When Brian and I decided that marriage was in our near future, he quickly sent me off with my mom to enjoy an afternoon filled with fun and sparkle. While she and I went shopping to narrow down a ring style that I liked, we ultimately decided to leave the ring selection to Brian. These days you can truly be as traditional or involved as you want with engagement ring selections. Below are our top tips from me on style selection and from Brian on the purchasing process.
For the Ladies:
- BE AS VOCAL AS YOU WANT! There are truly no rules when it comes to picking out an engagement ring. That is wonderful if you want it to be a complete surprise, but if you know that you have a specific setting in mind, don’t be afraid to be a part of the process. Whether it is by telling your loved ones what you like or helping to design the setting yourself, girls should feel comfortable to be as involved in the process as they want!
- THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU CONSIDER TO BE TIMELESS. Consider your personal taste – do you prefer classic, modern or vintage styles? Remember, for one of the most important pieces of jewelry you’ll ever own, stick to a style that is true to you. That said, don’t be afraid to take a risk and go a little bolder than your usual style statement.
- TRY ON ALL DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIAMOND SHAPES. Pear, cushion, round, princess, marquise, emerald or heart cut – there are a myriad of shapes available to suit every engagement ring and its wearer. Be sure to try on a variety, as each style’s look can vary on different hand shapes as well.
For the Guys:
- ASK YOUR FIANCEE, HER FAMILY OR HER CLOSEST FRIENDS FOR STYLE ADVICE. If you don’t feel comfortable selecting a style on your own, don’t be afraid to ask! The best thing I did was to take her mother and sister shopping for the ring. Not only did it involve them in the process, but I knew I was picking the style she would love as well.
- DO YOUR RESEARCH, BUT DON'T GET CAUGHT UP IN THE NUMBERS. Get the lingo down and learn about the 4 C’s and diamond shapes. However, don’t look only at the specs. A diamond on paper can be very different than how it appears in person. Go to a store you trust - they should talk you through the best qualities to have, and help you feel confident in your diamond selection. I went to Borsheims and had a great experience with their knowledgeable employees, while never feeling pressured.
- SET A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT. There will be many future purchases to come when wedding planning, so discuss a budget with your significant other and try your best to stay within it.
images via Pinterest
