How to Shop for an Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is something you’ll have for a good long time so choose carefully when it comes time to select one. Don’t just go by old rules like “two month’s salary” when buying your ring. Follow these instructions to shop for an engagement ring quickly and intelligently.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Knowledge of your fiancé
• Internet research
• Time

1. Know your fiancée. If you don’t know exactly what she’ll like for an engagement ring, consider buying a stone, or proposing without a ring and shopping for one together.
2. Budget for the stone. Expect to pay two or three thousand dollars for each half carat in a diamond.
3. Find a reputable jewelry store. Ask friends and family about their experiences with jewelry stores and which ones have suited them.
4. Find a deal online. Even though you’re essentially buying sight unseen, online jewelry can often be had for a fraction of the price of normal jewelry.
   
   

Tips & Warnings

• The four Cs of a diamond’s worth are clarity, color, cut and carat. If you don’t know what to look for, ask your jeweler to help you out.
• Remember, you can buy the band, the setting and the stone separately. If you know she’ll like part of it, buy that and leave the rest for later.
• If you’re unsure in the shop, buy a less expensive piece. This way, if she doesn’t like it, you can come back and trade it in for the more expensive piece.
• Go with what your feelings about your partner tell you. Don’t stay married to rules like the “two month's salary” rule or even the suggestion that it must include a diamond.
• There’s an inherent risk in buying jewelry online.