How to Choose an Engagement Ring

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An engagement ring is such a special and intimate gift. It’s not just giving someone jewelry, it’s giving a promise. It’s also something that will likely be worn for the rest of your love’s life. Therefore, many guys feel a lot of pressure when it comes to choosing the ring for their future bride. Thinking of how to choose an engagement ring can be a little overwhelming!

First of All, Do What Makes Sense for Your Relationship

I LOVE my ring! I loved it when I got it, and I love it still! Here’s a secret… I picked it myself!

GASP!!!! I know not super traditional but it’s one way to do it. When I say I picked it out, I don’t mean that I picked it KNOWING it was the ONE ring. At this point in our relationship, my husband and I were frequently looking at rings. We did this so that he could know what I liked then when the time came he could pick based on those visits.

I actually remember picking this ring out and being in love with it! I think we were still 18 at the time! The store was having a HUGE sale and my husband went back later to pick it up at the discounted price. I ended up with a ring that he would not have been able to afford otherwise.

The fact he was so frugal makes me like it even more, honestly.

However some couples do buy the ring together. Either the proposal was done without a ring or with a stand in. Then they buy the ring together! Whatever makes you two happy is best.

Some women don’t care about being surprised and would rather get to pick it out (after all, they will be wearing it FOREVER). Other women love the idea that their husband thought about their and picked what they thought would be perfect for her. You (hopefully) know what makes sense for you.

So what if you DO want to surprise your girlfriend? Here are some things to consider and tips on how to choose an engagement ring.

Just for HER

A lot of men opt to buy their girlfriend a custom made engagement band, using services like GetCash to assist. By doing this, you can ensure to incorporate everything that she likes and your partner will know that it has come from the heart because you have taken the time to have something extra special made. Nevertheless, before you start designing your ring, there are several points that you need to consider and look out for…

Ring size

Although you can get a ring resized, it’s pretty important to get the ring in your girlfriend’s size. After all, she’s going to want to wear it right away! After you announce the engagement people will ask to see it. It’s mainly not as fun for her when she has to wait.

My husband tried really hard to make sure my ring was small enough (I have child’s hands-he says when he gave them the size the lady looked at him a little weird.) but it was still too big.

The best thing to do is merely take a ring from her jewelry box when she isn’t home and then you can utilize that for reference. I promise she will forgive you (just make sure to put it back)

Jewelry Style

You need to familiarize yourself with your girlfriend’s jewelry style. When you go to take her ring from her jewelry box have a look at the other pieces there and take note as to the jewelry styles she wears on a regular basis.

Ask yourself questions such as: What color metal does she wear mostly? Does she like bold jewelry or more dainty styles? Does she like more simplistic designs or elaborate adornment? Does her jewelry contain lots of different colors or is she more of a diamond girl? I have friends that specifically DON’T like diamonds because they are too cliche or overused. Don’t shy away from different stones (or none!) You should also ask one of her close friends about the certain styles you should be looking out for.

By doing all of this you will be able to have a better idea of what color metal to go for, what shape diamond she’d prefer, whether to go for a big ring or not and whether to seek something unusual or more simple.

Don’t just think that “bigger is better.” For me, I would have not liked a super huge diamond… I have small hands and I just don’t like the look. I love that mine has a unique design but it doesn’t take over my entire hand. My wedding band was the simplest and thinnest band that they had. I specifically asked for that.

Jeweler? Antique? Homemade?

First, when buying a new engagement ring, it is important that you buy from an experienced and reputable jeweler. After all, if you are making a big purchase you want to be sure you aren’t getting cheated. Moreover, the jeweler will be able to give you advice regarding jewelry style as well. Most experienced jewelers know their stuff!

BUT maybe… Your lovely bride is not into that. Don’t assume that an engagement ring must be bought at the fanciest and most expensive jeweler. I know MANY women who were pretty much against that.

Is your bride-to-be into other eras? Does she just ADORE the 20s? Although this might be more difficult finding the perfect ring could mean finding something antique or passed down. Even using a design that you find online to inspire a custom design can be sweet. Although the ring itself is new, you made sure to incorporate a look that she loves.

Many people make their own rings too! Either because they have the skills or they find someone to do what they were thinking. I met a girl in college who had just been engaged. Her ring was made out of wood. I don’t remember the exact meaning behind it, but it was something like wood from the park where they had a special date. I remember thinking, “Wow, how special and unique!”

Tell Me About Your Perfect Ring!

Do you have any cool, special, or unique stories about your ring? Leave it in the comments!

Cover Picture Credit:
Thrive Seniors athttp://thriveseniors.com/

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