So you and your significant other have talked, you both have a weekend off or Monday holiday coming up, and you’ve thought “why not go try some rings on?” We love that idea! Whether you do no research before coming in or you’ve earned your Google degree in diamonds, we’re sure you’ll have some questions you didn’t think to look up. So, here’s our two cents on the engagement ring process that we want you to know!
Where do we start?
We recommend starting this process in your own home (radical, we know). But seriously, get on your phone and head to Pinterest, Instagram or wherever else your heart desires and get some inspiration! When you come in with at least an idea of what you like, then it’s easier for your sales associate to guide you towards rings you’ll want to see. We also think it makes the process less overwhelming; if you already know what options are out there and have narrowed it down, then it’s easier to find exactly what you’re looking for!
Who should go to the store with me?
This one is up to you! We have seen it all - just the proposer, the couple, family members and friends, the list of combos goes on. Whoever comes with you, our recommendation is to start with a conversation between you and your partner. Do they want to have an input on what the ring looks like? Do they want to be completely surprised? Once you know that information, then you can decide who should attend these ring shopping visits!
That being said, we will always recommend that the person who is receiving the ring come in and try on exactly what they’re looking for. In the AI age, there’s nothing more valuable than seeing something in person with your own eyes. We’ve also seen enough cases of someone completely changing up their dream ring because they didn’t like the look of a diamond shape on their finger to be strong supporters of a couple coming in together first! And if they want to be completely surprised, we would bet $1,000 that they've already talked to their mom, sister, or best friend about what they want - go ask one of them!
When is it too early to come in?
Never! It can never be too early to come in and start the process of creating your engagement ring. Rings are often handcrafted, handset and hand polished, all processes that take time to do well. At minimum, your ring will take four weeks and for custom pieces, it can take seven weeks. Diamonds are constantly getting cut and new ones entering the market, meaning it might take six months to find the perfect stone for you. The more time you give us, the more opportunity to make sure we are finding and making exactly what you want, and the less stress everyone will be in!
Wait, the ring options aren’t gold and silver?
Gold is the most classic option for engagement rings but that white tone metal you see in photos isn’t silver! Unfortunately, sterling silver isn’t durable enough to hold that center stone in the long term. But, there are other options for those white-tone metal lovers!
All gold is mixed with other alloys - the exact percentage determines its karat. If gold is mixed with materials like palladium and given a rhodium plating, it will appear as bright and shiny as silver. Mixed with cooper, gold will create a bright rosy pink known as rose gold. Now, a quick note - gold is always yellow and it always wants to be yellow. White gold will slowly get warmer and have a yellow twinge over time, but a little rhodium plating will bring your ring back to its shiny white original appearance.
There’s also platinum, another silver tone metal. Platinum is the perfect option for silver lovers who also have sensitivities to gold. Usually platinum jewelry contains 90-95% pure platinum which significantly reduces the risk of allergic reactions.
What’s the difference between 14 karat and 18 karat gold? Which should I get?
Simply put, the difference between the two karats is the percentage of gold used. 14K uses 58.5% pure gold and 18K uses 75% pure gold. But, who cares about percentage? What that difference really means can be found in a ring’s appearance. For example, an 18K gold ring will have a more vibrant yellow appearance over a 14K ring because it contains more gold. Due to how soft gold is, 14K gold will be slightly more resistant to scratches over time than 18K due to its higher mix of alloys.
At the end of the day, the gold karat you choose comes down to personal preference. If you love yellow gold, then you will likely prefer the richness of 18K gold. If you are more of a white tone metal lover, then you’ll like how 14K white gold stays white for longer due to less yellow gold being present.
How do I not go crazy while I wait for my engagement ring?
Honestly, we’re still trying to figure this one out. Our best guesses are starting a new hobby, getting into some form of intense exercise and practicing mindfulness or meditation. If you are the one proposing, check out our social media for some proposal location inspiration and start planning!
Have a question that we didn’t answer? Well, it sounds like we might need to talk in person to figure that one out. We won’t make you ask how to do that though! Click here to schedule an appointment with our team and get that process started. We can’t wait to see you!
