Planning to pop the question? We’ve simplified the process with this guide on how to buy an engagement ring. Get ready to find her the perfect ring that she’ll love for a lifetime.
Set a Budget
Before you begin looking for the perfect engagement ring, decide on a budget. While many swear by the 3 months’ salary rule for engagement rings, we think it’s more important to choose a ring that actually fits your budget and your partner’s preferences. A good rule of thumb is to assess your financial situation, taking into account not just your current savings, but also your income stability and upcoming expenses when making a purchase. Angara’s collection features many budget-friendly engagement rings in a variety of styles. What’s more, we offer flexible payment options, including easy monthly instalments through Easy Pay and Affirm.
Pick a Centre Stone
The centre stone you choose is one of the most important things to know before buying engagement rings because it should be significant to your partner. Diamonds are usually the go-to choice for engagement rings, but you can consider coloured gemstones for a personalised touch. You also have the option to choose between natural and lab-grown diamonds or gemstones.
To make the process of choosing a centre stone seamless, this engagement ring buying guide will also give you detailed information on natural and lab-grown gemstones.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown
Lab-grown stones are chemically, physically and optically identical to earth-mined stones. The only difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds and gemstones is their origin. Lab diamonds and gemstones are made in labs, while natural ones take billions of years to form within the earth’s crust. But if you’re looking for a more affordable engagement ring option, a lab-grown diamond or gemstone ring might be best. Not to mention, they are now topping the engagement ring trends charts because of sustainability and price factors.
Diamonds
Diamond engagement rings still remain the most popular engagement ring option. When choosing a diamond as the centre stone, the 4Cs – cut, colour, clarity, and carat – are some tips to consider before buying an engagement ring. Choose the diamond shape first and then try to balance the quality and size. For example, going for a smaller diamond can land you a higher quality stone; whereas choosing a diamond with a lower clarity grade allows you to get a larger stone without stretching your budget.
Want to know more about choosing the right diamond for your ring? This guide on how to buy an engagement ring has got you covered.
1. Cut
The cut of a diamond refers to the arrangement of its facets, symmetry and reflective properties. It is what significantly affects its sparkle, beauty and overall aesthetic. Shape, on the other hand, refers to the outline of the diamond. When it comes to diamond shapes, the brilliant cut and round shape are most commonly used.
Also Read: Diamond Cut & Shape Guide
2. Colour
The colour of a diamond can range from coloured to colourless. The natural diamond colour is caused by the presence of trace elements like nitrogen in the earth’s crust when the diamond was formed. The GIA grading scale determines the amount of grey or yellow hues visible in a diamond. At Angara, we have both coloured diamonds (blue, black and brown) and colourless diamonds (ranging from F to K). When choosing a diamond for your engagement ring, remember that the closer the diamond is to colourless, the rarer it is, and hence, more expensive.
3. Clarity
The natural inclusions within a diamond determine its clarity. The visibility of these microscopic imperfections can vary depending on the facets. Those stones with fewer inclusions have a higher diamond clarity and are obviously more rare and valuable.
4. Carat
Carat is the unit of measurement that determines the weight of a diamond and directly influences its visual size. It’s important to know, however, that different diamond shapes distribute their weight differently. That’s why some elongated shapes like oval, pear or marquise diamonds may look bigger than round diamonds of the same weight. If you want to make your engagement ring look bigger, you can opt for elongated diamonds.
Now that our engagement ring buying guide has helped you learn more about diamonds, let’s explore the world of coloured gemstones.
Gemstones
If you’re looking for a ring that stands out, gemstones are the perfect alternative to your traditional diamond ring. Some precious gemstones are rarer than diamonds and have rich symbolism too. You could make your proposal even more special by choosing your partner’s birthstone as the centre stone. You can pick from sapphires, emeralds, rubies and many more.
Sapphire
At 9 on the Mohs scale, sapphire is next in hardness to diamond (which is at 10 on the Mohs scale). Because of their toughness, sapphires are a great option for everyday jewellery pieces like engagement rings. Sapphires are famous for their royal blue colour; however, they also come in other colours like yellow, pink, orange, and so on. Sapphire engagement rings are often associated with loyalty and fidelity, making them a meaningful choice for a proposal.
Emerald
With a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8, emeralds are known for their rich bluish-green to green colour. Higher quality emeralds are rarer than diamonds, and because of their lower density, a one-carat emerald will look bigger than a diamond of the same carat weight. Signifying hope and new beginnings, emerald engagement rings promise a future full of growth and vitality for the couple.
Ruby
Similar to sapphire, ruby is a variety of mineral corundum and is at 9 on the Mohs scale. Its vibrant red colour is due to the trace amounts of chromium present in the crystal. The strength of the ruby’s red depends on how much chromium is present in it. Ruby engagement rings are the perfect symbol of passion, unwavering love and a commitment that lasts forever. Want the best of both worlds? Choose an engagement ring that beautifully combines diamonds and gemstones. For instance, a stunning sapphire ring surrounded by a halo of diamonds or a classic three-stone ring with a central gemstone flanked by sparkling diamonds on either side.
Pop the question with a hint of colour
Choose the Setting
Once you’ve decided on a centre stone, it’s time to choose the ring setting, preferably one that shows off the centre stone nicely. The setting refers to the different parts of the ring and the design in its entirety (read: the head, shank, accents and gallery). Here’s another engagement ring buying tip, the setting you choose will determine not just the appearance, but also the structure and comfort of the ring for daily wear, so choose wisely.
Style
Wondering how to buy the best engagement ring? The key is choosing one that aligns with your partner’s unique style and preferences. You can choose from different ring styles like halo, classic, solitaire, vintage-inspired and more. The engagement ring setting selection process can be overwhelming, but once you have an idea of what your partner likes, you can customise the ring to their liking. Angara’s award-winning ‘Create With Angara’ feature lets you customise your ring from start to finish. You get to pick the gemstone, head, shank and metal, keeping your partner’s preferences in mind. You can also book a consultation with Angara’s jewellery experts for personalised recommendations. In case you change your mind after purchase, we have a 30-day free exchange and return policy for unworn pieces.
Metal
Angara engagement rings come in multiple metal options: rose gold, yellow gold, white gold, platinum, and two-tone metals. You can also choose between 14K gold and 18K gold. If you’re allergic to certain metals, we recommend opting for platinum since it’s known to be hypoallergenic.
Size
When the question arises, ‘What to know when buying an engagement ring?’, one of the most important things to consider is your partner’s ring size. Unsure about your partner’s ring size? Don’t worry, we’re about to show you how to secretly find out your partner’s ring size for a surprise proposal. Here are some tips:
- Get hold of your partner’s ring which fits the intended finger perfectly, and find a match on our Ring Size Chart.
- Alternatively, you can wear the ring, mark the point where it stops on your finger, and show it to a local jeweller or measure it at home by yourself using our detailed guide.
- Ask a family member or friend to find out the size without alerting your partner.
In case you still don’t get the size right, we have a 30-day free resizing policy.
Make the Purchase
Here’s something you should definitely consider before purchasing an engagement ring: the available payment methods. It’s time to buy the ring, and you want the process to go as smoothly as possible. We get it. At Angara, you’ll have a seamless purchase experience. You can book a consultation with our experts to iron out all the details and put yourself at ease before making the purchase.
Payment Options
There are different payment options that you can choose from at Angara. Here’s how to finance an engagement ring easily and conveniently.
Affirm
With Affirm, you can shop for an engagement ring and pay for it later in monthly instalments. Affirm is available as a payment option for order values between $50 and $30,000.
Angara Easy Pay Instalments
With our Easy Pay Instalment plan, you can shop now and pay in 2 or 3 interest-free monthly instalments. P.S. There are no hidden charges or additional fees.
Paypal
Orders eligible for payment via PayPal will have the option to pay via PayPal with a ‘Proceed to Chequeout’ button in the shopping cart. Other payment options include Credit/Debit cards, MasterCard, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Amazon Pay.
Now that you’re aware of our different payment options, buying an engagement ring will be a smooth and hassle-free experience when you’re ready to move forward.
Warranty
Our jewellery is high-quality and expertly handcrafted, and it comes backed with a free lifetime warranty. In case of any issue with your ring, you can reach out to us at 1-844-527-4367 or customer.service@angara.com. At Angara, your satisfaction is our top priority. Hence, we have a 30-day exchange and return policy, as well as a repair and resizing policy.
Also Read: Engagement Rings Vs. Promise Rings
Propose
When the time’s right, get down on one knee and pop the question with your chosen ring. This marks the beginning of your forever together, and we hope it’s filled with endless love and happiness.
Also Read: Engagement Rings Vs. Wedding Rings
Still wondering about the best way to buy an engagement ring for your partner? Don’t worry, we’ve got some additional tips that will surely help make your dream proposal come true.
Tips: Engagement Ring Purchase Guide
Here are some tips for buying engagement rings that’ll make the process a breeze:
1. Right Time to Buy Engagement Ring: The perfect ring takes time to create and you want to be completely satisfied with your purchase. So plan in advance, and better still, book a consultation with an Angara expert for customised recommendations.
2. Ring Size: The ideal diamond size for engagement rings is one carat. While younger couples prefer one to two carats, older couples tend to opt for bigger carat diamonds. You can get more sparkle for your spend by opting for lab-grown diamonds.
3. Engraving: Most engagement rings, alternative metal rings and eternity rings can be engraved. So, take advantage of our free engraving service to make the ring extra special. 4. Resizing: Didn’t get the perfect fit? No worries. Our 30-day free resizing will sort that out. For rings that are already engraved, we’ll redo the engraving if needed.
5. Certifications: Here’s another engagement ring purchasing tip: Make sure that the stone on your ring is certified. At Angara, we offer a Certificate of Authenticity with every piece of jewellery. What’s more, our collection includes diamonds and gemstones that are GIA-certified and IGI-certified too.
6. Customisation: If you’re looking for a unique style, you can design your own engagement ring with our award-winning ‘Create With Angara’ feature. The customisation process is quick and easy, and the best part is you’ll be able to celebrate your love story with a truly unique ring.
7. Contact Jeweller: Feeling a bit lost or confused about where to begin? Reach out to us and we’ll help you through the process. Call our 24/7 customer support at 1-844-527-4367 or email customer.service@angara.com.
8. Lifetime Warranty: At Angara, we stand behind our products. That’s why we offer free lifetime services that help take care of engagement rings like cleaning, repolishing, stone tightening and re-rhodium plating.
After walking through the essential steps of our engagement ring buying guide, the key takeaway is to ensure the ring resonates with your partner’s style and preferences. With an array of choices—whether it’s the gemstone, setting style or the perfect metal—it’s all about finding a timeless piece that reflects your unique love story.
And, if you’re planning to shop for your dream proposal, explore Angara’s exquisite collection of engagement rings and pick the perfect token of love today!
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Engagement Ring Buying Guide FAQs
1. What is the rule for buying an engagement ring?
There are different rules regarding how much your engagement ring should cost. Some believe it should cost three months’ salary, but the price of an engagement ring is for you to determine. Set a budget that’s comfortable for you while considering factors like your partner’s preferences.
2. How do I know what engagement ring to buy for her?
If you’re lucky, your partner may have hinted at her dream ring. If not, knowing her likes and dislikes can help you figure out what ring style she likes. You can also do a bit of research by asking her family and friends.
3. What is most important when buying an engagement ring?
Everything! After all, it’s the most important piece of jewellery you will ever give your partner. Consider the quality and carat weight of the centre and accent stones, as well as the style and metal of the ring.
4. Which hand does the engagement ring go on?
The engagement ring goes on the fourth finger of your left hand. However, before the wedding ceremony, it is shifted to the right hand to make room for the wedding ring. There are no rules on what hand you should wear your engagement ring, so after the wedding, you can wear it on any hand you prefer.
5. How to insure an engagement ring?
You can get your engagement ring insured through your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance. You could also opt for special jewellery insurance, which is usually 1 to 3% of the cost of the jewellery itself.
6. How many carats should an engagement ring be?
This is up to you and your partner’s preference. Based on your budget, you can balance between quality and carat. If you choose a bigger carat size, you’ll have to go for a lower-quality stone and vice versa. This way, you can get a ring that falls within your budget.
7. How should an engagement ring fit?
An engagement ring should slide over your knuckle with minimal resistance. You don’t want it to be so loose that it falls off or so tight that it’s hard to take off.
8. What does an engagement ring symbolize?
An engagement ring is a symbol of love and devotion. You’re committing to your partner and declaring to the world that you want a future with them.
9. What is the difference between engagement and wedding rings?
Engagement rings are usually given during the proposal. Their larger centre stone gives them that ‘wow’ factor. Wedding rings, on the other hand, are simpler bands that are exchanged during the wedding ceremony.
10. How do you clean an engagement ring?
The best way to clean your ring is to soak it in warm, soapy water for about ten minutes. Then scrub it gently with a soft toothbrush before rinsing it off with water.
11. What to look for when buying an engagement ring?
If you’re looking for the best way to buy an engagement ring, start off by figuring out the stone you want. After that, you should look at the quality (i.e. the 4Cs) of the engagement ring – be it a diamond or gemstone.
12. What to know before buying an engagement ring?
Some of the most important things you need to know are your budget, your partner’s ring preference and size. This information, combined with your knowledge of the type of stone you’re going for, will help you choose the perfect engagement ring.
13. When to buy an engagement ring?
It is best to plan ahead and buy an engagement ring three to four months before the day you plan to propose. This gives you enough time to do your research calmly and get the ring.
14. How to buy an engagement ring on a budget?
To get a ring that fits your budget, you’ll have to balance the quality and size of the ring. You may also opt for lab-grown stones, which are considerably less expensive than natural stones.
15. How to go engagement ring shopping as a couple?
If you’re not trying to keep your proposal a secret, you can go ring shopping with your partner online or offline. If you’re trying to keep it a secret, you can go under the guise of getting a gift for your family.
16. What are the rules for buying an engagement ring?
One of the rules is the 3-month salary engagement ring rule. This rule states that you should spend at least 3 months of your salary on your partner’s engagement ring.
17. Which finger does the engagement ring go on?
The engagement ring goes on the fourth finger of your left hand. However, this can vary based on culture and personal preference. So, it is up to you to decide where to wear it.
