Choosing the right engagement ring can be an incredibly stressful process filled with potential pitfalls if attempted alone. Here at Bejouled, we understand this all too well, so we put our collective minds together and created a list of tips and suggestions to help guide you towards the perfect ring to light up the occasion in an unforgettable way.
Shopping for a stunning engagement ring to create the right atmosphere but remain within your budget can be an intimidating challenge for many people, so follow these simple rules and don't be afraid to seek help if you feel overwhelmed.
The dos and don'ts of shopping for diamond engagement ring for women
Many jewellers you will encounter will be household names, and you can feel relatively comfortable trusting their advice and fair intentions. However, there are a plethora of smaller businesses, many of which are perfectly trustworthy and have professional integrity but may require a bit more research on your part.
- Check online for any reviews and comments
- Do they have a posted, written return policy?
- Are the diamonds they offer accompanied by third-party certifications?
- Have they been trading successfully for a number of years?
- Ask your older relatives as they often have experience in businesses like this. Word-of-mouth recommendations, especially coming from the older generation, are a great indicator of quality.
Do consider shopping online for the perfect engagement ring
It may seem counterintuitive to shop online for something so expensive and personal but there are several advantages to be had if you are happy to consider it:
- Prices will often be cheaper for the same quality and carat sizes
- You can shop in secret
- Comparing prices across many shops is significantly easier
- The range of cuts, shapes, and settings will be greater
- No salesperson will distract or pressurise you when you need time to think and contemplate your decision
Due to modern photography, you will probably get a better-lit close-up view of your chosen stone online than you would in person. Provided the business is reputable and you have done your due diligence in terms of research, there is no reason why you cannot purchase an engagement ring online and get a great deal.
Do ensure the diamond you choose is certified ‘conflict free’
Conflict diamonds cause a great deal of human suffering in one way or another. They are obtained through the appalling treatment of workers who dig for them like virtual prisoners, under constant threat. Others are used as currency to fund acts of terrorism and violence, and the last thing you want to represent your expression of love is to offer a ring tainted by such suffering and horror. Choose your jeweller carefully, and be sure to ask for proof the diamonds they carry are compliant with the Kimberley Process, which aims to restrict unpleasant, illegal practices.Do inspect the diamond carefully
You can be certain the object of your affection will study such a beautiful gift in minute detail, and you should do the same before spending any money. There are four accepted indicators of quality you should be aware of and check for. They are known as the 'Four Cs':- Cut
- Clarity
- Colour
- Carat
Look into these carefully before you enter a shop and don't be afraid to mention them once inside. Any respectable jeweller should encourage you to check each of them in turn, giving you honest advice, pointers, and guidance.
Don't buy an uncertified diamond
Certified diamonds are guaranteed to have been closely analysed and graded according to their quality by a trusted gemological laboratory. The certification will indicate details about the diamond, such as cut, colour, clarity, and carat. Without it, there is no real way to verify the quality of the diamond, so insist upon it and be prepared to research the issuing lab if you are in any doubt as to its legitimacy.Don't pay too much attention to the carat
The carat (size) of a diamond is only one of the indicators of its attributes, and it is perfectly possible to have a huge rock that seems dull and lifeless when compared with a much smaller, crystal-clear one. Carat weight is nothing more than a cursory description of size; the actual measurements are much more accurate and other factors are more important.Don’t stress over the so-called ‘rules’ of buying an engagement ring
Decide your budget and stick to it. Ignore any old, nonsensical ‘rules’ about how much you should spend on an engagement ring. You should spend exactly how much you can afford. Remember, if the answer is 'yes' then this is not the last of the expenses you will encounter, so be realistic and true to yourself. Don't let a pure, romantic gesture turn into a soulless financial issue or some kind of competition.
Make sure you are clear with any salesperson your budget is non-negotiable; if they try to guilt-trip you into spending more, simply walk away. If money is extremely tight or you have an alternative view on the ritual, you might be able to think creatively and still make the gesture a beautiful one. Family heirlooms are one wonderful way to invite that special person into your family and show them they will be cherished and appreciated as a new member.
Don’t neglect vintage or antique stores when searching for the perfect engagement ring
Aside from the cost, which should be significantly less, the air of nostalgia, history, and romanticism that can be created by choosing a vintage ring is not to be underestimated. This will depend entirely on how your partner is likely to view such a move and whether it will be seen as a thoughtful, touching gesture or a penny-pinching one.Don’t try to get the job done too quickly
Unless there is some pressing urgency in the matter, take your time, shop around and research everything in order to make the right choice. It will be immediately apparent to the recipient if little to no thought has gone into the process, and you are unlikely to find the right ring at the right price if you rush it.
If you follow these simple dos and don’ts of shopping for diamond engagement rings for women, you will be sure to have the least-stressful shopping experience and find the diamond ring of your partner’s dreams you are proud to offer her.
Contact us
When you find yourself in the lucky position of needing expert advice on bespoke engagement rings, please do not hesitate to contact the team here at Bejouled. We will be happy to give you open, honest advice and book you in for an obligation-free consultation at your earliest convenience.
We pride ourselves on our transparency and professional integrity and that is why Bejouled has become a name more and more people trust to help them with one of the most important decisions of their lives.
