Wedding Season Is Upon Us – What to Look for in Engagement Rings

Did you know that about 21% of women will accept a ring regardless, while 16% would want to change the ring their partner chose? 

Of course, you want to get the right ring the first time around. Shopping for an engagement ring is terrifying for many people, not only because of the price tag but also because of how important of a purchase it is!

You want to be sure that you’re getting an engagement ring that will be cherished forever, and this can take some time. Are you trying to decide when you should visit Houston jewelry stores to search for that perfect ring?

If you’re not sure what you should be looking for or what you should know before you shop, keep reading below as we give you the basics on buying an engagement ring. 

Make Sure You Have a Measurement

To measure ring size easily, you can wrap a string around the finger. Mark where the ends meet with a pen and then measure that length with a ruler in millimeters. On a ring size chart, choose the ring size that most closely matches that measurement. 

Did you know that your ring size can also change a little bit throughout the day? If it’s hot outside, you’ve been very active, or the weather is bad, your ring size will be impacted because your fingers may swell a little. 

Most people have puffier fingers in the morning and at night, and the size will settle into a more normal size toward the middle of the day.

While you can often do this measurement at the jewelry store, it’s a good idea to have at least an estimation before you go. This way, you can have multiple measurements to average together to get a more accurate fit. 

Figure Out the Band Metal

There is a metal out there for every person’s preference, but the most common options for engagement rings include gold, platinum, sterling silver, tungsten, and titanium. Depending on your budget, some of these may be more appropriate for you than others!

Gold is a traditional and classic option for wedding or engagement rings. You can choose from white, yellow, and rose gold, which provides you with a bit of a selection. If you opt for gold, know that a higher karat (which is not the same as a diamond’s carat) can mean the ring has worse longevity due to slightly less strength.

Sterling silver, which is another very common choice, is very affordable and becomes fairly durable due to mixture with copper or other metals. It can get scratched fairly easily without proper upkeep, however, and it tarnishes over time if not cared for. 

If you’re looking for luxury, platinum is a great choice for a ring band! It is a little more expensive, but it has very good longevity compared to other metals and rarely will get damaged from daily wear. 

Remember that if engraving is something you’re considering, the type of metal you choose is very important. The experts can help you make this decision to ensure the ring has a long lifespan. 

Choose the Right Shape

The truth is that not all styles are going to look right on all types of fingers, so if you want to find a shape that flatters the fingers, there is a simple “formula” to keep in mind.

Take the width and length of the finger, as well as the size of the hand, first. Then, think about what size, shape, and style of stone and ring would look best on that hand.

You’ll also want to think about typical nail length, as this can impact how long or short a finger looks. 

Long fingers usually look good with wider bands, princess or round cuts, and a bold style. Short fingers should look better with a slender band and an oval, pear, or rectangle-shaped stone. 

Slender fingers look good with smaller stones and thicker bands to make the finger look wider. Wide fingers will look better with cluster styles, medium or thick bands, and angular shapes.

Some people may also prefer a more timeless and traditional style for the shape of their stone than something more trendy. You know what your partner is going to like the best, so keep that in mind as well as you make your selection.

Consider Different Carat Sizes

People are always curious about whether getting the biggest carat is worth it or if the quality of the stone is more important. Unless you’re ready to spend big bucks, you’ll generally have to choose one over the other.

Size is the first thing that you should think about, however, because you can find colors and clarities in almost any size that you want. If you choose a lower or less common carat size, you’ll save some money even if the stone is big.

You also should keep an open mind because your partner may think they know what size stone they want until they actually try some rings on. It’s always different when you see a ring or stone in a picture versus on the hand that will be wearing it.

Size really only matters if you or your partner thinks it matters. You may prefer to place more emphasis on the color, clarity, cut, or weight. 

Think About Where the Stone Came From

Your partner is going to appreciate getting an engagement ring that has a backstory, especially if that story involves ethically-sourced stones or gems. This is why it is a good idea to try and search for suppliers that offer information on how their gems, diamonds, and metals have been sourced. 

Stores like this will be able to tell you exactly where their products came from, from the mine to their shop. 

If you’re looking for a custom piece as well, taking your time to find all of the right parts before the ring is actually assembled will be well worth the time to make it more special. 

Keep Your Budget in Mind

There is actually not a set rule on how much engagement rings should cost. The best ring for you and your partner is going to be something that you can afford, but it also comes down to style preferences. 

It’s smart to look into what types of rings you may want to consider purchasing, especially if you’re looking for a diamond ring or another option that can get a little more pricey. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to plan out your budget accordingly and get the most “bang for your buck” when you actually start shopping.

According to a study done in 2020, the average couple spent about $3,756 on an engagement ring, which is much less than what the average was two years prior ($7,829). 

Get Help From Others

Whether you go with your significant other, with a friend, or with a family member, it’s best to bring someone along with you so that you can get recommendations and second opinions.

While the jewelry recommendations can help you, it’s still going to come down to what your future spouse is going to like the best. Since they don’t know that person as well as someone you personally know, it’s a good idea to get some extra advice in the moment before you make a purchase. 

You might be able to ask one of your partner’s friends to go with you, especially if you feel that they have probably expressed their desires to that friend. 

If you’re already engaged and are just working on choosing the right ring, bring your partner along to help. They will know what they want better than anyone, especially when they can try on rings in the store. 

Choose the Best Houston Jewelry Stores 

There are a lot of factors to consider as you start to look for that perfect ring, but trust that it is out there somewhere!

Out of all of the Houston jewelry stores that sell the best ring options, Daniel & Co. is ready to help you find the engagement ring that your partner has always dreamed of. We offer some of the finest jewelry in the city, and our experts are prepared to work with you every step of the way. 

Whether you want custom jewelry, a stone replacement for a family ring, or engraving, our services are at your disposal.

Let’s make this special time of your life even better with the right engagement ring. Schedule an appointment with us today!