For men, selecting the picture-perfect engagement ring signals the start of notable life changes. Inevitably, it is not something they want to get wrong. But inexperience in buying precious stones and jewelry may render most men confused about picking the right ring.
This task can be especially challenging for those wondering how to buy an engagement ring for the first time. Gone are the days when all you needed to worry about was the budget. Now, there’s more than price, color, and type of cut to consider.
So, to ensure you cover all your bases, here are some practical tips you can use to make this monumental purchase a success.
Make a budget
Traditional guides recommended that men spend about a month’s salary on the ring. This amount was hiked up to three months’ salary in more recent times. But these are just generalizations and not hard-and-fast rules one needs to follow.
And while you need not adhere to these guidelines, they help you form a budget in mind. It is prudent to have a specific number or approximation in mind when you walk into a jewelry store. This will help you avoid over or under-spending. The trick is to craft a realistic budget, one that allows you to rest assured knowing you are about to buy a ring you can comfortably afford.
Never rush
Buying anything in a hurry almost always is a bad idea. And when it comes to critical purchases such as priceless rings, it is all the more essential to take your time. Time is a powerful tool that can teach you how to buy an engagement ring by comparing rings, designs, prices, and overall quality.
It will also help you understand how some jewelers are superior in terms of service, customer management, and the quality of products they sell. For instance, a quality jeweler will exhibit patience and help you find the perfect ring rather than use coercive tactics and force you to purchase something you only like half-heartedly.
Learn enough about diamonds
Extensive research is still ongoing to find ways on how synthetic diamonds can be made more superior. That’s how vast the market is for these precious gems. And while it is entirely up to you whether you buy a natural diamond or a synthetic one, most men prefer the genuine stone.
However, entering a store without any knowledge of diamonds is not wise. While you need not be an expert geologist, it still pays to know a bit about these stones. For starters, learn about the four Cs – color, cut, carat, and clarity. Knowledge of the four Cs can protect you from buying inferior diamonds at a sky-high price unwittingly.
Consider unique, custom designs
You may have heard of celebrities buying customized engagement rings for their beaus, making you think these are for the uber-wealthy class. But that is not true. Custom diamond engagement rings are pretty affordable, ensuring your beloved is the only one with such a unique design. You can look at patterns and designs the jeweler suggests or give them your own.
If you are still unsure how to go about it, you can ask for your finance’s opinion on the matter. If a surprise proposal isn’t planned, this is the best way to go. Many men do this as they are not confident of their choice and wish to avoid buying something that may disappoint their partner.