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In the hierarchy of monumental decisions, navigating how to buy anengagement ringtops the list.
Photo: Courtesy of J. Hannah
Ahead, our guide to mastering the entire process.
Dont get caught up in a jewelry trend.
If a trend truly resonates with your partners sense of self, go for it.
Photo: Courtesy of Bario Neal
Otherwise, feel free to ignore the noise.
Look at their current jewelry to see what would best suit his or her style.
Are they a gold or a platinum person?
Do they wear statement jewelry or instead opt for minimal pieces?
If you’re able to, tap your partner for cues.
Research their sources of inspiration.
A stone doesnt have to be perfect on paper.
You dont need a D Flawless stone to create a beautiful ring.
The grade can be a consideration, but should not be the sole determining factor.
Diamond size matters only if you (or your future fiancee) think it matters.
In that case, weigh your options.
Perhaps placing more of an emphasis on size and less on color and clarity is worth considering.
Even those in the jewelry industry have noticed this trend.
It feels like a feminist choice.
Know where the stone came from.
I think people really want to know where their jewelry is coming from, Neal says.
People really like that we go and search for stones for their custom pieces.
We look for stones that are different and interesting, and come back to discuss their options.
Decide on the stones source.
Theres also a difference in price point, with lab-grown diamonds being more budget-friendly.
The ring setting shouldnt be an afterthought.
After youve fallen in love with a stone, the next step is figuring out what toput around it.
Dont be afraid to think outside the box and choose an entirely unique ring.
People are yearning for something different.
One route is a colorful, non-diamond center stone.
The point is to choose something that feels authentic to you and your partner.
Consider working directly with a jeweler to create a custom ring.
Custom feels more special than just walking into a store and picking something, Hannah explains.
Generally speaking, a lot of people now want something that walks the line between vintage and modern.
And a lot of people are ditching diamonds altogether.
[Engagement rings] arent one size fits all anymore.
The biggest factor is sourcing the perfect stone, which sets the entire design in motion, she explains.
The idea that you need three to six months?
A fallacy, she says.
Look into how well this ring matches the wedding band.
Traditionally, fiancees receive an engagement ring at the proposal and a wedding band at the ceremony.
Bring a trusted confidant with you to shop for the engagement ring.
Engagement ring shopping can be a daunting taskget by with a little help from your friends.
Proposals are exciting and overwhelming, but a too-loose or tight ring could dull the breathtaking moment.
Just be sure to ask for measurements ofbothring fingers.
Dont commit to a ring without knowing the stores exchange policy.
You want your future spouse to love both you and the jewelry you buy forever.
Check out insurance policies on the ring.
Although its not the most romantic aspect of this process, its equally vital to consider.
Picking the perfect ring hasnothingto do with the price tag.
By the 1980s, it jumped up to two months.
This is all just clever marketing and has nothing to do with how to buy an engagement ring.
Some are going thevintageor secondhand route, and some are choosing a plain gold ring a laAmanda Seyfried.
This should be nothing like thatthis is no procrastinators endeavor.
Finding, or creating, the perfect engagement ring means putting a lot of time into the process.
