Buying an Engagement Ring Before The Holidays: A Practical Checklist

The holiday season is one of the most popular times to propose, but are you ready to pop the question? Whether you’re designing a custom engagement ring or you’re just window shopping, we’re sharing a practical checklist of everything to do before buying an engagement ring.

Are you ready to jump right into engagement ring shopping? Explore our range of ready-to-ship designs or visit our blog for more proposal planning tips.

6 Things to Do Before Buying an Engagement Ring

Engagement ring shopping can be stressful, especially during the holiday season, whether you’re planning a secret proposal or if you’re shopping with your partner. Here are 6 things to tick off your checklist before saying “yes” to a ring:

1.    Set a budget that feels comfortable

The first step when engagement ring shopping is to decide your budget. Having a budget you’re comfortable with will make it easier to narrow down your options. Everyone’s budget is different, and the old “rules” of spending 3 months of your salary are now outdated. Set a budget early but give yourself a little wiggle room. 

Read more: How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring in 2026?

2.   Understand your partner’s style

Think about the jewelry that your partner wears day-to-day. Is there a specific metal that they primarily wear? Do they prefer minimal or statement jewelry? If you’re planning a secret proposal, take a look into their jewelry box and use it for inspiration, or check if they have a Pinterest board with ring ideas. 

3.   Choose the shape and setting

Once you know your partner’s style, you can start to consider the shape and setting that matches their aesthetic. It’s worth considering everyday comforts, especially if your partner has an active lifestyle. 

Not sure where to start? Read our guide on the best lab-grown engagement ring settings to explore the most popular options.

4.  Find out their ring size

Choosing the right ring size is one of the most important parts of buying an engagement ring. You may need to ask (or secretly find out) your partner’s ring size. If you’re buying a ready-to-ship engagement ring, make sure to check that it can be resized to their size before buying.

5.   Confirm production and delivery timelines

The weeks leading up to the holiday season are the busiest time for jewelry brands. Always double-check if the ring you’re looking for is ready-to-ship or made-to-order and confirm the current production estimate and dispatch time. 

At Valley Rose, you’ll see the current estimated dispatch time in the listing for each of our engagement ring settings and ready-to-ship rings. You can also contact our team for more information, especially if you have a tight deadline.

6.  Double-check the practical details

Take a few extra minutes to review all the practical details for your chosen engagement ring, including the ring size, gemstone details, and metal choice. It’s also worth double-checking the returns, resizing, warranty, and aftercare policies. You may also want to check if the brand includes a hard-sided ring box or if this is an additional charge.

Shop Ready-to-Ship and Custom Ethical Engagement Rings

Are you ready to start planning your holiday season proposal? Shop our range of ready-to-ship engagement rings or explore our pre-designed settings that you can customize with your choice of lab-grown diamond or ethically sourced sapphire.