5 Questions to Ask Before Buying an Engagement Ring

Engagement ring shopping is very exciting but also can become highly stressful. It’s probably something you and your significant other have dreamed about for a long time, so you want to make sure you are buying the perfect ring. Whether you have an idea of what kind of ring you wish to purchase or you have no clue, these are a few questions that will help you through the process. As a professional jewelry designer who creates local Pittsburgh jewelry, we have helped many partners discover the ultimate engagement ring for their significant other.

5 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing an Engagement Ring, According to Pittsburgh Jewelry Expert

1. Does the stone have a grading report?

Specific diamonds come with a grading report from professional organizations like the Gemological Institute of America. The report is a birth certificate for a diamond. The reports provide every detail about the diamond you could ask for — including the 4Cs, stone’s origin, and more. It’s essential to ask your jeweler for this report because it allows you to confirm the diamond you are purchasing is authentic and of excellent quality. As Pittsburgh jewelry experts, we can ensure that you buy or design a wedding ring with real and valuable diamonds.

We’ve mentioned the 4Cs of a diamond, but you may be confused about what that is if you are just starting your wedding ring search.

• Cut: The cut is determined by how a diamond interacts with the light and the shape of the diamond.
• Clarity: The clarity is a measure of the purity and rarity of the diamond.
• Color: The color is the natural tint the diamond has, usually in white diamonds.
• Carat: The carat is the weight of the diamond.

2. Do you offer a warranty?

You never know what might happen, so it’s best to play it safe and make sure you can purchase a warranty for the wedding ring. The warranty should cover if you lose a diamond or need basic repairs like cleanings or resizing. Also, keep in mind that a warranty is something different from ring insurance, which will cover you if your ring were stolen. You should consider buying ring insurance as another safety measure, but first, you’ll need to get the ring appraised. The appraisal process will evaluate the 4Cs, the stones, and the setting to determine what premium price you should pay according to the ring’s value. 

3. Should I customize a ring or buy one that is already made?

Of course, purchasing a ring that is already put together could be the less expensive option. But, there will be nothing like a custom ring designed by you for your significant other. Take a look at a few reasons why designing a custom ring may better suit your needs and be the better choice.

• It’s a one-of-a-kind ring: If you are shopping through rings that are already made, you may have to settle on a few features because you can’t find the exact ring you want. With a custom ring, you’ll be able to make sure that every piece of the ring is what you are looking to purchase. 
• The quality is incredible: Standard rings in jewelry stores are often made overseas, and quality time was not spend to ensure every detail was perfect. With a custom design, the jeweler will spend their time and attention setting everything perfectly for you. The quality will create an heirloom that your significant other can pass down later on in life.
• It shows you considered your partner: With a custom, one-of-a-kind piece, your significant other will know you went the extra mile to make sure they got whatever kind of ring they wanted. 

4. How much should I be spending on a ring?

Although you may have heard people speak about a specific amount of money a partner should spend on an engagement ring, there is no magic number or formula. Some say that you should pay the equivalent of three months of your salary, others may say that you shouldn’t even think of a budget, but it all depends on how much you are comfortable spending. Your budget is a personal decision, and the price you pay will not determine if your partner accepts the ring or not. 

You can work with the jewelry to make sure you are finding the perfect ring in your budget, and keep in mind that you can upgrade the ring later down the line. For example, if your budget right now doesn’t allow you to purchase the exact ring that you or your partner wants, you can buy that ring as an upgrade for an anniversary gift or birthday gift for your partner when you can afford it.

5. Can you describe the quality of the metal in this ring?

Most of the time, a person is only focused on the diamonds of an engagement ring, but it’s also important to look at the metal of the ring. Make sure you find out what the precious metal content is, which can make a difference in the cost of the ring. In most cases, it should be clearly marked in the inner band. Along with the metal content, you should see the jeweler’s hallmark in the band. This mark will confirm that you are receiving a ring design from the jeweler you intend to, and it’s not fake.

There are so many questions to ask your partner and your jeweler to ensure that you are purchasing the ring of your significant other’s dreams. As Pittsburgh jewelry experts, we can work with you to brighten up your special day with a custom ring or something we have in our showroom. There are endless possibilities, and our professionals can offer incredible service along with high-quality pieces. So contact us today to get started on your engagement ring shopping.