picking out the perfect ring and then planning the proposal for the person of your dreams!

 

7. Insurance

Make sure to get your diamond certified from a third party before purchasing, and make sure it’s calibrated for the specific ring that you’re buying it for – this will help keep your investment safe! Finally, don’t forget about insurance when you buy something so expensive; if anything happens to the stone in transit or after purchase (you drop it, for example), the insurance will cover your purchase cost.

 

8. Bring a friend

One last tip is if you are really unsure of what your girlfriend will like, bring someone who she trusts (like a family member or best friend) to go along with you when making your final purchase decision – they will be able to provide valuable insight! They also might know exactly what ring that she has her heart set on.

 

It’s wonderful that you want to find the perfect ring for your soon-to-be fiancé. I hope these eight tips will help make this process a little easier and more enjoyable on choosing the ring of her dreams! As a wedding photographer I would love to be able to photograph the special moment of proposing for you. Contact me today if there are any questions or concerns about anything else related to photography services!

Send me an email to start planning your proposal session!

-Alyssa