How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring
We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips about what to consider before buying that forever ring
So, you’re in the market for an engagement ring? Congratulations! We know that buying a ring is a big decision, and there may be a lot of factors that influence your final choice. We put together six valuable tips about stones, shapes, metals, styles, sizes, and budgets. These tips can help you narrow down your search and guide you to the ring of your dreams. We are always happy to answer your questions, so please feel free to contact us by phone, online, or at our Houston location.
1. Choose A Gemstone
As almost everyone knows, the most classic engagement ring style includes a center diamond, but you can choose any stone you like. The second most popular gemstone for engagement rings is a sapphire, due to their durability and beautiful color. For the unique woman she may prefer something other than a diamond or sapphire but over 90% of engagement rings feature one of the two stones.
While Diamonds and Sapphires are both the hardest and most durable gemstones, something to note is that Sapphires cost less than diamonds, so choosing a center sapphire allows you to get a bigger gem for your budget. While blue is the most recognizable color, sapphires also come in yellow, pink, and a variety of other colors.
2. Select A Gemstone Shape
Gemstones are cut into ten standard shapes, with round being the most common choice, making up about 75% of all diamond purchases. However, because they are the most popular, round diamonds cost more than other shapes. You can save a bundle by choosing a non-round diamond. Oval, Square, and even Heart Shaped Diamonds are all beautiful and available at Inter-Continental Jewelers.
3. Choose A Metal
Your choices for engagement ring metals are platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. Platinum and white gold are the most popular choices. These two metals are similar in color, but platinum is more durable and costs about 50% more. Pay attention to what color metal jewelry your girlfriend wears most of the time to ensure you choose the perfect style.
4. Choose A Style
Ring styles are as varied as personal styles. You can go sleek and modern, detailed and vintage, or fun and colorful. Bold and Daring or Soft and Demure? Selecting a setting and ring style may be the hardest part of buying an engagement ring. Think about the clothes she wears and even the furniture she appreciates—that should give you some clues as to whether she’d prefer a ring that’s classic, modern, nature-inspired, glamorous, or some combination of those. If they can keep a secret ask for help from her best friend, mother, or sister. At Inter-Continental Jewelers, we try to make the decision less stressful, and offer 30 day free returns. If the style you choose doesn’t fit her vision you can always return or exchange it for one she’ll love forever.
5. Decide On A Budget
Forget all the old rules of how much you should spend on an engagement ring. Decide on an amount that is comfortable for you and we can help get you the most value for your budget. We offer the highest quality diamonds, the option to customize your design, and a lifetime diamond trade-in program, all for a fraction of retail prices. We also offer a free financing program to help you plan your budget according to your own timeline.
6. Figure Out Her Ring Size
Over 80% of proposals still have the element of surprise, and figuring out her ring size can be one the trickiest parts of keeping it that way. While the most common women’s ring size is 6-6.5, and you want to err on the large side. You can always have the ring sized down after the proposal free of charge.
After you’ve followed all of these steps you are ready for one of the most important days in your life! Schedule your showroom appointment with us today. We can’t wait to hear about your diamond needs. You can reach us at 713-785-9600.