There’s a lot to be done when you finally decide that you’re ready to settle down and get married. One of the first things you have to do is buy an engagement ring and start planning the proposal. And like most guys, this is probably a little out of your comfort zone. However, it doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. Here are 4 tips for buying an engagement ring.
The engagement ring has been a symbol of promise, love, and fidelity for centuries, but it’s really taken on a life of its own over the past 50 years. And in the age of Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, getting a shiny rock on your finger has become a social statement.
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From the man’s perspective, engagement rings are intimidating. You know that the ring you select will not only be scrutinized by your fiancé, it will also be open to praise or criticism from the masses on social media. Talk about some serious pressure!
While some brides-to-be help their future husbands pick out a ring, many prefer to go the traditional route of dropping subtle hints and letting him select a ring on his own. If you find yourself in the latter situation, the following tips may prove helpful.
1. Ask Around
While your bride-to-be may not be helping you shop, this doesn’t mean you have to go into the process totally blind. Ask around and you’ll be surprised how much advice you’ll get from friends, siblings, and parents.
2. Know The 4 C’s
Before buying a diamond ring, you need to have a thorough understanding of the four C’s of diamond quality: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
The four C’s give buyers the ability to compare and contrast diamonds from different sellers and parts of the world in a quantifiable manner. The more you know, the more leverage you have when purchasing a ring.
3. Shop Your Engagement Ring Online
While most people assume that the best way to shop for an engagement ring is to visit local jewelry stores, you may find it more helpful – at least in the beginning stages of your search – to shop online.
Shopping and browsing online is nice because it gives you the opportunity to take your time feeling pressured to buy something. Just check out the engagement rings sold by The Three Graces and you’ll see how much more pleasant and educational an online shopping experience can be. With high-resolution pictures, clear pricing, and plenty of background information on the history of the rings, it’s hard to beat online ring shopping. You may end up buying in-store, but the internet is a great place to get the ball rolling.
4. Determine A Budget
It’s a good idea to establish a budget from the start. This is the quickest way to narrow your options down and figure out exactly what you can afford. It used to be that people suggested spending a two-months salary on an engagement ring, but this advice has gone by the wayside. Be smart and try to find a ring that makes her happy without totally depleting your bank account.
Don’t Get Too Overwhelmed
There’s certainly some stress and anxiety that goes into buying an engagement ring. You want it to be perfect but may not know what her definition of perfect entails. And while it’s easy to say from the perspective of an outsider, the best thing you can do for yourself is take a deep breath and avoid becoming overwhelmed. Your future wife loves you for who you are, not the ring you buy. When you acknowledge this truth, everything else seems to take a backseat.
If you are interested in even more engagement-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels then we have a lot to choose from.
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