How to buy an Engagement Ring

You've made the big decision to ask the girl of your dreams to become your wife, but now you have another big decision; you have to buy a ring.  When I was searching for a ring I found it extremely stressful.  My girlfriend (now my fiance) wouldn't go look at rings because she wanted it to be a surprise.  That sounds great except that she was very particular on what type a ring she wanted.  You will find that most likely your girlfriend is the same way, so you will need to ask lots a questions.  Ladies,  if this is sounding familiar then you need to give  your man a brake and help him pick the right ring for you.

No longer does a young man in love just go down to the local jewelry store and buy a nice solitaire with the only worry being the quality of the diamond.  Now, due to the internet, most women know what they want,  they dream about the ring they want and  if you, the future groom, don't get it right then you will be in some mighty hot water.  This blog entry is to help you the groom-to-be pick the right ring.

LOOK AT LOTS OF PICTURES

When you first start out, you need to sit down with your lady and browse engagement rings on the internet.  She may not know what she wants, so take this time to look at many different styles.  I had no clue originally.    You need to know what type of setting she wants,  what cut of diamond she wants and you need to know how much you can afford.  So as you browse the pictures make sure to ask her why she likes certain rings and why she doesn't like others.  Take note of the cut of diamond, the various settings and the size of the diamond.  Additionally, don't forget to ask what size of ring she wears.

TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES

When you start out on your adventure to go look at rings, even if she goes with you, make sure you take lots of pictures with your phone.  This is for references and to compare with others.  Taking pictures of diamond rings is very hard, because they usually sparkle under the light of the store.  Because of this make sure you take several pictures.  Take one of it alone,  take one of it's side,  take one on your finger.  When I was searching for a ring, I would put it on my pinky and take a pic.  This type of picture will give you an idea of how big, small, dainty and pretty it will look on her finger.  Remember you need to hunt, hunt and hunt.  This ring is a huge deal.  You need to not only have one that she will love, but one that you can afford.  The price difference from one store to another will vary.  So write notes on how much they are with a reference to the picture that you took.

Groom tip: The first time that you go to look at rings you might get very nervous.  This is normal.  I got really nervous the first jewelry store I walked in.  You will be nervous over the idea  of marrying your love and making it a reality.  Being overwhelmed at first is normal .  When you decide to buy the ring, you will be even more nervous.  I personally stood outside of the store for over five minutes before I walked in to get the ring, but as soon as I saw the ring; and I pictured how happy she would be when I gave it to her, all my fears melted away and my nerves settled.  I actually became overwhelmed with joy.  

Bride tip:  Your husband to be is going to spend a huge chunk of change on this ring.  He has spent countless hours looking at rings and even more hours trying to figure out how to buy it.  He probably used finances that you didn't even know he had.  He could have borrowed money from someone he would have never in a million years ask for money.  So when he finally presents it to you watch what you say.  NEVER say that it's a good starter ring.   NEVER say that it's a little small.  NEVER say that is fine because that's all he can afford right now.  I have read women making these comments on the internet before and found them horribly rude to their future husbands.  

BIG BOX OR LITTLE BOX

Should you go to a large chain jewelry store or a local store?  That decision is all contingent upon the ring.  If you are worrying who will give you a better deal, I found that two different chains of the same big box store quoted me two different prices for the exact same ring.  Both prices were less then what they advertised on their website.  So, if you find a ring at a big box store, make sure to try at least one other store site if you can before purchasing   I personally found that the local stores usually had a larger selection and better pricing if it was a nice store.  I also found some small jewelry stores that specialized on very cheap and low quality rings.  So  make sure that you know what type of store you are in before making any serious decision.  You shouldn't buy a cheap ring, with a cheap quality diamond, when you can get something of twice its quality for only a couple of hundred dollars more.  When I was hunting for a ring, I ran into that same scenario.  So know your stores and shop around.

HOW TO BUY THE RING

Nearly all places will offer you several choices to purchase your ring.  You can buy it out right,  put it on lay away, or finance it.  I would suggest the first two over the latter.  The last thing you need to do is add more debt to your finances as you begin not only planning your wedding and honeymoon, but as you begin a new life with your new wife.  The less debt the better for both of you.  If you can't buy it out right, ask about their layaway plan.  I did a three month layaway to make it more affordable for me.  Just, please, please don't finance it unless you definitively have the means to pay it off in less then four months.  The best method is to wait and pay cash for it.

EXTRA TIPS:

1.  Google the 4 C's of a diamond.  You'll need to know them.
2.  Make a budget that includes putting back money for buying a ring.
3.  You might have to get a job on the side to get the ring of her dreams.
4.  Yes, the ring is very important and is probably so important to her that you'll never understand.
5.  You can never look at too many rings.
6.  Don't let it stress you out.

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