Selecting an Engagement Ring: 3 Things to Remember
I’ve debated for a while whether to write this post because choosing your forever engagement ring is such a personal decision. Everyone’s style and preferences are different when it comes to the 3 C’s (color, cut and carat weight), and in my mind, you seriously cannot go wrong when it comes to selecting an engagement ring as long as you love it. Hello, diamonds are a girls best friend!
Engagement Ring via Adiamor // Picture via Natalie Mac Photography
Fiancées-to-be normally fall into one of two camps: they are included in the ring selection process OR they want to be completely surprised and just drop little hints here and there. If you know me, you know I told Matthew exactly what I wanted, and may have even sent a link at one point. (Oops, love you babe!)
I’ve known since sophomore year of college that Matthew was the one, and I wanted a 1-carat, cushion cut with a french-cut pavé band. (Yikes, again sorry babe for being so specific!) My goal was always understated elegance.
We had a discussion senior year about waiting to get engaged to save and get an extravagant engagement ring, and honestly, I would have wanted the same ring even if we waited two more years. I told Matt that whenever we financially can afford it, that’s go time! He’s HILARIOUS, because we went over our finances before we moved in together, and this little snot transferred $$ from his bank account so I wouldn’t know he could afford my dream ring. Matt’s running joke is that he “tricked me with math,” which I dissent.
Ring Size
I made the mistake of not getting measured to figure out my exact ring size. I’ve worn a David Yurman ring on my right-hand ring finger for many years, and assumed the same size would work for my left-hand ring finger. My assumption was that I’d get measured again before Matthew was seriously considering proposing. Silly me, because he already had the ring hiding in his backpack in the corner of our apartment. He always jokingly says that he was worried that I’d find it because “women can smell diamonds.” Truthfully, I was so wrapped up in starting my career I didn’t even think to look.
Before you even begin dropping hints or looking for rings, make sure you have your accurate ring size. Professionals suggest getting measured in the afternoon versus the morning, because this is when your fingers are more swollen.
Budget
I’m a firm believer that you don’t need to break-the-bank to show your love and commitment. The best engagement ring is the one that you love that fits in your budget. According to the NY Times, the median amount spent on an engagement ring is generally less than $3,000. This is contrary to several myths floating around that you should spend three month’s salary, but there is truly no set “rule” for how much you should spend on an engagement ring.
According to Brides’, the average couple spent $3,756 in 2020, which is less than the $7,829 average couples spent in 2018. However, plenty of couples spend more and plenty spend less.
Style
What are your non-negotiable when it comes your engagement ring? For some, sacrificing on the clarity to get more carats is the ideal path. For other, the mentality is quality over quantity. No answer is wrong, but it is definitely a matter of personal preference. Most women fall into the category of knowing the shape (emerald, round, cushion, etc.) and carats they want and pass that information along to their other half, but rarely specify on the color, clarity and cut.
I fell into that camp where I knew I wanted cushion cut, but I didn’t specify anything else. Matthew decided to go quality over quantity and purchase a higher quality diamond with better clarity, color and cut vs a greater carat. In his words, he wanted the diamond to “sparkle” and be flawless vs a diamond that just looked bigger. Again, a ring is such a matter of personal preference and selecting exactly what you want to wear for the rest of your life.