Ring on a Love Note: A simple wedding ring is placed on top of a handwritten note, with the words "I love you" clearly visible.

10 Tips to Buying an Engagement Ring

You’re about to start engagement ring shopping – congratulations! Buying an engagement ring and planning a proposal is an exciting time, but buying the right engagement ring can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re shopping alone or with your partner, this guide will help you confidently navigate the process.

We spoke with Lori, of LOLiDE, an expert jewelry artist who creates custom, one-of-a-kind designs that break away from tradition.

  1. Don’t Get Caught up in Trends.
    Like with anything, trends come and go. It’s easy to fall in love with the intricate designs, unique shapes, or alternative gemstones that are popular now, but they might not be something you’ll still love ten, twenty, or fifty years from now.

    Instead of chasing trends, focus on what you love. The key is choosing a design that resonates with you on a personal level, so you’ll love it for the long haul, not just because it’s in style right now.

    A good way to figure this out? Start a Pinterest board, save what catches your eye, and see what themes emerge. This way, you can shop knowing your ring will be something you’ll love forever, not just for the moment.

  2. You Don’t Have to Use a Natural Diamond.
    The stone doesn’t have to be a perfect diamond. In fact, people often opt for anything else. While diamonds are one of the hardest naturally occurring substances on the planet, they aren’t the only stone that is suitable for daily wear.

    Explore alternative engagement ring stone options that might include the following;
    Sapphire. Sapphires come in a variety of colors, with blue being the most common. They are durable, and second to diamonds in hardness.
    Moissanite. Moissanite is a popular diamond alternative known for its brilliance and durability. It has a similar appearance to diamonds, but is more affordable. 

    If your heart is set on a diamond, explore different cuts, different colors of diamond (including salt and pepper or diamonds with tones of yellow), and different clarities. Your jeweler can work with you to explore how different, more affordable diamonds can fit into a design.

    “In fact, most of my customers opt for anything else. It doesn’t even need to have a stone at all. There’s so many ways to make a cool ring with or without stones and using a variety of colors and shape.” says Lori of LOLiDE.

    Another option is to explore using a lab-created stone. Often these are more affordable, and have a much better ecological footprint than some naturally mined stones. Another perk of using a lab-created stone is that you can get some incredible color variations. A deep purple lab-created sapphire is a great alternative to a natural amethyst or a green sapphire in place of an emerald stone.

    It’s important to keep in mind that not all stones are suitable for engagement and wedding jewelry. Some are too soft, and will break or fracture in a piece of jewelry designed for everyday wear. 

    There are also many ways that you can design an engagement ring without stones – there aren’t any rules


  3. The Ring Size Matters
    And while the size of the stone doesn’t matter – the ring size does. Forgo any online ring sizing methods that use paper or string. Ring size circumferences vary by only fractions of a millimeter, so getting it right with measuring tape, a piece of paper, or string is unlikely and could mean a costly resize.

    The only real way to get the ring size right is by having it measured by a jeweler who often have special tools that will allow them to get the right fit. If you’re planning a surprise proposal and you’re trying to get the ring on the sly, find a ring (usually that they already have) that fits the finger they’ll wear the engagement ring and have that sized.

    Most rings can be resized, and if you’re not confident in the ring size, be sure to let your jeweler know that so it can be accommodated for in the design process. Some designs aren’t able to be resized, others will be costly.

  4. You Don’t Have to Stick to Tradition
    Remember, what we think of as ‘traditional’ changes with time and can include some pretty ugly things if you scratch the surface with enough force. If you get something you love because you love it and not because you’re thinking about what your friends might say, you’re more likely to love it ten years from now, too.

    “I make a lot of rings for folks who went the ‘traditional’ route with their first rings. They often come to me to get what they ‘really want’ now that they feel more confident in their choices and secure in their ability to express themselves,” says Lori.

  5. Know Where Your Stone Comes From.
    By understanding the origin of the gemstones that you want to include in your engagement ring, you can make an informed and ethical decision. Ask your jeweler about their sourcing practices and inquire about how they acquired the stone they’re using in your ring. 

    Ethical and sustainable practices ensure that the gemstone is responsibly mined, promoting fair labor conditions and minimal environmental impact. Look for certifications like the Kimberly Process for diamonds, which guarantees that they are conflict-free. Additionally, consider alternative gemstones that are known for their ethical sourcing, such as lab-grown diamonds or gemstones.

  6. Consider Working With a Jeweler or Jewelry Artist.
    Working with an independent jewelry artist will mean that you get more of a personalized experience, and quality craftsmanship. 

    A skilled jeweler will take time to understand your unique preferences, style, budget and guide you through the entire process with care and expertise. They have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to gemstones, settings, and design options allowing them to really tailor their recommendations to your specific needs. Your engagement ring will; be a true reflection of your love story and individuality. 

    By working with a jeweler, you’ll not just be purchasing a ring, you’re investing in a handcrafted masterpiece that holds sentimental value and tells a beautiful story for generations to come. 

  7. You Don’t Have to Do it Alone.
    Although you might want to keep the proposal and the ring a secret, you don’t have to do it that way.

    Choosing to buy an engagement ring as a couple, or after the proposal can be a wonderful way to ensure that both partners are involved in this significant decision. By purchasing a ring together, you create an opportunity for open communication and collaboration, fostering a deeper connection and shared excitement.

    “More folks are opting to buy their own rings and I also make rings for folks who want something for a special life moment, celebration or transition other than just weddings – you can (and my customers do) get a ring (or celebration necklace) for your graduation from med school, marking a last chemo treatment or remission, a step in your gender affirmation journey, or any life event that is special to you. Regardless, I’m here to help you from start to finish and offer both in person and phone consults,” says Lori.

    If you opt to propose with a stand-in ring, or an alternative to an engagement ring, it opens up to the opportunity to buy a ring together, after the proposal. This option enables you to focus on the joy and surprise of the moment, without the pressure of finding the ‘perfect’ ring beforehand.

  8. It’s Not All About the Price Tag.
    It’s important to remember it’s not all about the engagement ring price tag. While budget is a practical consideration, the true value of an engagement ring lies in the sentiment and symbolism it holds.

    Instead of solely focusing on the price tag, consider the quality of craftsmanship, the significance of the chosen gemstone, and the overall design that speaks to your partner’s style.

    When engagement ring shopping, know your materials. If you are on a budget, consider opting for something more modest but made of quality materials vs. a less expensive version of costlier design. Yes, diamonds have a lot of marketing behind them, but they also have objective, inherent characteristics that make them preferable to other stones, like hardness, durability and scratch resistance. Fortunately, things like lab diamonds cost less, are more ethically produced, yet have all the great characteristics of mined diamonds.

    Fortunately, things like lab diamonds cost less, are more ethically produced, yet have all the great characteristics of mined diamonds.

  9. Leave Enough Time, Especially for Something Custom.
    If choosing the route of buying something that is custom, allow enough time for its production. It might take weeks for you to find a stone that you love, and the production of the ring from initial designs to finished product could take twelve or more weeks.

    Most jewelers have a rush service and can include express domestic and international shipping as an option.

  10. You Can Always Upgrade the Ring.
    You can upgrade but be aware, engagement and wedding rings are a lot like cars – they lose value the minute you drive them off the lot. If you plan to do a “trade in” remember that used rings do not have a lot of resale value and usually you can only get scrap value for the metal.

    If the ring you want is out of your budget, consider getting something small now that you can possible stack later. Or spend your money on a great stone, knowing it can usually be re-set at a later date. Many of my customers even plan on getting a ring now and then one at their 1 years anniversary or other special event. Just check carefully.

    “My rings, for instance, are designed to stack together. However, many rings, especially those with larger stones or more traditional settings are not. Check with the maker and let them know this is something you may want to do down the line,” says Lori.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding an engagement ring that feels just right for you. Whether you go for a timeless design or something unique, what matters most is that it reflects your love story.

Lori is a talented jewelry artist known for her custom, one-of-a-kind designs that break away from tradition. At LOLiDE, each piece is handcrafted with care, using ethically sourced materials and offering unique options like lab-grown diamonds and alternative gemstones. Whether you’re looking for something unconventional or a timeless design, Lori’s focus on sustainability, artistry, and personal connection will help you create a ring that’s as unique as your love story.

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