The holiday season is one of the most popular for engagements. Whether you are planning to propose under the Christmas tree, pop the question on New Year s Eve, or ask her to marry you on Valentine s Day, you will be in good company. For many men, the most nerve wracking part of the whole thing is not popping the question, but picking the ring. These are some tips on buying the perfect engagement ring.
One thing that really gets guys nervous about buying an engagement ring is the cost. After all, this piece of bridal jewelry is likely to be one of the most expensive purchases that you make. That, along with the pressure to pick a ring that is going to please her, can be really stressful for the average man. First let s tackle the question of cost. There is an old ad campaign that says a man should plan to spend about 2 months salary on a diamond engagement ring (brought to you buy a diamond company, naturally). Do you really have to go with this rule of thumb? The answer is no! Of course not. If you don t have it and can t get it, no way should you base your budget on a promotional campaign.
On the other hand, many men have some savings that they can tap into, and will choose to spend considerably more than the suggested formula. Size and quality definitely do matter when it comes to engagement rings, so you should buy the best that you can; just don t put yourself deep into a hole trying to meet some artificial guideline. Keep in mind that the engagement ring is the most sentimental gift that you will ever give, so it is worth it to make it a total wow ...just be realistic about what you can afford.
With your budget established, it is time to start looking at styles. Most engagement rings will feature a central diamond. When it is one diamond, the ring is called a solitaire. Other popular styles include the three diamond ring or a diamond with smaller side stones running down the side of the ring (often set into a channel). Antique inspired engagement rings are very, very popular. One of the most admired styles by both men and women is a central diamond encircled by a row of tiny pave diamonds. Women love the sparkle and beauty of this gorgeous design, and men love the fact that they can get a big diamond look for less money than buying one single larger diamond.
A great tip to pick out the style of engagement ring that will most delight your intended is to secretly enlist the help of one of her best friends or her sister. They are likely to have a good sense of her taste in jewelry, whether it is classic, vintage, modern, or eclectic. Another time honored trick is to see what catches her eye in the window as you stroll by jewelry shops.
Finally, before plunking down a large sum on the bridal ring at a jewelry shop, make sure that you have a firm understanding of how to choose a diamond. The most popular shape is the classic round brilliant diamond. Some other options include the princess cut, emerald cut, Asscher cut, and the oval. The basic formula to determine the value of a diamond is the carat weight, color (from colorless to more yellow), clarity (number of inclusions and whether or not they are visible to the naked eye), and cut (which refers not to the shape of the stone, but the precision of the faceting). This is not as intimidating as it sounds. The information can easily be found online, or better yet, visit a quality jeweler and simply ask them to educate you on diamonds. They will be happy to oblige, in the hopes that you will return to them when you are ready to make your engagement ring purchase.
While it can feel intimidating when you get started, picking the perfect engagement ring is well worth the effort. With a little advance legwork, you will be able to choose that one ring that will truly dazzle your beloved. And coming from you, it will be even more special to her. Congratulations and good luck!
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