6 Engagement Ring Buying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Are you getting ready to pop the question? Making the decision to spend the rest of your life with someone is a huge step. Have you already bought the ring?
If the idea of jewelry shopping is making you sweat, you’re not alone. This is a ring that your partner is going to wear forever and it’s a symbol of your love. How can you choose the right one?
We’re here to help. Read on to learn about a few common engagement ring buying mistakes so you can avoid them.
1. Not Talking About it First
For people who have dreams of a surprise proposal, this might seem absurd. In reality, most good engagements start with planning on both sides. The proposal can be a surprise, but the engagement shouldn’t be.
Talking about a future together can also include talking about the ring. Don’t be afraid to talk to your partner about the kind of jewelry that they would like.
Some people choose to shop for rings with their partners. You don’t have to shop for the official ring, but window shopping can help you get a feel for the style of ring that your partner might be into.
You can surprise them completely, but this might result in you not getting the perfect ring. If you want a complete surprise, we recommend using a stand-in ring and then choosing the “real” ring together. This is a great bonding experience.
2. Ignoring Your Partner’s Personal Style
Your partner is (hopefully) going to be wearing this ring for the rest of their life. What seems inconsequential to you really matters to them. Make sure that you choose a ring that suits their personal style rather than your own aesthetic.
Anyone who knows their partner well enough to be getting married should have a firm grasp on their partner’s likes and dislikes. While engagement ring styles may be different from standard jewelry styles, looking at your partner’s current fashion and jewelry preferences will put you on the right track.
If your partner already likes jewelry, look at that first. Whether it’s standard jewelry (like necklaces and bracelets) or body piercing jewelry (like septum rings and lip rings), these things can give you a clue for where to start.
See if they stick with a certain color of jewelry. They may have a metal tone preference or a gem preference. Remember, not everyone likes diamonds.
If they don’t wear jewelry, consider other aspects of their personal style. Are they fancy or casual? You want the engagement ring to fit your partner’s personality and aesthetic.
3. Not Considering Your Budget
Many people will tell you that engagement rings have to put you into debt. There’s an outdated saying that a ring should be three months’ salary, but this is part of a marketing campaign from a jewelry company. That’s an absurd amount of money for a ring.
You can save for your ring for months, but don’t put aside more than you can afford to spend. Even putting away a few dollars per paycheck will add up.
Not all rings have to be diamond rings. Some people prefer other gemstones. Even if someone likes the idea of diamonds, moissanite is a valid option that looks similar but is more affordable.
Remember that you’re trying to build a life with your partner. Put that money toward your wedding, your honeymoon, your home, and everything else that’s more important than the ring.
That said, that doesn’t mean that you should under-spend. The money that you spend doesn’t represent your love for your partner, but you still want to get them something that they like and will love to wear.
In other words, comparing ring prices is appropriate, but don’t exclusively price shop.
4. Trying to Do It Alone
Unless you’re a jewelry expert who knows your partner like the back of your hand, it might be helpful to ask for help when you’re jewelry shopping. There’s power in numbers.
You can talk to a close friend of your partner about the engagement. Make sure that the friend is able to keep the proposal a secret before you tell them.
Take them with you while you’re shopping and ask for their input. They might have ideas that you wouldn’t have thought of before. They can also ask your partner about rings in private.
5. Avoiding Online Shopping
Many people think that buying rings online is a bad idea. The truth is that verified online stores are no worse than brick-and-mortar jewelry stores. The main difference is that you won’t be able to see or touch the rings in person.
When you shop online, you can often get better ring prices than you would in a store. You also have a wider variety of rings to choose from because there are countless jewelry websites and the online stores aren’t restricted by the amount of physical space that ring displays can occupy.
Check out Black Diamonds rings to see a variety of high-quality options that you won’t see in stores.
With this in mind, there’s nothing wrong with visiting brick-and-mortar stores. You might find the perfect match. Even if you don’t, you can get an idea of what certain styles look like in person so you’re able to make better decisions when you’re shopping online.
6. Succumbing to Pressure
When you’re shopping in a brick-and-mortar store, employees are going to pressure you. It’s their job! Resist this pressure and make sure that you find the perfect ring, even if that means that you have to walk out of the store and find a different one.
Employees know that you’re vulnerable when you’re shopping for an engagement ring and they’re ready to use all of their best sales tactics.
Hint: this is another reason that you may want to shop online.
Avoid These Engagement Ring Buying Mistakes
These engagement ring buying mistakes can make your ring shopping experience a stressful experience. Find the perfect ring by making sure that you avoid them!
Remember: avoid succumbing to pressure, don’t be afraid to talk to your partner, ask for help, remember your budget, consider shopping online, and prioritize your partner’s aesthetic.
Good luck!
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