PA Student Diaries

• Cheap Engagement Rings
• Vintage Engagement Rings
• Diamond Stud Earrings
• 1ct Engagement Rings
• Diamond Engagement Rings
• Classic Solitaire Engagement Rings
• Bulova Watches
• Men’s Watches
• Solitaire Diamond Rings
• Three Stone Promise Rings

The purchase of an engagement ring is a large commitment emotionally, and can be a large investment financially. It is currently common for both parties to shop for and select the engagement ring, unlike in the past when a man simply went out and bought a ring for his wife-to-be. A few purchase hints may make the selection process a little less stressful.

Cash or Finance

The major consideration for shopping for an engagement ring is the budget factor; what amount of money are you prepared to spend for the engagement ring? The recession economy of today has pointed out the negative impact of debt load; it is therefore recommended that couples pay for their rings with savings or cash and not borrow when buying a ring. Exquisite, high quality engagement rings are readily available in all price ranges for all budgets. For those determined to buy a costly ring with financing, most retailers and websites offer financing options.

Metal Choice

Not everyone likes or looks good in the same metal. Some skin tones look better in silver, white gold or platinum and others look better in yellow gold. If you are a man with a plan to buy a ring and pop the question as a surprise, you will need to investigate and ascertain what color metal your partner prefers. Try checking the jewelry box for hints and be extra alert to what metal type they are wearing lately to decide what color metal they most likely are partial to.

Metal choice is very important in the pricing of an engagement ring. There are three metal choices that are currently popular; white gold, yellow gold and platinum. No matter which metal color you choose, be certain that the metal is durable and will not require intense maintenance. One way to predict durability is the purity of the metal; the metal must be of sufficient purity for the metal to have adequate strength.

Never lose sight of the fact that the perfect metal choice will complement the beauty of the diamond and highlight its sparkle and shine.

Diamond (or not?)

In addition to the type and purity of metal chosen for an engagement ring, the other factor that can potentially drive the cost upwards is the selection of the setting. The purity and carat weight of a diamond are the value determining factors. If you have a large budget, the sky is the limit for diamonds. Diamonds come in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes; and if you do not find one you particularly like, they can be custom cut. Diamonds are the traditional symbol of eternal love; nothing says “I will love you forever” better than a diamond. For those on a smaller budget, don’t worry, gorgeous diamonds are readily available in smaller versions of their costly cousins.

Surprise versus Practical

The element of a surprise proposal is tempting and fun. For those that opt to go the route of popping the question with ring in hand, selecting a ring on your own may be a bit intimidating. Be sure to buy from a retailer (online or brick and mortar) that will allow for exchanges if your partner dislikes your choice.

Most couples discuss marriage long before an actual proposal ever occurs. One foolproof way to choose the right engagement ring and still pull off the surprise proposal might be to offer to take your partner to a jewelry store or website to shop for a ring. While there, why not drop to one knee, propose on the spot and buy a ring? You both will have had input on the ring and yet the romantic element of surprise would have played a role in the proposal.

Some people simply do not cope well with surprise. In this case, the more traditional approach is preferable. Ask your partner for their hand in marriage and then shop together to select an engagement ring she will love and be proud to wear.

When purchasing an engagement ring, consider your partners likes and dislikes, set a reasonable budget, learn about ring features and then, shop until you find the exact ring you envision for your loved one.