What Jewelers Wish Couples Knew Before They Start Ring Shopping

Buying an engagement ring is a major moment in your life. It’s easy to feel emotional and overwhelmed when looking at engagement rings, even if you have a good idea of what you’re looking for. Many couples expect ring shopping to feel like a moment from a Nancy Meyers movie, but the reality is a lot different. While marketing is important, craftsmanship is what will determine the quality of your engagement ring.

You don’t want to rush into buying an engagement ring, even if you feel like you’ve found “the one”. In this article, we’re sharing 6 things that engagement ring designers want you to know before you start ring shopping.

1.    Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Size isn’t everything – and that’s definitely true when shopping for an engagement ring. Many couples make the mistake of focusing on carat size, but cut, clarity, and color are just as important! You want an engagement ring that balances these different aspects for a well-proportioned design.

2.   Cut Quality Matters More Than You Think

The cut is one of the most overlooked aspects of an engagement ring. No matter how large your stone is, a poor cut can make even the most beautiful sapphire or lab-grown diamond appear dull. Always check the grading of your gemstone and read up on the importance of cut quality.

3.   Not All Engagement Rings Are Made to Be Worn Daily

You read that right! While an engagement ring is something you probably imagine that you’ll wear every day, not every engagement ring is made like that. Wearability is one of the most important things to consider when buying an engagement ring. If you have an active lifestyle, opting for a bezel design is one of the best ways to avoid scratches or snagging.

4.  Custom Doesn’t Mean Complicated (or Inaccessible)

Custom engagement rings don’t have to break the bank or be impossible to get your hands on. At Valley Rose, you can customize any of our pre-designed settings with your choice of responsibly sourced sapphire or lab-created diamond. Want something truly one of a kind? You can book a virtual consultation to design a fully bespoke engagement ring.

5.   Trends Fade, Craftsmanship Lasts

If you’re planning to propose, you’ve probably read at least one article about engagement ring trends. While trends can give you some ideas for your perfect engagement ring, you don’t want to prioritize trends over craftsmanship. At Valley Rose, we focus on creating modern heirlooms using small-batch production with ethically sourced materials.

6.  Buying Online Isn’t the Risk It Used to Be

Don’t be afraid to shop for an engagement ring online! You’ll want to do your research (just like buying from a physical store!) and choose an online jeweler with visualization tools, and that is transparent about their production methods and materials. Shopping online can help you access alternative engagement rings or make it easy to connect with a designer who can bring your dream engagement ring to life.

FAQs About Engagement Ring Shopping

What should I know before buying an engagement ring?

At a minimum, you’ll want to know your partner’s ring size, the type of stone they might like, and what ring style will suit their day-to-day lifestyle.

Is a custom or ready-to-ship engagement ring better?

A ready-to-ship ring is best if you need your engagement ring within just a few weeks, while a custom engagement ring is ideal for couples who want something that’s truly unique.

How much should I spend on an engagement ring?

There’s no “right” amount of money to spend on an engagement ring, and the belief that an engagement ring should cost 3 months of your salary comes from a 1930s marketing campaign by De Beers.

Are lab-grown diamonds a good choice?

Lab-grown diamonds are the perfect option for a modern couple searching for a sustainable and ethical engagement ring.

Shop for Unique Engagement Rings at Valley Rose

Don’t let yourself feel pressured when buying an engagement ring. You want to feel confident (and comfortable!) with your decision. 

At Valley Rose, we’re passionate about educating couples on everything they need to know about engagement rings, and our blog is full of expert-written guides covering everything from proposal planning to choosing the perfect gemstone for your partner. Get started by exploring our range of alternative engagement rings or book a virtual consultation to create a custom engagement ring.