Selecting the Perfect Engagement Ring for Her Style and Your Budget

It’s all about the big diamond, or is it?
The Solitaire diamond engagement ring is the classic engagement ring, but today’s trends and styles are making room for non-traditional engagement ring styles such as the eternity ring or three stone rings. Combining diamonds with colored stones of sapphire and ruby, and fancy engagement rings in antique and pave settings are also gaining popularity.
The key to selecting an engagement ring is to know something about her style preferences. Is she traditional, does she wear jewelry, is she active in sports? These are questions only you and she can answer. To help you decide here are some guidelines that should help you make the right choice.
First, do your homework!!
Talk to her friends or mother. Women share their hopes and dreams and most likely one of her best girlfriends or her mom has insight about what her perfect ring might look like.
Visit some jewelry stores together. You’ll have to be kind of sneaky here if you’re planning a big surprise engagement, but if you’ve discussed marriage then browsing together will be a good idea.
Talk to some experts. There are many jewelry experts available to discuss options with you so you can make educated choices. HOT TIP: Avoid high pressure sales pitches. Unfortunately, there will be many who just want to sell you their inventory, thus their advice will be biased.
Get educated!!! Diamond and jewelry education is essential. But the caution here is there is no substitute for a expert advice. It’s the difference between research on WebMD and becoming a doctor. Diamond education can be daunting and confusing, learn the terms and what’s important and then work with a professional you trust. Start with an online Diamond Education Center to give you the information you need.
Set a budget. She may be thinking 2.0 carat Tiffany, and your wallet is leaning towards Zales. You need to be realistic about how much you intend to spend so that you can shop her style and your budget. If you’ve completed your education homework then you have some ideas about pricing.
Select a jeweler you trust to work with. While bargain shopping seems like a great way to save some cash, getting the value for your dollar is what’s really important. A professional can help you get the best price, best value within your set budget. HOT TIP: Most jewelers have access to the same databases of “virtual” diamond inventory online jewelry retailers are selling. Not only can they match the price, a jeweler has added value of designing and servicing your ring.
Now that you have done your homework, have a style in mind and have set a budget, you are armed and ready to start shopping. Good luck!
Jacqueline Hull is the President and CEO of Diamond Design Co. (DDC), a high end jewelry company located in San Francisco. DDC designs and manufacturers custom engagement, wedding and anniversary rings. Ms. Hull has been working with jewelers and clients since early 2000 and has written numerous diamond education pieces for Beyond the 4Cs and Diamond Design Co.
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