Is it time to start ring shopping? Congratulations! Buying an engagement ring and gearing up for the proposal is truly an exciting time. Don’t know where to start? Scroll down for expert advice!
We sat down with Sarah, one of James Allen’s senior customer service reps, to talk about some common questions she encounters on a daily basis from customers. Whether it’s about buying an engagement ring or making proposal plans, read on for her top engagement ring tips and more!
Table of Contents
1. Shape Your Thoughts
When you’re just getting started, we recommend thinking about shape preference. ‘A round center stone is never going to go out of style, and it is by far the most popular shape,’ explains Sarah. If you don’t know where to begin, play it safe and go for a round center stone.
Oval cut and pear shaped diamonds are a great choice if you prefer something a bit more trendy.
2. Timing Is Everything
When you’re thinking about the proposal, consider timelines and how long it takes to make your ring. ‘I always remind our customers to allow themselves enough time because all our rings are made to order,’ adds Sarah.
So, remember, whatever you choose, give yourself a few weeks before getting your hands on these gorgeous pieces.
3. Let’s Talk Budget
You may have heard about the ‘three-month salary rule’, but we believe you should determine how much you can comfortably spend overall. There are no set rules when it comes to how much money you should spend on an engagement ring.
Keep in mind that the price tags of an engagement ring can vary significantly, so it’s important to choose one that fits your budget.
‘Once we know what style the customer wants, the best-sellers are a good reference,’ adds Sarah. We have a wide selection of stunning options for every kind of budget and won’t break the bank.
Looking to sparkle and save? We teamed up with proposal expert Stacy Stahl to cover all your ring budget questions, including:
- How much should you spend on a ring?
- Does bigger mean better?
- How can you save money?
- What’s the average amount spent?
Listen to her tips in the video below to find the best bling for your buck:
4. A Two-Way Street
Engagement ring shopping is usually a two-way street. ‘You should always keep your partner in the loop and follow their lead’ advises Sarah. Your partner is going to be wearing the ring every day, so make sure they love it!
If your significant other hints at something other than a classic solitaire, try something different like these vintage-inspired engagement rings.
FAQs
What is most important when picking an engagement ring?
The most important characteristics you should pay attention to when buying an engagement ring are the diamond’s cut, color, weight, and clarity. A diamond’s price and appearance depend on these characteristics.
How can I make my engagement ring special?
There are many different and beautiful ways to make an engagement ring special. At JamesAllen.com we offer you the opportunity to design your dream ring using our Ring Studio. And for an extra personal touch, you can also engrave a meaningful message (for free) on the inside of your engagement ring.
How do you properly wear an engagement ring?
Despite there being no right or wrong way to wear an engagement ring, engagement rings are usually worn on the left ring finger. This is the most common choice, and in many western cultures, the wedding ring finger is traditionally said to be the fourth finger on the left hand. However, the “ring finger” is not the same in all cultures and countries.
What should you not do when buying an engagement ring?
When it comes to engagement ring shopping, many people often make the same mistakes. To make sure both the engagement ring and the proposal moment are close to being perfect, it’s so important to keep these in mind:
- Set a budget
- Do your homework and get all the information you can
- Check your partner’s ring size partner
- Consider your partner’s personal style.
- Plan the proposal
Happy Shopping
Looking for real-life proposal inspiration? Take a look at our customers’ engagement moments from all over the world.
You can also contact us if you need help finding your dream engagement ring. Our diamond and jewelry experts at JamesAllen.com are always available to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to assisting you!
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An experienced content writer with four years' experience, Tarryn enjoys educating and guiding jewelry shoppers, providing them with valuable insights and best practices for making informed purchases.