I never thought I’d become an expert in diamonds and ring settings, but after recently going through the engagement ring buying process, I’ve learned quite a bit that I wish I’d known from the start. Let me share my experience and the wisdom I gained along the way.

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: the budget. You’ve probably heard the outdated “three months’ salary” rule, but here’s the reality – there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The average engagement ring in 2024 costs between $5,000 and $7,500, but what matters most is choosing an amount that won’t put you in financial distress. Remember, starting a marriage with debt isn’t romantic.

Getting your partner’s ring size can be tricky if you want to keep the proposal a surprise. I went the sneaky route – I borrowed one of my girlfriend’s existing rings when she wasn’t wearing it and took it to a jeweler for sizing. Other options include asking her friends or family (if they can keep a secret), or having her try on your mother’s or sister’s rings in casual conversation. If all else fails, err on the slightly larger side – it’s easier to resize down than up.

Now for the dos and don’ts I learned along the way:

Do:
Research the 4 Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat) before stepping foot in a jewelry store. Cut affects sparkle the most, so prioritize that over size if your budget is tight. I spent weeks learning about diamonds and felt much more confident when talking to jewelers.

Take your time comparing prices across multiple retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar. I found significant price differences for similar stones. Online retailers often have lower overhead costs, but there’s something to be said for seeing stones in person.

Consider Another crucial decision modern ring shoppers face is choosing between natural and lab-grown diamonds. When I started my search, I had no idea lab-grown diamonds were even an option, but they’ve revolutionized the market in recent years.

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds – they’re not fake or cubic zirconia. The only difference is their origin. While natural diamonds formed deep within the Earth over millions of years, lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using advanced technology.

The main advantage of lab-grown diamonds? Price. They typically cost 40-50% less than natural diamonds of comparable quality. This means you could get a significantly larger stone for your budget, or save the difference for other priorities (like your wedding or honeymoon). They’re also guaranteed conflict-free, which appeals to many socially conscious couples.

However, natural diamonds have their own compelling advantages. They carry the romance of being formed by nature over millions of years, which many couples find meaningful. They also typically hold their value better than lab-grown diamonds, though it’s worth noting that most diamonds, regardless of origin, aren’t great investments – you should buy what you love rather than focusing on resale value.

In my case, I spent weeks debating between the two options. I ultimately chose a natural diamond because my fiancée had specifically mentioned wanting one, but I have friends who’ve gone the lab-grown route and are absolutely thrilled with their choice. There’s no right or wrong answer – it’s entirely about personal preference and priorities.

Pro tip: If you’re considering a lab-grown diamond, make sure to ask about certification. Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown stones should come with certification from reputable organizations like IGI or GIA.

Consider alternative stones if diamonds aren’t your style or budget. My friend chose a stunning sapphire engagement ring that cost significantly less than a diamond of the same size, and it’s absolutely gorgeous.

Don’t:
Fall for the first ring you see. I almost made this mistake out of excitement but am glad I kept looking. The perfect ring was actually the eighth one I considered.

Forget about the setting. The mounting can dramatically affect the ring’s overall appearance and price. Some settings require more maintenance than others, which is worth considering for someone with an active lifestyle.

Skip the insurance. After investing so much in the perfect ring, protecting it is crucial. I added mine to my renter’s insurance policy for a very reasonable rate.

Here’s a pro tip I wish I’d known earlier: Consider buying just shy of the popular carat weights (like 1.8 instead of 2 carats). The price jumps significantly at whole numbers, but the size difference is barely noticeable to the naked eye.

The most valuable lesson I learned was that while the technical details matter, they shouldn’t overshadow the emotional significance of what you’re buying. The ring I ultimately chose wasn’t the most technically perfect one I saw, but it was exactly what my fiancée would love – classic, elegant, and within our means.

Remember, this ring will hopefully be worn every day for decades to come. Focus on durability and timeless style over trending designs. And perhaps most importantly, pay attention to your partner’s hints and existing jewelry style. The best ring is one that matches their personality and lifestyle.

Looking back, the process was overwhelming at times, but also exciting. There’s something special about choosing a symbol of your commitment that will last a lifetime. Take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts. After all, you know your partner better than any jewelry salesperson ever will.

Since you are now shopping – or thinking about shopping – for a ring, you clearly are not ready to start planning your wedding. And chances are, you’re future fiance is going to want to have input on it. Or more likely, take over all the planning! Regardless, when the time comes to start thinking about wedding venues, be sure to consider all options, including golf course country clubs. And if you are going to be tying the knot in Las Vegas, Nevada, be sure to consider these fabulous venues.

With three beautiful venues all across the greater Vegas area (Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson), we offer the perfect venue to celebrate your fairy tale moment and kick things off right. Contact us today and see how we can help you throw the wedding and reception of your dreams at any one of our fabulous golf clubs: Aliante Golf Club, Spanish Trail Country Club, or Wildhorse Golf Club. For more about your wedding venue choices in Las Vegas, contact the experts at Occassions4.us. After all, your wedding is just the beginning of a beautiful life together.

Oh yeah, almost forgot….happy ring shopping!