A marriage proposal is one of the most memorable and joyful moments a couple shares the joy together. Getting down on one knee and asking her “the question”… nothing is more rewarding than seeing the smile on her face and saying “YES, I DO!”.
But before all these excitements, most guys faced this dilemma… What about the ring? Will she love her wedding engagement ring? Is it the right size? Any option to return or exchange if necessary? Choosing the perfect engagement ring is a big decision, and it can be overwhelming with so many options available. But not to worry! With the right information and guidance, you can select the ideal ring that will make your significant other’s eyes light up with joy.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about choosing the perfect engagement ring.
1. Research
Research, research, RESEARCH! Like most of the big-ticket items, research is always a must. Don’t just simply look at reviews online as some of them may be masked paid advertisements. Instead, you can either search through forums or ask your friends / family members for recommendations. If you have the time, it is best to head down to the store to check out the ring in person. The ring may look different when photographed. Fake gems can be also a possibility. So when you are making your purchase, make sure the store you’re purchasing from is a reputable one – in short, RESEARCH IS THE KEY.
*Read on our review on the top 10 customised ring makers in Singapore*
If you are planning on surprising your sweetheart with an ideal engagement ring, you might want to do some undercover research first to find out her taste. It is not so difficult to figure out what your love likes as she will typically make it known in some way. Maybe you can start with her friends and family where chances of her sharing with her siblings or best friends what her dream engagement ring looks like is relatively high. If she wears jewellery often, you can take note of the style she likes such as a certain type of metal or a particular setting. This could give you a lot of insight into her preferences.
But of course, you will also need to know some knowledge on gemstones:
1.1 The Four C’s of Diamonds
The first thing you need to understand when choosing an engagement ring is the “Four C’s” of diamonds: Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Color. These four factors determine the value and quality of a diamond, and they should be considered carefully when making your selection.
- Cut – The cut of a diamond determines how well it has been crafted to reflect light and create sparkle. A well-cut diamond will reflect light in a way that enhances its brilliance and fire.
- Clarity – Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external flaws) in a diamond. The fewer inclusions and blemishes a diamond has, the higher its clarity grade will be.
- Carat – The carat is the unit of measurement for a diamond’s weight. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams.
- Color – The color of a diamond is graded on a scale from D (no hue) to Z (a light yellow or brown hue). The whiter a diamond is, the higher its color grade will be.
1.2 Styles
When it comes to engagement rings, there are many styles to choose from, including solitaire, halo, three-stone, and more. Hence, it’s important to consider your significant other’s personal style and preferences when making your selection.
- Solitaire – A solitaire is a single diamond set in a simple setting, typically with a band made of precious metal. This classic style is timeless and elegant.
- Halo – A halo ring features a central diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds, creating a “halo” effect. This style adds extra sparkle and can make the center diamond appear larger.
- Three-stone – A three-stone ring features three diamonds, usually representing the past, present, and future of your relationship.
2. Budget
It’s very important to consider your budget when choosing an engagement ring. The cost of an engagement ring can vary greatly, and it’s crucial to set a budget that works for you and your significant other.
No matter what you might have heard, there is NO “standard” amount that one should spend on an engagement ring. Don’t let those opinions pressure you to spending more than what you can afford. After all, a proposal is a commitment to marriage. On top of that, you still have to prepare a huge cost in wedding preparation as well as your wedding banquet. So, you do not want to blow your life savings on a ring and be left with nothing to spare for a wedding ceremony.
*ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS* Only spend what you can afford, or you are comfortable with. There are no fixed rules when it comes to the cost of the ring.
3. Time
Be it custom-made or store-bought, it takes time for the jewelry shop to craft out the ideal ring for you. If you are considering of getting for a custom-made design engagement ring, be prepared to wait for a few months for them to make the ring (unless you don’t mind paying an extra amount to get the job done fast!). Even if you purchase it in stores, time is also needed to resize the ring before you propose on your big day.
Therefore, it is important to take note and plan your time management well.
4. BACKUP
Always plan for a BACKUP PLAN! Singaporean guys who once served National Service (NS in short) should learn this by hard. There are many lovely jewelry brands out there, but at times, it is not all about the branding name.
Private jewelers also provide designing and making engagement ring services. Furthermore, they can offer you a better price than those on the market.
Those retail jewelry stores that offer free returns or exchanges for at least the first 30 days are ideal if you are intending to do a surprise proposal. This will give you peace of mind in the event when there is something your future wife-to-be would like to change. Most jewelers out there offer free resizing as well, sometimes even if the ring was purchased elsewhere.
Therefore, be sure to ask these questions to find out the kind of perks your jewelry store can provide.
SUMMARY
Choosing the perfect engagement ring can be a daunting task, but with the right information and guidance, you can find the ideal ring that your significant other will love. Consider the points we highlighted, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from a trusted jeweler. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to selecting the perfect engagement ring.
At Kaepsel, we provide a wide range of wedding engagement ring box designs for you. From Popup Origami Rose Ring Case to Ultra Slim Metallic Engagement Ring Box, you can find one that can complement your engagement ring here at Kaepsel! Get yours now!
