When the time comes to pop the question, having the most perfect of engagement rings is every bit as essential to the setting, the moment and of course, the delivery.
You may assume that choosing a ring is as simple as, say, picking out a special gift for your loved one, but in reality, there are many things that need to be considered… and not just the cost. From finding a good jeweller to selecting the cut, carat and stones, not to mention ensuring that your ring is authentic and certified, buying that ring can be downright daunting. Then there is the sheer number of choices out there, too. And we haven’t even got to the cost part yet either!
Before you worry though, things get a lot simpler when you know what you should NOT be doing (or choosing) when you are hunting for engagement rings…
Engagement Ring Catastrophes (And How to Avoid Them)
While luckily, most stories involving engagement rings and the giving thereof are generally romantic stories with happy ever after conclusions that are immortalised in photo albums and picture frames, there are a small number of horror stories out there too. In order to make sure that your story is a happy one, here are a few mistakes to avoid making when ring shopping:
- Not keeping the wearer in mind. Your partner is unique, with many traits, quirks and characteristics that makes them one of a kind. What is bold and beautiful to one person might be hideous and tacky to another. As such, it is always a good idea to know what the wearer of the ring likes and dislikes – colours, style and personality are all factors to consider.
- Forgetting to be practical. A lavish, over the top ring is a wonder to behold, but will it be practical? This ring will be worn daily for many, many years to come. If it is too large, set in a way that stones can catch on fabric or chip, too heavy or impractical in any other way, it may not be comfortable once the initial euphoria wears off.
- Going bankrupt to buy the ring. Even the most gorgeous of rings will come at a price that may be a bit too high if you are suffering financially to afford the purchase. There are a number of financial plans that allow you to make a large purchase such as this, but even then you should think carefully about what you can realistically manage. Starting out a new life together when you can barely pay the rent is not romantic in the slightest.
- Being fooled by too-good-to-be-true deals. You may have come across an advert that promises a high carat ring at a price that seems just a bit too good. Or perhaps someone at work knows someone at the gym whose brother lives next door to a diamond ring salesman. No matter how tempting it is, it is vital to purchase through a reputable, trusted jeweller that is able to provide proper certification for your diamond. Taking a risk when it could mean getting a fake stone is just not worth it in the end.
- Forgetting to follow the ‘4 Cs’ approach to diamond grading. Comprising Colour, Cut, Clarity and Carat, the 4 Cs are a grading term that helps you determine that you are getting the best possible diamond ring. For those unsure on how diamonds are categorised, this approach is easy to understand, giving you all the information you need. You can read more about how rings are graded in our recent post on the 4 Cs approach to diamond engagement rings.
The good news is that once you know what to look for and what to avoid, and you have a better idea of the sort of ring that will suit your partner perfectly, your search for fairy-tale-perfect engagement rings will become much simpler. Contact Cape Diamonds today and let us help you find the perfect engagement ring.