What to Look For When Shopping for an Engagement Ring

Getting engaged is an exciting time, and an engagement ring is one of the most important purchases a person makes in their life. When it is time to start ring shopping, it is easy to get caught up in the romanticism you’re feeling, but because of its importance and expense, you must ensure you do it right.

With so many decisions to make regarding the stone, shape, 4Cs, band, and more, it’s easy to get confused, not to mention figuring out the answers to the where, when, how, and how much to spend questions.

We’ve put together the top things to look at when searching for an engagement ring and how to find the best diamond jewelry stores in Toronto. Use our advice to select the perfect engagement ring to slip on the finger of the love of your life.

Find the Middle Ground Between Trendy and Timeless

Some people love keeping up with the latest trends, which works for many different kinds of purchases. But going all in on today’s trend is risky when purchasing something that is meant to last forever. Many trends in the world of engagement rings stay for a while, so while it’s certainly worth looking at what’s happening and using those trends for inspiration, your selection should be more focused on the style of your fiance-to-be.

Pay attention to their preference for platinum or gold, bold or understated, and whether they tend to go for more traditional looks or pave their own way.

Remember the Difference Between ‘Perfect’ and ‘Perfect for You’

The 4Cs are a standard tool used by experts to quantify the ‘perfection’ of a diamond. But focusing on the qualities experts have determined a diamond should have is the wrong approach. While diamond grades can be a good source of information and can often be an excellent place to start your search, they shouldn’t be the decision maker. The perfect stone for you and your partner will be based far more on feeling than grading.

Don’t Forget the Setting

There is so much focus on choosing the stone for the engagement ring that many people forget about the setting. The setting is essential to a ring’s look and feel, so it shouldn’t be left as an afterthought. A stone’s beauty can be enhanced or diminished depending on its setting. If you’re unsure where to start, this is where working with a quality jewelry store or designer is helpful. You can give them some broad strokes and see what they recommend.

There are No Rules for Budget

While many people have heard rules regarding what someone should spend on an engagement ring, the fact of the matter is that there are no rules. Anything you’ve heard about spending three months’ salary stems from a diamond company’s marketing campaign during the Great Depression when the so-called rule was one month’s salary before later being raised up to two, then three months.

Different couples have different tastes, styles and priorities, so the idea that there is a hard and fast rule of what you should spend should be immediately dismissed. Find the budget that works best for you as a couple, and you’ll never go wrong with that.