Dos and Don’ts with Engagement Rings: Shopping, Care and More
Featured: The Elena, The Claire and The Kira
Engagement ring shopping (and then wearing, of course) can be a stressful, confusing process. It doesn’t have to be, though! This is a fun, exciting time for you to pick out your long-term third finger jewelry, so why is it so stressful? With tons of options out there just in the purchasing process alone, ring shopping and care can feel like a Herculean task. With a little know-how, you can go from engagement ring novice to pro.
DO: Know Your Budget (and Stick to it)
The average engagement ring purchased in the U.S. comes in right around $6,000. That is an absolute stack of cash for a stone on a circle. If that’s in your budget, awesome. Go wild. If it’s not, that’s perfectly fine.
How much should you spend on an engagement ring is an entirely subjective question. The one thing that isn’t subjective is the fact that you need to know your financial state and stick to your budget. If you want to stretch a little bit, fine. However, no engagement ring is worth drowning in long-term debt over. That’s why Modern Gents offers plenty of affordable engagement rings out there that look just as good as higher-end options.
So, How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?
DON’T: Neglect Your Ring
You bought this ring that you love. That’s just the beginning. You don’t need to be a jeweler to know how to clean an engagement ring. Basic preventative maintenance on your engagement ring is actually quite easy. At least once a month, drop your ring in a mug of warm water with a couple of drops of mild soap. Leave it in there for around half an hour, and then let it air dry. That’s all there is to it. Occasional cleanings at a professional jeweler will help also, but that can be more of an annual affair if you’re faithful with your ring cleaning at home.
DO: Get Your Ring Size
Even if you’re 100% sure you know your ring size, double-check. It takes no work and will save you tons of hassle on the off chance you’re wrong. Certain materials can be resized, but not all. Do yourself a favor and double-check that ring size, no matter how sure you are.
DON’T: Make a Purchase Without Consulting Your Fiancé to Be
More than half of grooms surveyed said they decided on a ring without input from a bride. While that’s only a swatch of the married population, it’s likely a good indicator for all marriages throughout the country. If you’re shopping on the affordable end of engagement rings, this may not be as big of a deal. If not, make very clear to your partner how much you intend to spend.
Yes, it’s often considered gauche to talk about money in these scenarios, but that’s a bit ridiculous. What’s much worse is spending an amount that only one of you is comfortable with. If you’re spending multiple thousands of dollars, make sure you are both on the same page. You don’t have to give away all your secrets but be honest about the rough cost of the ring in question. You’ll be happy you did.
Source: shutterstock.com/Dragon Images
DO: Take Your Time
It’s not uncommon to spend a few months shopping for an engagement ring. If you find the one on your first day, hey, good on ya. For most of us who don’t regularly hit the lottery, the engagement ring shopping process takes time. While you just want to find “the one” as quickly as you can, take your time with it. This is a moment to enjoy. Yes, it’s a cliché that “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” or whatever live, laugh, love nonsense that phrase references. Regardless, there’s definitely a grain of truth in the saying. Enjoy your time, and don’t rush through it. When the perfect engagement ring comes along, you’ll be happy you waited it out.
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