7 Questions To Ask Before Buying an Engagement Ring

If you type “engagement ring” into Google, you'll find an endless amount of results and articles that can lead you down a rabbit hole–tons of information that just leads to more questions. These questions could be for yourself, your prospective fiancée, or your jeweler. The process of purchasing an engagement ring can be difficult to navigate without prior experience.

We’re here to make it a little easier on you. To start, we have compiled a list of seven questions to ask yourself before purchasing an engagement ring.

Before you even start shopping, it’s good to know what you’re looking for–though it’s likely it will change along the way. However, having an understanding of your expectations will make the process more enjoyable and less stressful for you (so you can enjoy this special time in your life). Answering these questions can help guide you down the path of an unforgettable proposal.

1. What is my budget?

Budget is probably the number one concern when it comes to engagement ring shopping. This will be one of the largest purchases you make in your life–apart from a car or a home–so you should consider it carefully. Incomes vary widely, as do the costs of engagement rings. The idea that you should spend a set amount is an antiquated idea that doesn’t necessarily fit today’s realities. The most important thing is to spend what feels right for your financial situation. If your salary isn’t quite where you’d like it to be yet, you can save up over time or consider financing options. If you can comfortably afford the ring of your partner’s dreams, that’s amazing! For couples who value experiences over material items, directing more of the budget towards a honeymoon or other adventures, instead of the ring, is a great option. What matters most is that you assess your finances and make a decision that works for you.

In regards to setting a firm number for your budget, it’s best to leave yourself a little bit of a cushion. If you are comfortable spending $7,000, for example, let your jeweler know that you want to spend $5,000 and this will allow for any changes or upgrades throughout the design process without going over budget.

2. What type of center stone does my partner want?

Although diamonds are the traditional choice for engagement ring center stones, there are plenty of alternative options to consider, depending upon your partner’s style. If your partner has social media accounts you can view, poke around a little bit and see if anything points you in one direction or another in regards to what types of stones are appealing to them. Or take a look in their jewelry box to see what type of jewelry they currently wear.

If you find that your partner loves diamonds, great! You will just need to determine the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight).

But some people are not fans of diamonds or they have other concerns about them such as cost or ethics. In that case, you may want to consider a colored gemstone, such as a birthstone that has meaning to your relationship, or even a stone that is their favorite color. The options for center stone are almost endless, so be sure to consider every avenue before finalizing the answer to this question.

3. What is my partner’s ring size?

When determining your partner’s ring size, there are a few methods to consider. Your jeweler will likely have a sizing chart that can measure an existing ring if you’re able to discreetly borrow one from their jewelry box. There are also plastic ring sizers available for you to take home and if your partner is a deep sleeper, you can try to carefully measure their finger size. But don’t be too concerned because most jewelers anticipate that some resizing may be needed after the proposal.

4. What metal should I have the ring made in?

Gold is a traditional choice for engagement rings and is available in both 14kt and 18kt–with 18kt being the softer of the two. Gold is typically sold in white, yellow, or rose, though some jewelers offer additional options.

The other popular choice is platinum, which is a very durable and naturally white metal, though it is quite a bit heavier and more expensive than gold. Take a look at your partner’s existing jewelry to get a feeling of what metal types and colors they prefer. There are also alternative metal options you can consider, although they may present some difficulty during the production process.

5. What style should the ring be made in?

There are a lot of options for engagement ring styles, but it’s best to consult your partner’s style to determine what they would like best. One of the most popular is the solitaire, which is timeless and showcases the beauty of the center stone. If you want something with more sparkle, consider setting side diamonds or gemstones. You can also choose engraving, filigree, or milgrain to add vintage details to the ring. Is your partner more traditional, modern, vintage, or interested in nature? Once you have a better idea, you can narrow down your options for the ring style.

6. How do I choose the setting style?

Choosing your setting style depends upon the stone that you choose. Some stones require different setting styles depending upon their shape or how fragile they are. For example, princess cut and marquise will require v-tip prongs to prevent the corners from breaking. You may want to set a tanzanite in a bezel because it is a fragile stone. When it comes to prong settings, you can choose single, double, or claw prong. For bezel setting, it can be a full bezel or a semi-bezel, where only part of the stone is covered with metal.

7. How important is a warranty and/or insurance?

Some jewelers offer a warranty for an additional cost. This can cover a variety of services depending upon the jeweler, but may include cleaning, polishing, sizing, stone replacement, etc. Regardless of warranty options it is a good idea to insure your jewelry. Many car or home insurance companies offer an add on for jewelry, but if yours does not you can look into something like Jewelers Mutual. If your jewelry were to be damaged, lost, or stolen, you can file a claim with your insurance company for repair or replacement.

While they don’t cover everything, these seven questions will give you a good foundation to feel comfortable when shopping for an engagement ring. Once you have clear answers, you can make informed decisions while shopping or designing the ring and be confident that your partner will be more than happy with the finished product.