How to Shop for Engagement Rings: Finding Banded Bliss

There are many roads that lead to a beautiful wedding day but all of them are paved with the perfect engagement ring. Maybe you plan on popping the question soon. Or perhaps you have decided together to get married. The next thing you need is a beautiful symbol of your commitment.

Entry into the engagement ring marketplace can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Shopping for an engagement ring is supposed to be joyful. It is supposed to be a carefree and fun experience, leaving the shopper satisfied once their decision is made. Not only satisfied, in fact but thoroughly excited about taking the next big step in their relationship: happily ever after.

The key to finding an engagement ring with 0% stress is the investment of time before the shopping. And it really doesn’t take a lot of time. There are just a couple of things you should probably figure out beforehand. The Bradford Exchange offers a wide selection of engagement rings, so we are certainly mindful of shopping challenges. But we are in a unique position to help with that process and we’ve decided to dedicate this blog post to those who might be in the market for one. Please enjoy our article – How to Shop for Engagement Rings: Finding Banded Bliss.

Identify Your Personal Style

Even though an engagement ring is a symbol of the bond shared between two people, the style of the ring should reflect the style of the individual who wears it. For this reason, engagement rings could potentially have countless designs. From simple to ornate and from vintage to modern, there are so many different rings “looks” available today. Identifying the look you prefer is an essential first step.

Choose Your Metal

Choosing the metal for your engagement ring is the logical next step. This is the base. This is the foundation of a ring you will wear for the rest of your life. Just like design options, there are quite a few metals to select from but luckily not as many. The most popular metal selections for engagement rings are:

Platinum – for a classy and sophisticated look.

Sterling Silver – gives you a similar look as platinum but with a more conservative price.

Yellow Gold – always a classic choice; very popular; the “gold standard,” if you will.

Rose Gold – for a more antique look.

Gemstones: Selecting the Ideal Cut and Clarity

A diamond, of course, is the most prominent gem when it comes to engagement rings. Usually, diamond solitaire is chosen for the centerpiece. If you know that you want a diamond to be a part of the design, the next choice is to decide on the cut of the main gem. Some of the most standard cuts are princess, heart, pear, marquise, radiant, emerald, round and oval.

Of course, there isn’t a rule that says engagement rings must have a diamond. Many couples choose to eschew the traditional and go with something completely different. Sapphires, emeralds, rubies, opals, and pearls all make beautiful engagement rings as well. And choosing the bride’s birthstone adds an additional layer of meaning. The choice is really yours.

How Much Do You Want to Spend?

One would think that this would be the first consideration to make before shopping for an engagement ring. It could be, but luckily it doesn’t have to be. Because the market is abundant and generous with its options, it is still viable to find a ring at a comfortable price point even after you have your heart set on a certain look.

Once you know the type of ring you want, including its design, the metal, and gemstones, examine your budget and figure out how much you want to spend. We are confident you will find something both meaningful to you and kind to your pocket.

Consider Your Wedding Band

One last thing. Because wedding bands and engagement rings are usually worn together, it’s wise to consider how they will work as a pair. Even if you have not purchased a wedding band yet, you probably have an idea of what it might look like, so keep an eye on that when you are shopping. Some might even buy both rings at the same time as a matching set. Just like the two preparing to walk down the aisle, these two romantic bands are meant to complement each other.

Hopefully, this was helpful to anyone ready to purchase this very important ring. Remember, this is the best time to relish in the joy of romance as you look forward to your big day. Good luck to you both, and congratulations!