Engagement rings serve as the physical manifestation of marriage and symbolize the devotion and love of one person to another. Since it signals the start of a new chapter of your life with your partner, it’s something that you’ll want to get right from the outset. After all, these are high-value items that can require a considerable commitment of financial resources. Moreover, if you’re going to give your beloved the perfect one, you must avoid the pitfalls that many fall into when shopping for a ring. Here are some of the mistakes that you need to avoid at all costs with that in mind.
1. Failing to consider your partner’s tastes
There’s no denying the fact that picking out the ideal ring is a task that’s easier said than done, especially when you consider the sheer number of options that you can choose from. However, you can narrow down your search not only by selecting one that perfectly reflects your vision of the future with your significant other but also what her personal taste is. By considering her style, favorite color, and other nuances, you’ll be able to limit your selection to the best ones.
2. Not creating a budget for the purchase
A common mistake that people usually make when it comes to selecting an engagement ring for their future fiancée is failing to establish a budget. Of course, the prices for these types of rings can significantly vary, but it’s a general rule of thumb to come up with a number that you can comfortably spend before you begin your search. Doing so will not only ensure that you remain within your limit and have enough left for any other expenses. But you’ll also reduce your choices, making it much easier to find the right ring for your better half.
Many experts will tell you that it’s better to have at least two or three months’ salary for the purchase; however, it’s imperative to stick to what you’ll be able to afford without putting any strain on your finances. It’s also worth considering getting insurance for the piece of jewelry. While your wife-to-be will likely wear it every day, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and keep it protected from damage, theft, or loss.
3. Lacking adequate research
Another common error is not doing enough research before paying the jewelers a visit. After all, there’s a lot more to jewelry than its aesthetic appeal, and this is especially important when diamonds are involved. For this reason, it’s vital that you take the opportunity to learn and become familiar with them before you make any purchases. The GIA or Gemological Institute of America has a lot of information about the clarity, cut, and color of jewelry, so it’s an excellent place to begin.
However, you don’t want to limit your research there. With so many online resources available, you’ll miss out on the chance to broaden your knowledge. If you have a hard time maintaining your attention on written pieces, you can also watch a jewelry video from willyou.net to learn more.
4. Overlooking reviews
While there are undoubtedly a lot of different rings available, there may also be contrasting opinions. Therefore, it would be a mistake not to do your homework on the store you’re planning on buying the engagement ring from because you won’t have an idea about the quality of their products, their level of service, and reputation. Therefore, it’s good standard practice to check customer reviews first. In this way, you’ll get objective information on the jeweler and improve your chances of finding the right people to shop from.
5. Rushing to make a purchase
It’s never a good idea to rush the process of buying any high-value item, especially an engagement ring. When you get right down to it, it’s not hard to make the wrong decisions if you don’t have enough time to carefully consider the purchase. Generally, you’ll want to have at least three to four weeks’ worth of time to shop for the right ring, so you’ll have sufficient time to research and explore your options.
6. Excluding your future fiancée from the buying process
Women generally look for the surprise of a proposal from the man they love. However, it’s not easy to find an engagement ring without their partner’s input. So if you’re really determined to propose in surprise, do so without them first and begin shopping as early as you can. If it isn’t required to surprise her with your proposal, ask her what she wants or have her accompany you when shopping for the ring. If you make her part of the process, it’ll be much easier for you to get the purchase right.
7. Avoiding custom rings
Many avoid opting for custom rings because of the misconception they’re expensive and reserved only for the rich and famous. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. You’ll be surprised at how affordable and accessible it is to have one designed from scratch. In fact, it may even be cheaper. So consider looking into having a custom ring made. This will make the item more unique to your partner.
8. Buying the first thing you see
When shopping for an engagement ring, you must never buy the first thing you see. You’ll only end up spending more than you need to and limit your options by doing so. Instead, learn to explore all avenues. By allowing yourself to check a few jewelers before making a decision, you’ll give yourself a chance to find an engagement ring your partner will love and cherish without forcing yourself to spend a fortune in the process.
Conclusion
An engagement ring is one of the most important purchases that you’re likely to make in your life. Due to this, it’s critical that you make the right choice. By avoiding the errors and mistakes listed above, you’ll be able to find one that will serve as a reflection of your love to your partner at a price you’ll be more than happy to pay.