Six Most Important Things to Consider Before Buying an Engagement Ring

Buying an engagement ring can seem like a daunting process, but with the internet at your fingertips (and Whiteflash’s team of experts) it can be easy to navigate. We have been advising people for many years, and it has given us insight into some of the most important elements to consider.

So take a moment and think - have you considered these six essential areas?

It might sound obvious, but don’t put down any money for a loose diamond without knowing what you’re looking for. Although you don’t need to be a diamond expert to make the purchase, developing some knowledge about precious stones will help avoid mistakes and get more value from your purchase.

You can find a large amount of information in our Diamond Education Center, but these articles on the 4 Cs – Color, Carat, Cut and Clarity – are a great place to start.

You’re likely to hear it is traditional for the groom to spend two, three, four or even six months’ salary on an engagement ring, but we say – nonsense! You should spend what your budget allows: buy the ring you can afford, and the one that you feel really great buying. The chosen ring might cost more or less, but as long as it’s a ring that you and your bride-to-be will love, that’s what matters.

Still unsure how much you should spend on a ring? Well, the average US consumers spent $6,163 on an engagement ring in 2016, hopefully, that figure gives you a guide on how far you should stretch your budget.

If you are deciding on the ring without the input of your fiancée, you will have to guess some factors – including which precious metal to choose. Go for a metal she wears regularly. For example, Rose Gold might not be your first choice if she has only ever worn silver. Platinum and white gold are the most durable metals, which is why they are the most popular metals when choosing an engagement ring.

Another consideration is her lifestyle - will she be comfortable with a big flashy three-stone whopper, or is she more of an understated dresser? If she has an active lifestyle or the ring is likely to be worn every day, you should choose a diamond setting that will be very secure. A six prong setting or even a bezel setting are good choices in that case.

A certified diamond is one that is of guaranteed quality, having gone through rigorous tests at an independent laboratory. Not only does that ensure you get what you are paying for, it also means that if you come to resell it, you have evidence of its quality. For instance, our A CUT ABOVE® diamonds are the pinnacle of diamond quality – in fact, they are the most carefully crafted, comprehensively analyzed and thoroughly reviewed diamond in the world.

Make sure you find out the aftercare policy of wherever you buy from. A good diamond merchant will make sure that they are there to help you with any queries or issues you have long after you make the purchase. Our Whiteflash Guarantee offers a guarantee of your money back if you are not completely satisfied, and one year of free service and one complimentary ring sizing, among many other things. We like to think it is one of the best and most all-encompassing guarantees in the business.

Many brides-to-be love their engagement ring so much that they want their wedding ring to complement it. So if your chosen engagement ring doesn’t seem to come with matching wedding bands, don’t worry as it is often possible to find a perfect match at a later date (and no one will know you didn’t plan it that way!).

If you are already thinking of the next stage, you can check out our range of beautiful wedding rings here.