Buying an Engagement Ring is a Big Learning Exercise!

My service is set up to steer guys through the choppy waters of finding the perfect ring for her - and there is a lot to confuse the research. Here is what matters the most when choosing a ring, and then I've listed a load of other questions which are often thought of in the process..

The Top 5 Considerations when Choosing an Engagement RIng

1. Budget. You can pretend it isn't, but face it - if you are signed up to having an engagement ring, you want it to be the best you can afford. You shouldn't confuse with with being the most expensive you can afford. Write your figure down, do some research and see where it gets you. If it isn't enough for what she's expecting, get creative. If it's never going to be enough for what she's expecting, run for the hills..
2. Design. We spend quite a bit of time remodelling engagement rings (no, not our own) that have been presented, but aren't in keeping with the wearer's style. It's embarrassing for both parties if the ring isn't quite right. It is easily avoided, partially because in loads of cases, the most unsubtle of hints have been dropped (!) but also because you can draw inspiration from her wardrobe, jewellery box, watch, lifestyle - building a brief of the ring that is going to be right for her. Talk to somebody who really gets ring wearing, rather than just wants to sell you something.
3. Stone. Could be one, could be 12, if you are going to have stones in the ring it's like the Christmas tree lights, or furnishings in a room, they are going to make it what it is. While it is often a diamond, you may be looking at other options, consider these carefully as some gemstones are not suited to everyday wear. In addition, diamonds are not all made equal, even if a GIA appraisal thinks that two are. It's always best you've seen something, or else, bought the stone from somebody you can trust to have viewed it correctly.
4. Metal. Gold and platinum has been used in engagement rings with good reason, they are dense and fairly enduring. Don't confuse this with hard-wearing, they are precious metals and all precious metals scratch in time. But the nice thing is, that while they do a good job in normal conditions of keeping their looks - in the event of an accident or issue, they can be cut off the hand (A&E is an obvious destination, but dentists can carry this out too!) and repaired again. At time of writing (July 2020) there has never been as good an opportunity to buy platinum in the last 10 years. So don't even consider white gold (it doesn't exist anyhow) if you are looking for a white metal.
5. Retailer. There are so many ways to choose your ring, from the high street jewellers to niche family stores, to icons like Tiffany, to online (involving all of the aforementioned too) to friends, family friends, friends of family.. etc etc..! What is important is to be comfortable that the can trust the individual to help you. If you are being told that the £1,000 1 carat diamond ring is exactly the same as the ones you buy on Bond Street this may not mean the seller is out to con you, they just don't know anything about diamonds and that is how they have been trained. But keep hold your money. Likewise, if you are being sold a cheap engagement ring, remember you now own a cheap engagement ring. It doesn't get more valuable.

How much should a man spend on the engagement ring/how much should you spend on an engagement ring

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