Less than two decades ago, choosing the right engagement ring involved a few questions: emerald or princess? Yellow or white gold? Today, things have changed, and there are many factors to consider when buying an engagement ring in Australia. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right engagement ring.
Consider your partner’s preferences.
First, decide if your relationship is serious. If yes, then ask your future partner to let you know if they have a preference for engagement rings. If their preference is more casual, like flat diamonds or a ring with a rough finish, then you can try shopping along those lines. The last thing you want is to buy an engagement right that doesn’t match your partner’s preferences.
Depending on the answers from your partner, consider prioritizing their engagement ring preferences. Silver, gold, and traditional sapphires are standard, and they’re definitely the best option for most people. Other people would prefer a kind of middle ground on those types of rings. And don’t be surprised if your future partner prefers dense, brightly endearing things like lunar sapphires or has a soft spot for rose gold. Even if you don’t have a preference, you might want to at least shop around and make an informed decision.
What to look for in an engagement ring
Now that you know a thing or two about your partner’s preferred engagement ring, it is the time to shop around for one. Engagement rings are distinguished by their legal definitions, both in Australia and abroad. Typically, you’ll need to have one that’s at least 38mm wide and 12mm thick. Also, it is recommended to match the ring size with your future spouse’s ring finger size.
Your ring’s stone holds the most value, but it’s their cut that’s your biggest indicator. Naturally occurring pearls pair incredibly well with emeralds and rubies, and you can’t even correct for a bad cut. A sterling silver band is a must-have, and even Porcelain Steel bands like these are favourite choices, as they’re usually gorgeous and comfortable. If you’re in the market for a sparkly, high-end piece, then you should absolutely search eBay or other top marketplaces for an outstanding engagement ring.
Before you make your first purchase, you should remember that misalignments and other imperfections can be bad news too. Unfortunately, rings aren’t perfect, and are required to last a lifetime. If you’re serious about getting hitched, keep your rings safe and clean. That should go without saying, but for example, if you’re putting your own ring on your finger (which I would seriously advise against), it’s a good idea to treat your jewels with a little TLC. Then again, they’re pretty permanent, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. This complex engagement ring maintenance routine points to an important fact – you should get a high-quality, durable ring.
Find a reputable wedding jewellery dealer.
Custom engagement rings feel more special than just ordering it online or walking into a store and picking one. If your partner prefers an engagement ring that walks the line between modern and vintage, you may want to work directly with the jeweller and get a custom engagement ring. Even if you don’t need a custom ring, consider purchasing from a reputable dealer. There’s a good chance you will spend a lot of money, particularly if you need an outstanding ring. So, make sure you’re buying the right product from a reliable dealer.
There are whole forums devoted to ranking consumers’ jewellery choices, which can be extremely beneficial if you’re new to this whole purchasing process. But if you’re just curious if a particular product is okay, there are plenty of resources out there. Check forums and consumer feedback platforms. Find out what previous customers are saying about a specific jewellery dealer you may want to buy from.
Consider your budget
Lastly, think about the amount of money you plan to spend on an engagement ring. There’s a broad range of engagement rings with prices ranging from a few dollars to millions of dollars. So, it is in your best interest to determine your engagement ring budget and stick to it.
Taking the time to compare engagement ring prices could mean spending a little less on a good ring. In general, sterling silver rings are supposed to be melted down to form “pewter,” which has a slightly different chemical composition. This means you’ll need to buy jewellery that’s 26k-parallel, even if gold is closer to 30k-parallel because your jewellery will need to be compatible with statistically unlikely alloy Juncos. Though far from ideal, there are still plenty of rings lying around that are perfectly suitable for digging rings out of. Even when you cannot afford a true diamond engagement ring for hundreds of thousands of dollars, you can buy something similar at an affordable price.
