1. Diamonds Come in Tons of Shapes
If you don’t know a princess cut from a cushion cut, the first shopping trip might come as a shock. Spend a little time researching stone shapes beforehand to narrow in on what you’re looking for.
2. The Price Range Is Huge
You’ve heard that an engagement ring can cost more than a car, but very few people are aware they can save a ton of money, without sacrificing quality by going to a diamond broker—great news if your budget is tight.
3. You’ll Need Her Ring Size…
Don’t be alarmed if you don’t know your girlfriend’s ring size. Many women don’t even know their own. At The Diamond Reserve, our experts can easily detect the size of your beloved’s finger from a photograph and some basic information.
4. …But You Can Shop Without It
If you can’t get her ring size without ruining the proposal surprise, that’s okay. Most jewelers offer the first resizing for free—just verify that your chosen ring can be adjusted before finalizing the purchase.
5. You Might Need Help
You don’t get extra points for picking out the ring on your own. Every woman has her own style and taste. Bring one of her best friends shopping with you to get the input of a woman who knows her well. Better yet, sneak onto her Pinterest to get insight on her dream engagement ring.
6. Rings Have Personalities
Spend some time thinking about her personality and style before shopping. Does she favor classic, simple clothes? She might prefer a single diamond and a simple setting. If she loves all things vintage, she might prefer a ring with delicate scrollwork or an art deco look.
7. You’re Not Limited to Diamonds
Sapphires, emeralds and other gemstones add color and uniqueness to an engagement ring. Look for a ring that includes diamonds and other stones or skips the diamond altogether.
8. You Can Go Custom
Even with hundreds of rings to choose from, you might not find one that seems uniquely… her. Creating a one-of-a-kind ring allows you to choose your own stones and setting, and it’s more affordable than you might think.
9. It Might Take Time
Have a particular engagement date in mind? Start ring shopping at least a few months before. It might take a few trips to make your choice, and if you go custom, you’ll have to allow some time for the ring to be created from scratch.
10. You Might Be Overwhelmed
This is a big purchase, so nerves are normal. Pick a jewelry store with experienced, patient staff and take all the time you need. Visit The Diamond Reserve to get started.