5 Things That Matter Most When Buying a Ring

Every jewelry store can provide you guidance when buying a ring, but do you know that there’s more to consider than the size, cut, and style?

If you’re wondering what to look for when buying an engagement ring, we’ve got you covered. Check out our tips on the diamond, the setting and everything in between.

With a wealth of information on the internet, finding an engagement ring has never been easier. However, there is always one crucial question to consider when buying a ring: what really matters beyond its beauty? Here’s what you should know!

Quality That Suits Your Budget

Engagement rings used to be very expensive, which is why a lot of people had to plan and save up money to buy them. These days, however, people realize that they can find something they like without buying the most expensive engagement ring on earth! In fact, budgetary issues often play a major role in choosing the perfect ring.

 Each couple has their own unique budget and other criteria for choosing a ring. The trick is finding a ring that both fits the other criteria and stays within the budget. The ring doesn’t have to be expensive to serve its purpose well, as long as it’s one that both you and your partner love. Along with style and budget, the quality of a ring is another major consideration in the search process.

If you are buying a diamond ring,  determine its quality by focusing on the 4 C’s: cut, color, clarity and carat.

Cut

The cut of a diamond determines how it will shine or dazzle. The angles and proportions are what make that happen. The better the diamond’s cut, proportion and polish are, the more light will reflect to the eye. Brilliance is based on a diamond’s cut alone.

Color

Diamonds come in different colors. White is the most common, followed by colorless, yellow and black. The Gemological Institute of America rates the quality of diamonds on a scale from D to Z. The letter D is the rarest and most sought after diamond, with the lowest levels of impurities. It’s completely colorless (and also the most expensive option). The letter Z means that there are many impurities in the diamond, making it unmistakably yellow in color.

Carat

Carat weight (CT) is the standard unit of weight for diamonds. A carat is equal to 0.2 grams, or 200 points on the scale. One-fifth of a carat is called a “carlet.” The average carat weight of a diamond is a common measure of value. However, a gemstone’s price also depends on  the cut and quality, not just weight. For example, a larger, poorly cut diamond would have less brilliance (and therefore less value) than a smaller, well-cut one.

Clarity

The clarity of a diamond is an evaluation of the imperfections in the stone. Internal imperfections are called inclusions, which can be seen with a microscope, but not usually with the naked eye. They are formed by bits of impurities, like air bubbles or small mineral crystals. Flaws on the surface of a diamond are called blemishes, which are described as grooves, ridges, hazy spots or other such structural imperfections. In other words, diamond clarity refers to the presence or absence of inclusions and blemishes.

Determining diamond clarity is about evaluating how the imperfections of the stone affect its appearance. It’s not as easy as it sounds! If you are trying to determine what is the best clarity for a diamond, remember that no diamond is 100 percent pure. However, the higher a diamond’s  purity, the better its clarity.

Design Preferences

The ring is an object of elegance and beauty, but also of style—which is why it’s important to know both the style and the personality of the person who will be receiving it, in order to find just the right ring.

For example, if the bride loves sparkly, glittering rings that are classic and chic, you may look for a delicate diamond solitaire on a thin gold band. If she loves more fun and casual rings, you should be looking for something less formal, such as dainty love birds on a woven band of silver. The best way to find the right ring for the bride is by knowing her preference and picking out rings that will perfectly match them.

There are many ways to find out her style. You can tell a lot about a person by the fabrics, colors, patterns and other kind of things they are using. What does she prefer to wear when she’s at work, out with friends or just lounging around the house? If you’re not sure what type of style she has, you can ask her friends or family. If you’re still unsure, take a look at the accessories she’s wearing. You’ll be able to get a sense for how she likes to dress and what colors work best for her.

Lifestyle Suitability

The right ring has to be something she likes and can wear every day, for a long time. A great option is one that fits her lifestyle and won’t need to be taken off for work, sports or hobbies. The last thing she wants to do is take it off for her day at the office, only to have to put it back on after work.

Finger Measurement

The size of a ring is measured in millimeters. The size of a finger is found by dividing the circumference of the finger by its width and multiplying it by 100.

Obviously, it would be disappointing to have to send the engagement ring back for re-sizing, which is why it is important to ascertain the ring size ahead of time. Also, if the ring is not properly sized, chances are that it would not fit comfortably.

Impulsive decisions often lead to regret when buying a ring, as there are many factors to consider. To get a properly fitting engagement ring, it is recommended to visit a reputable jeweler and get the ring sized before purchasing.

If you’re planning a surprise, try measuring her finger with a piece of string when she’s sleeping, or asking one of her friends to put on one of her rings and see if they fit the same size.

Aftercare Policy

Looking after your ring doesn’t only include taking care of the metal band and gems. Before buying a ring, it pays to know what your seller can offer you in terms of aftercare. It is also worth considering how much they charge. Since every company offers different aftercare services, we suggest that you inquire about the following services before making a final decision.

Ring Resizing Services

A lot of people who buy rings online are unaware that the rings may need to be resized at some point. For that reason, it’s important to know the terms and conditions your seller may offer for their ring resizing services. Having this information ahead of time may help you avoid problems down the line. 

Ring Cleaning

One of the best methods of maintaining your jewelry is to have it cleaned by a professional. Ring cleaners can remove dirt and buildup from your jewelry, preserving the integrity of the piece and preventing it from tarnishing. It is not recommended to use household cleaners like bleach, vinegar, or diluted lemon juice to clean your jewelry. These products can corrode metals and cause discoloration or damage to the stones in your piece. In most cases, ring cleaning services are given free by the seller for a certain period of time.

Ring Protection Plan

“Ring protection” basically refers to insurance for wedding rings, and it is usually offered by most jewelry stores. It does cost, however. Ring protection plans normally have an initial one-time fee and then another fee that is paid annually. If the ring you are planning to buy is costly enough to equate to an investment, then a protection plan is certainly worth considering. If knowing that your ring purchase is protected can allow you to sleep easier at night, it may be well worth it indeed.

If you do decide to purchase insurance for your rings, it is not necessary to buy it from the jewelry store itself. There are many reputable companies that offer ring protection plans. On the other hand, if you don’t see the point in having insurance and decide not to buy it, there is no harm in that either.

Ring Repair Services

Ring repair services are also very commonly included with a wedding ring purchase. Most jewelry stores try to make repair costs more affordable by offering their own repair services or partnering with another reputable company. In most cases, it is better to have the ring repaired through your seller, because you can trust that they will give you a reasonable price.

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