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Did you know that the average amount spent on wedding bands for the lucky couple is $1,575? That’s a whole chunk of change you’ll be needing to budget for.
But before we jump the gun! So you’ve decided it’s time to take the plunge and propose to your significant other? You’re ready for the next step, congratulations, that’s really exciting!
First thing’s first, you’re going to need an engagement ring to propose with! Read our tips for picking an engagement ring for your partner.
1. Personality is Everything
By now, you know your partner inside and out, better than the back of your own hand. You know the things they like, the things they don’t like. You know what their favorite outfit is and what they don’t like on their hamburgers.
The same applies to the engagement ring. When you start to shop, always keep their personality and their style in mind. If they’re not much of a jewelry person, then they truly won’t appreciate a huge, flashy rock.
Keep their preferences and personality in mind when you start to look around. If you’re not sure, then take a peek into their jewelry box. It’s the perfect place to get some clues. If you don’t see any gold, it probably means they prefer white gold, platinum or silver. Do you see many pieces that have the same stone? Take it with you when shopping so you can perhaps find something similar, it’s obviously a favorite of theirs!
2. Set Your Budget First
People of the older generation will tell you that you’re supposed to spend 2 to 3 months salary on an engagement ring, we say that’s not a rule.
You’re about to ask someone special to spend the rest of their lives with you? This alone comes with more expenses, let alone paying for a wedding!
So, examine your financial situation and be honest with yourself. What can you afford to spend on an engagement ring? Now stick to that budget when you start shopping for the perfect ring!
3. Find Reputable Jewelers
Right. You’ve got a budget in mind, and some inspiration drawn from what’s at home, or perhaps you’ve been sent some suggestions from close friends and family?
So you’ve got the basics of what you need. Your next step is to create a shortlist of reputable jewelers!
A professional jeweler will be able to advise you, helping to save you hours and hours of time that you would ordinarily spend researching rings online.
Have a look at online reviews, or talk to family and friends to get feedback on jewelers in your area. Don’t compromise on where you’ll be buying the ring from, a good reputation will go very far when you’re making this difficult choice!
4. Pick A Style
Here comes the tricky part, in short, there are about 4 million designs to choose from. (Okay, that might be a slight over-exaggeration). But, truthfully, there are so many styles and cuts to choose from that your mind will be running crazy.
Here’s a quick tip: find a few inspiration images online, of rings that you really think would make the cut. They might have a single band with no embellishments, it might be a diamond-shaped like a heart, or something far more simple with an engraving.
But once you have those few images, you’ve narrowed down your choices a ton.
5. Consider Something Unique
If you take all our tips, mash them all together, you may still find yourself slightly overwhelmed. We know that you want everything to be perfect, but finding the perfect engagement ring can be a daunting process.
Perhaps you can consider creating something of your own?
Places like Rockher allow you to create your own ring, from the setting to the diamond. Perhaps you feel confident enough that you can create something your partner will absolutely love, then this is the route for you!
Picking an Engagement Ring: It’s a Process
Don’t let picking an engagement ring scare you off the task at hand!
You know what you want to propose, you know your partner is the one. Just keep that in mind during your shopping process, as frustrating as it can be at times.
Also, you don’t have to buy the first one you see. Take your time, and ensure that you go for absolute quality, hopefully, the engagement ring will form the basis for your wedding rings.
Need more relationship-related advice? Head on over to our Sex & Relationships section to get some more great content.
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This content is sponsored by Uzair Naeem.
Photo: Shutterstock