Mistakes to Avoid Purchasing an Engagement Ring

Choosing the perfect ring is exciting, but with so many factors to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This blog post will act as your guide for how to avoid common mistakes when purchasing your engagement ring. You’ll be able to navigate the shopping process with confidence and ease, ensuring that you select the perfect ring for your partner.

Not Knowing Your Partner’s Ring Size

A ring can almost always be adjusted if needed, however, getting it right the first time is ideal. A common mistake people make when purchasing an engagement ring is not knowing their partner’s ring size. This oversight can make a proposal awkward if the ring doesn’t fit. Knowing your partner’s correct size not only ensures the perfect proposal but saves time and money if the ring does end up needing to be resized. This attention to detail will be greatly appreciated later down the line, when the ring fits snug and comfortably on your partner’s finger. 

Don’t know your partner’s ring size? No problem. We offer sizing in person, in our New York City showroom, and we can send you a ring sizer in the mail if you live in another state.

However, if you are really committed to making the proposal a surprise, we have a couple other tips for how to get your partner’s ring size.

Not Having a Set Budget

Establishing a budget before shopping is crucial. By having a budget in mind while you’re shopping, you can avoid looking at center stones and rings that are above your means and focus on looking at ones in your price range. It’s essential to consider your lifestyle, ongoing expenses, and savings goals before deciding on a budget for your engagement ring purchase.

Avoid Focusing Solely on Carat Weight

There’s more to a diamond than its carat weight. The 4 Cs of diamonds are cut, color, clarity and carat weight. While carat weight may grab your attention, all four factors have an impact on the overall value of your diamond. Carat weight can be less significant when diamonds are cut too shallow or too deep because these cuts can negatively affect the diamond's brilliance and appearance. A shallow cut can make a diamond look larger but less sparkly, while a deep cut can make it look smaller and darker. Therefore, the cut quality can sometimes be more important than carat weight in determining the diamond's overall beauty.

Additionally, color becomes more visibly noticeable as carat weight increases, while in a smaller stone, color may be less visibly noticeable.

5.01 carat Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

F color | VS2 clarity

$114,800

5.01 carat Asscher Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring

J color | VVS1 clarity

$75,200

Not Understanding Ring Care

Like any piece of jewelry, you’ll want to handle your engagement ring with care, especially if you plan on everyday wear. It’s also important to understand that not all gemstones are created equal.

Diamonds are the hardest mineral on Earth, making them the most durable option, however some people choose to design engagement rings with different center stones. Other go-to center stone options are moissanite and colored gems such as rubies and sapphires. If you do opt for a softer gemstone for your engagement ring, we consider looking into protective settings, such as bezel settings, to avoid damaging your ring.

Rings need a little TLC. One tip we have for maintaining your ring’s sparkle is to start a regular cleaning routine. A soak in warm water and soap, along with gentle brushing (We recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush) that can remove everyday grime. For a deep clean, we recommend a cleaning at a trusted jeweler every few months.

While it’s important to be mindful while you’re wearing your ring, it’s also important to be mindful when your ring comes off. When you’re not wearing your ring, you should store your ring in a safe place, such as in a jewelry tray or box. And, for vacations, a travel case is ideal. Taking care of your ring isn’t hard and it’s a small price to pay so that your ring maintains its sparkle through the years. We also recommend not wearing your ring while doing any types of exercise or when you sleep so as not to damage the setting or the center stone.

Avoid Rushing to Make a Decision

Finding the perfect engagement ring requires careful consideration, as it's a significant investment in your future with your partner. Rushing the process may result in choosing a ring that doesn't align with your partner's tastes. Without taking the time to educate yourself or consulting with a design expert, you might unknowingly limit your options.

Avoid the Mistake of Going Anywhere Else!

At Lauren B, we’re more than happy to work with you and avoid some of these common mistakes. Coming prepared just makes the search for the perfect ring go a little more smoothly. We encourage you to make an in-person appointment at our showroom or a virtual appointment with one of our design consultants to get started on finding your dream ring today. In the meantime, you can always follow us on Instagram, educate yourself on our blog, and scroll through our Pinterest to see more wedding and ring inspiration.