Shopping for an engagement ring is a big decision, and it’s one of the most meaningful purchases you can make as a couple. But before you jump into the process, there are some things to consider and discuss first.
What Are The Pros Of Ring Shopping Together?
The pros of shopping together for an engagement ring include enjoying the process together, determining what sort of ring fits your personality and tastes, getting information from a trusted jeweler about diamonds and other stones, and budgeting.
You’ll also be assured that you’re choosing the perfect symbol of your commitment to each other. So, if you’re looking for something special to commemorate this important chapter in your lives, why not go ring shopping together? It could be one of your most memorable and romantic moments. Plus, it’s so much more fun than doing it alone! So what are you waiting for? Start shopping today!
How Should You Go About Shopping?
One option to consider is shopping together for your rings—it’s becoming a more popular choice for couples wanting to share the experience of ring shopping together. A few advantages to shopping together include getting more insight into what your partner likes and needs in an engagement ring. Plus, you can help each other decide on the right design and budget for both of you.
How Can It Be A Romantic Experience And Not Too Transactional?
Shopping for an engagement ring together can be a romantic experience if you approach it with the right mindset. Think of it as an adventure, and make sure to enjoy the process! This is also a great opportunity to bond with each other, talk about your dreams, and get excited about what’s in store for your future.
Remember that at the end of the day, this moment is all about celebrating your love – so don’t forget to take some time to savor it!
Questions To Ask Yourselves
What ring design do you want?
Do you prefer something classic and timeless or modern and unique?
What stone shape do you like best?
Should you buy an engagement ring or a bridal set?
What’s your budget?
Can you pay for the engagement ring in installments if needed?
Do you need your ring insured as well?
Once you have answered these questions, it’s time to head out to start shopping! Before making any purchase, make sure to ask your jeweler some essential questions about the stone and setting.
Questions To Ask Your Jeweler
When visiting a jeweler, there are also a few other things to consider:
Do they offer different types of metals for rings (e.g., yellow gold, rose gold, white gold)?
What are the 4Cs used to measure the quality of diamonds (cut, color, clarity, and carat)?
Does the center stone have a grading report?
Can the ring be modified or customized in any way?
Can you inspect the stone before buying it to assess its quality and beauty for yourself?
Answering these questions will help make sure that your engagement is everything you dreamed it would be. Shopping for an engagement ring is a deeply personal experience and should be treated as such. By shopping together, listening to each other’s opinions, and asking lots of questions at the store, you’ll be able to find the perfect ring for your special day.
Still need some guidance? Contact us at JamesAllen.com, and one of our experts will be happy to talk you through the ring-shopping process.
Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!
The author generated this text in part with GPT-3. The author reviewed, edited, and revised the language and takes ultimate responsibility for the content.
Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.
How do you tell your partner exactly what engagement ring you want without sacrificing the element of surprise? We’ve got the pro tips you’re looking to drop a hint.
So your engagement is in the air! Maybe you’ve talked about it at length, maybe you just know that the time is nigh, but however you know – you need a ring to get it done.
Many people, although they know exactly which ring they want, aren’t sure how to get the message across to their partner without spoiling the surprise. That “OMG!” face just can’t be faked, after all!
It’s a tricky tightrope to walk between planned and unplanned. On the one hand, it’s crucial that both partners are on the same page regarding wanting to get married. On the other hand, popping the question – as the phrase implies – is an exciting, explosive event. To many, it’s just as crucial to creating the toe-tingling, je-ne-se-quois atmosphere of an unexpected proposal.
Most of the below tips can be dropped subtly or obviously, and we’ll tell you how.
Use James Allen’s Drop-A-Hint Feature
Good for when:
You know exactly what you want
JamesAllen.com comes with a ready-made suggestion feature. Above each ring on the site is a small heart-shaped icon. Simply click on this “Drop a Hint” icon and you’ll be prompted to choose a platform over which to send your hint: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Gmail. Or, you can simply copy the link and send it however you’d like.
“Everyone was impressed with the ring. It was simple but elegant. The tension band highlighted the diamond.” -Karine I.
Try James Allen’s Wishlist Feature
Good for when:
You and your partner are looking for a ring together
You love more than one ring
“Photos don’t ever do rings justice, but let me say this ring sparkles even in the darkest of nights. You will have heads turning.” -Monica L.
Sometimes it’s hard just to pick one ring! If you’re in love with more than one exquisite sparkler, here’s what you should do:
Create a JamesAllen.com account
Browse ring candidates
Click on the heart icon beside the “select this setting” button on any ring page to add that particular model to your wishlist
Give your partner your JamesAllen.com password
They see your wishlist and surprise you with one of your dream rings!
Pro tip: This is a way to get the best of both worlds: you get a ring you love + you don’t know which one you’ll get! Surprise ensured.
Save specific rings to your “Engagement Ring” Pinterest board, just as you would on your James Allen wishlist.
Save engagement ring characteristics on different boards, and then let your partner choose the ring themselves.
Let’s focus on option #2. For each characteristic, make a titled board. For example, you may want a yellow gold solitaire engagement ring with a high, diamond-encrusted basket. In this case, you’ll make 4 boards: “Yellow Gold Rings,” “Solitaire Engagement Rings,” “Rings with High Baskets,” and “Rings with Diamond Baskets.”
“Beautiful, blindingly shiny! The pave on the basket is so unique, we love how it lets the solitaire diamond take center stage when viewing the ring from the top, but adds extra sparkle from the side.” – Joshua L.
“As it glistens on her hand, she smiles. This ring was everything she wanted, and it makes me happy to see her happy. Looks great, fits great, and putting it on for the first time is unforgettable.” -Marcus S.
Don’t forget to get your partner to follow you on Pinterest! Either tell them up-front what your profile name is, or get a good friend to tip them off.
Are you and your partner both on Instagram? Or do you have a good friend who can pass along your messages? Whenever you see a choice engagement ring on IG, tag your special someone.
Pro tip: Here’s a good start: follow @jamesallenrings on Instagram. Every James Allen post includes the specific model name and number so your follower(s) know exactly what to look for.
“These diamonds dance with the light with the slightest movement of my finger! The triple white diamonds on each side are the perfect compliment to the yellow diamond. The package box my beautiful ring came in is like none I have ever seen!” -Debra H.
“My ring is even more stunning in person compared to the photos online. I whole-heartedly recommend this style for someone who loves antique/traditional styles but still wants something different.” – Anne S.
The Double Date
Good for when:
Your partner’s perceptive
You’ve got mutual friends with good taste.
Go out on a double date with engaged/married friends, preferably ones who are in on your drop-a-hint plan. Now it’s go time: strike up a conversation about engagement rings! Compliment the ring they chose, ask them what they like about it, and most importantly: talk about the specific elements of their ring that you love. Your partner will definitely get the hint.
Feel free to punctuate this conversation with heavy winks and emphatic throat-clearing.
Protip: this doesn’t necessarily have to be a date with an engaged friend. It also works with a mutual friend, so long as you talk about engagement rings in general.
“The diamonds in the channel are the perfect petite size but still dazzle. Paired with the main stone it turned out better than I had hoped. She fell in love with the ring. Couldn’t be happier.” – Edgar L.
“This ring is gorgeous! The diamond sits up much higher than I thought it would. It looks fantastic though. The way the ring is put together, with the diamond sitting so high, really makes the diamond stand out.” – Amber L.
Tell a friend
Good for when:
Your partner is well-meaning, but not so perceptive.
Enlist a good friend’s help to drop a hint! Tell them exactly what you want. Include links, photos, and celebrity engagement ring examples, as well as a sub-list of ring elements that you definitely don’t want in your ring.
“I love how the princess cut diamond is put cocked, it makes it look so different than other rings I’ve looked at!” – Kay M.
Write a list
Good for when:
Your partner really doesn’t want to make a mistake!
Ok, so your partner needs a little help. Writing a list is a good way to drop a hint and let your partner know the nuances of your ring preferences. This is more than a simple collection of rings; writing a detailed list lets them know where they have a bit of wiggle room to be creative.
Elements of a good engagement ring list:
Specific ring models. You can rank your list of preferences or let your partner know that you love them all equally. Either way, be sure to specify your level of desire for each ring.
A list of must-have ring elements
A list of must-NOT-have ring elements
Protip: Accompany your list with a little love note and get creative with how you deliver it; text, email, or a hand-written letter! No miscommunications, no way.
“Spoiler Alert! This ring is bold and makes quite the statement. IF you like flashy rings, this is perfect for you. I am very happy with it, just know it’s a lot of bling!” – Maxine L.
“I really love this ring, simple but stunning. I just can’t stop looking at it, especially those 4 perfect heart prongs around the middle diamond.” -Jane O.
Ring In The New
Choosing a ring while keeping the mystery alive is no easy feat. But there are ways to do it – and well. Use some of JamesAllen.com’s built-in features to virtually wink-wink at your partner, use social media, recruit friends, or write an old-fashioned list!
And if you’re really in a pickle, don’t hesitate to reach out to our legendary customer service team. They’re available 24-7 and have a trove of ring ideas.
Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!
