Getting ready to pop ‘the question’? Congratulations! This is a huge event in your life, and you are probably more than a little nervous about trying to pull together all of the various pieces for the perfect proposal.
At the heart of this process is the ring, of course. When picking out an engagement ring for your soon-to-be spouse, you want to make sure that you select something they can love for a lifetime. Of course, you’ll need to be practical at the same time, picking out something that fits in your budget and will also accommodate a wedding band when the time comes. In this article, we’d like to look at a few key points to consider as you shop.
Start with style
There are plenty of engagement ring styles to pick from on the market today, so selecting the style that is going to be perfect for the special person in your life is a smart first step. Let’s take a quick look at some of the popular styles you’ll see in most jewellery stores –
Classic. In classic engagement rings, the stone tends to be the center of attention. The rest of the ring is rather petite while the stone stands proudly on top of the piece. This type of design is known as a solitaire-style ring, with the name referencing the way the stone stands alone.
Three-stone. The name pretty much says it all with this style of engagement ring – there is a three-stone display on top, rather than the solitaire method of just a single stone. Obviously, you may need to pay more for this kind of ring, which is where humm’s interest-free financing can really come through.
Cathedral. With this style, the ring itself actually rises up away from the finger to form a setting for the stone. This is a dramatic style that is sure to draw attention and stand out from the crowd.
Choose an appropriate metal
It’s important to go into this process with at least a basic understanding of what your spouse-to-be enjoys in terms of jewellery materials and colors. There are many options available for the metal that will be used to make the ring, and you don’t want to get it wrong here.
For starters, there is gold – which is the classic, of course. However, you should understand that there are various colours of gold that you can pick from, including yellow gold, white gold, and even rose gold. A ring made from gold is certainly not cheap, but other metals such as platinum can be even more expensive. Silver is a lower-priced option if you need to pull back your budget.
Cut, colour, and clarity
Speaking specifically for a moment about the diamond itself – assuming you go with a diamond ring – there are three factors that you will want to be aware of and understand. Those are cut, colour, and clarity. The cut refers to the way the diamond is cut before it is placed in the ring. The color is the color of the diamond itself, which can vary significantly from one diamond to the next. Lastly, the clarity is just as it sounds – it refers to the clarity of the diamond, with clearer diamonds being more desirable and much more expensive.
It’s important to pick a diamond that has been cut nicely, as those cuts will help it to sparkle in the light. While color and clarity are also important, these are two areas where you can sacrifice a bit in order to keep the cost of the ring down overall. Look at a variety of diamond colors and you might find that you actually like one of the shades that isn’t as expensive as some others.
Take the stress away with humm
Getting engaged and planning a wedding is a naturally stressful time in life. There is a lot going on, and in addition to all the emotions involved with this stage of your life, there is also the financial aspect to deal with. If you find that the significant cost of this process is stressing you out, work with humm to find a solution. By going with our interest-free financing for your ring purchase, you can get exactly the ring you want without spending all of your cash. The application process is simple, won’t take up much of your time, and you may be pleasantly surprised with how much financing you are able to secure. Apply today and start shopping!
FAQ Section
How can I find my girlfriend’s ring size without asking?
This is a tough one! You want to keep it a secret that you are planning to pop the question sometime soon, but you also want to make sure you purchase the right size ring. There are a couple of options you can try. First, if your girlfriend has any current rings, you might be able to have them measured if you can ‘borrow’ them without her knowledge. Also, you may be able to ask her family or friends if they have ever shopped with her for jewellery, as they might have some inside information. Good luck!
How much should I spend on an engagement/wedding ring?
This is entirely up to you! There is no right or wrong amount to spend and spending more certainly doesn’t prove that you love her any more. The best thing to do is be smart and consider your overall budget. If you can save up for a period of time, you might be able to afford a more expensive ring than if you try to make this purchase on the spur of the moment.
What’s the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring?
Typically, when asking your partner to marry you, the first thing you will present is an engagement ring. This ring will be worn during the engagement period. Then, a wedding ring will be presented on the day of the wedding, and often it will be attached to the engagement ring later to form one finished piece.
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