Picking the perfect engagement ring is a huge undertaking.

Even if your future fiancee spells out what she wants, it can still be daunting.

Know Your Budget

Shopping for engagement rings can be overwhelming. Even if your significant other has clearly stated their wants, purchasing a call they’ll wear daily for the rest of their lives is still stressful. Whether shopping with a jeweler or doing most of the planning yourself, it’s wise to start by creating a budget and tracking your finances.

Many people follow the salary rule that suggests you should spend 2-3 months’ worth of your income on an engagement ring. Still, your budget should consider your current financial situation and your future potential for pay increases (though be careful about using these as a benchmark for significant expenses because sometimes job changes or bonus opportunities don’t materialize). It’s also important to consider additional costs like jewelry insurance.

Know Your Partner’s Style

There is no blanket rule about how much you should spend on an engagement ring, but it’s always best to figure out your budget first. Consider your income, expenses, savings, debt, and future investment goals to determine what you can comfortably afford to pay for a ring.

Next, peek at her jewelry collection to learn more about your partner’s taste. You can also ask her friends for jeweler recommendations and browse social media for inspiration. Knowing their style will help you narrow the options, making you less likely to end up with a ring they won’t love. The setting can also make or break the look of an engagement ring, so it’s good to know their preference.

Know the 4Cs

Diamonds don’t just magically look gorgeous. They have to be sculpted and polished. That’s why it is essential to know about the 4Cs (Curve, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight) to understand how the quality of a diamond affects its price tag.

For example, clarity refers to the number and visibility of inclusions and blemishes within a diamond. A higher grade in this category means a more beautiful and valuable diamond.

The last of the 4Cs is the carat weight, a diamond’s size. Larger diamonds are more expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost by choosing a carat weight just shy of the total mark. A smaller diamond can look more prominent and appear more expensive than a larger one of equal quality.

Know the Metals

Understanding the different metals used in making a ring is crucial to making an informed decision that suits your aesthetic preferences and budget. The metal used in a call affects its price, and knowing the options is essential. Gold, for example, comes in different karats that determine its purity. The purity of gold increases as the karat number goes up. Palladium and titanium, on the other hand, are durable alternatives that offer unique colors and textures and are worth considering.

Other considerations include a ring’s setting and gemstones. While diamonds are a popular choice, other gemstones, such as sapphires and rubies, add a touch of color and personality. Lastly, online retailers often offer more affordable options as they do not incur the exact overhead costs of traditional brick-and-mortar stores. It allows them to pass these savings on to customers. This is especially true for rings that feature recycled or eco-friendly materials.