Buying an engagement ring for your partner can feel so special. Even before you give them the ring, selecting it and planning the gift can give you quite a rush. Since this is something most people have not done before, you may benefit from a few pieces of advice when it comes to selecting an engagement ring.
1. Remember it does not have to be a diamond
For years, it was traditional to give a diamond as an engagement ring. But that tradition is fading. Some people certainly still give diamonds, but it is now acceptable and quite common to give others stones. So, spend some time looking at your partner's other jewelry and thinking about their preferences. If you think they'd prefer a more colorful stone over a diamond, you may want to focus your search on engagement rings with rubies, sapphires, aquamarines, or other gems.
2. Remember the stone is more important than the setting
There are two key parts of the engagement ring: the stone and the setting. (The setting is sometimes otherwise known as the band.) When you shop, remember that picking "the right" stone is most important. Stones cost more, and they can always be reset into a different setting or band if your recipient wants that done. For instance, if your recipient loves the ruby in their ring but tires of a holding band, they can have the ruby reset into a silver one later on.
3. Resist the urge to overspend
There are lots of cultural rules and guidelines that specify how much you should spend on an engagement ring. But you should feel free to toss those out the window and ignore them if you wish. Spend as much as you can afford to spend, and don't be pressured to spend more. There are plenty of gorgeous engagement rings available for every budget. A ring you over-pay for or go into debt to buy won't mean any more, and may even mean less, than one you can comfortably afford. You can always upgrade the ring with additional gemstones or a new setting if you end up more comfortable financially in the future.
When you buy an engagement ring, keep the tips and information above in mind. Don't hesitate to ask the vendor for advice, either. Most know plenty about the jewelry they sell and will be happy to point you in the right direction.
