If you’re looking to propose to the love of your life, you are probably asking yourself how do I find the perfect ring? Do I spend a lot or spend a little? There are so many things to consider. Cost isn’t the only consideration when you’re looking for the perfect one to make them say, “I do!” Here are four things to look for when you’re shopping for an engagement ring.
1. Finding the right style
There are many different styles of rings. From Classic single diamond solitaire to nature inspired to vintage styles. The traditional ring is usually a single setting diamond that highlights the single gem as the focal centerpiece.
If your soon-to-be spouse enjoys being out in nature, there are rings made to inspire the active lifestyle with inlaid settings and swirling vine style molding. For those who cherish the vintage style, there are timeless rings that have intricate moldings and detailed filigree bands. If you’re loved one is more into the contemporary or modern style, these usually are made as bezel settings with thin metal surrounding the gem or tiny diamond chips inlaid throughout the ring in a dual crossed pattern.
2. Gems
The traditional gemstone for an engagement ring has usually been the diamond, but with newer times and people wanting more affordable rings or just something that will stand out, other gemstones have become popular.
Choosing diamonds is still perfectly fine and you can judge them by the carats. A single carat diamond is quite large and depending on its cut can be as large as 10 mm which is larger than the average ring finger that is 6 to 8 mm. The second most asked for gem is the ruby. The deeply red color conveys your heart’s desire. The ruby is also quite hard with a Mohs scale score of 9.0.
The third most requested gemstone is the nave blue sapphire whose brilliance shows your depth of love as deep as the ocean. It also has a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs scale.
3. Handmade or Prefab?
Deciding whether to have the engagement ring handmade or whether you should buy one right off the shelf is an important consideration. Making this decision depends on how much time you have before you decide to pop the question.
If you’re planning to have your ring handmade, cost and time will be what determine when you’ll be able to set the stage for asking. Many people have planned video engagement parties and even asked during a movie. If you’re budget conscious, you may also consider buying something already made. A handmade ring from an artisan is a one of a kind investment that would guarantee that no other person will be wearing your fiancé’s ring.
4. Material: Gold or Something Else
Traditional rings are usually made of yellow gold and are the most affordable. But with new technologies the industry is able to create rings made of more durable material. But, truthfully, almost any metal can be turned into a ring. If you’re looking for a natural ring, you might consider a ring made of wood.
These don’t necessarily lend themselves to having a gemstone embedded, but they can create a unique ring for your soon-to-be spouse.
Tungsten is an extremely durable material that many men’s rings are made of. Again, they aren’t easily resized and tend to not have gems embedded. The softer metals such as silver, and even platinum make for great rings to have gems settings installed. But gold comes in white, yellow and rose colors that are resizable, beautiful and traditionally long lasting.
Finding the right ring for your perfect engagement entails more than just finding one at the right price. These four things are just a few to consider when you’re choosing the perfect engagement ring. You’ll make that day memorable and special whatever you decide.
