Put a Ring on It: 4 Tips for Finding the Perfect Ring for Your Partner

Few things are more memorable than your engagement. Selecting the perfect engagement ring can be exciting, but the process can also be stressful. However, keeping a few important things in mind during your engagement ring search, you can make your search more successful and your proposal even more memorable.

Designate a Budget

It's important to know how much you can afford when it comes to an engagement ring. Prices vary widely; you can purchase a beautiful ring for a few hundred dollars or a few thousand dollars. In general, it’s suggested that you save up at least two months of your salary to get an engagement ring that is within your budget. Your future fiancé may want an intricately beautiful ring with customized features and stones, and you'll likely want to do your best to accomplish this. 

However, you're also likely thinking more about your financial future if you're considering getting engaged. To help start your marriage off right, you shouldn’t buy a ring so extravagant that it exceeds your budget.

Consider Your Fiancé's Tastes

Think about your fiancé's lifestyle, hobbies, and sense of style when you're choosing an engagement ring. A small, simple band is best if your fiancé has a more subdued sense of style. A princess-cut engagement ring is a beautiful choice if your fiancé wants a ring that is more noticeable. If your fiancé is stylish but doesn't want something too flashy, an engagement ring with diamonds encrusted in the band instead of a featured stone could be a great choice. Think about whether your fiancé will be able to keep the ring on during the day while working, exercising, or looking after children. You want the ring to stay in great condition for as long as possible, so talk to a jeweler about metals and materials that are both beautiful and durable.

If you’re not sure what kind of ring your fiancé would want, try taking them to a jewelry gallery, like the Gray Reid Gallery. Let them look around at rings, and take note of which ones they spend the most time with. Later, you can come back and purchase their favorite ring, or you can choose a ring that is similar.

Customize the Stone

Of course, a diamond is traditional when it comes to an engagement ring. However, you can make your fiancé's ring extra special by customizing the stone in the ring setting. The cut and clarity of the diamond can make it one of a kind. Alternatively, you can choose a different stone entirely. For example, your fiancé's birthstone or the birthstone of one of the important members of your fiancé's family. These customized features will make the engagement ring stand out and serve as a customized reminder of the bond the two of you share.

Choose the Right Metal

The metal of the engagement band is important as well. Yellow gold rings used to be the most popular, but white gold is more common these days. You may also want to consider silver or platinum. Look at the jewelry your fiancé wears and choose a ring that complements the rest of your fiancé's jewelry pieces. Each metal has different properties and strengths, so you need to consider that too. For example, if your fiancé has a very hands-on job or hobby, you’ll want a metal that is less likely to scratch. 

Remember these suggestions when selecting a ring so you can make your proposal extra special.