While many couples choose to go ring shopping together, other people find themselves flying solo as they prepare to propose. So what do you do if the time comes for you to buy a ring, but you have little to no experience buying jewelry? Where do you start? This may seem overwhelming, but with a little guidance, ring shopping can actually be an enjoyable and rewarding experience Elegance.
Start with the most practical element: money. Once you have established your budget, you will be able to spend time searching for the perfect aesthetic. Diamond rings are, of course, the most popular option. If you plan to focus your search on handmade engagement rings in New York that feature one diamond or several diamonds, here are 5 things to consider.
Size
Diamonds come in many sizes, from large gems that stick far out from the band to tiny chips set into an elegant crack. Many styles of rings are made up of different sizes, with a large stone in the center and smaller stones surrounding it.
In addition to the diamond itself, different bands are different sizes. You have every combination of band and diamond sizes available to you. For example, you may want a thin, elegant band with a larger diamond as a clear focal point, or a thicker band with a series of smaller diamonds set into it.
Shape
Many people have a specific geometric shape in mind when they think of diamonds, but you have a wide range of options available to you. This largely comes down to personal preference and the band you choose. There are 10 common shapes for rings, including round, princess, and heart cuts.
Color
Though many engagement rings seem to have a colorless or white stone, diamonds come in many colors. Each one affects both the price and overall tone of your ring. Colors include pink, blue, yellow, and black.
You will also need to think about the color of the band. Yellow gold and silver may be the most common colors, but they are far from being your only choices. White gold, rose gold, green gold, and black are also popular options you might consider. Make sure your band color and diamond color complement each other and do not clash. If you don’t trust your instinct on this, ask a friend or, better yet, a jeweler.
Style
This is where you need to be very observant. Chances are, your significant other has a unique style and set of preferences. You would be wise to incorporate this into your decision. Pay attention to the clothes and jewelry she wears, and you may start to pick up on trends. Are her outfits typically simple, flashy, or somewhere in between? Are her necklaces and earrings colorful, or does she opt for silver chains and clear or light-colored stones?
You may also want to consult the experts. Talk to jewelry aficionados you trust or friends of your loved one who can describe her style to you. Once you’ve narrowed your options down, you can show photos to your friends and family members and let them weigh in. If the proposal is not intended to be a total surprise, you can even ask your significant other directly about what she generally does or doesn’t want in a ring.
Personal Touches
Finally, consider personal touches you might bring to the ring. You could add initials, a date, or an inscription inside the band, find a design that looks like it belongs in a movie you both love, or sandwich the diamond between your birthstones. Whatever you settle on at the end of your search for handmade engagement rings in New York will be special in its own way. After all, it’s coming from you!