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Engagement season is upon us and plenty of guys are planning to pop the question in the coming months. Buying an engagement ring is a not only a major purchase–it is also a piece of jewelry that your future wife will be wearing for years to come. With that in mind, you want to make sure you don’t make any mistakes during the selection and buying process. Here are the top nine missteps you’ll want to avoid before getting down on one knee.
1. Not setting a budget
Knowing how much you want to spend on the engagement ring should always be the first step in the process, says Kathryn Money of Brilliant Earth. "Establishing and clearly communicating a price range will allow jewelry specialists to better meet your needs and expectations and allow you to make educated decisions."
2. Buying during the wrong season
When you buy the ring has a real impact on how much you're going to pay for it, explains Charles Tran, founder of CreditDonkey, a personal finance website. "Ideally, you should avoid buying a ring between November and Valentine's Day. Engagement ring prices drop significantly during the summer months."
3. Getting the wrong ring size
This is one of the worst things a guy can do, especially if you have a grand proposal plan only to find out that the ring doesn't fit, says Anna Nielsen of Our Good Living Formula. "You can simply take one of her rings or ask a friend or family member who may already know the size."
4. Failing to do their research
Many grooms come into jewelry stores with absolutely no idea about the 4Cs of diamonds - cut, clarity, color, and carat. "This information can easily be found online, but I also recommend seeking out the help of an expert because many review sites can be biased," says Nielsen. "Knowing the 4Cs and getting a bit familiar with diamonds will help grooms know if they're being overcharged for the ring. Plus, you won't be fooled into buying a fake."
5. Ignoring her personal style
Jeweler Olivia Ewing suggests taking a look at the jewelry she is already wearing: Is it mostly yellow gold or more silver-tones? This can tell you a lot about the band color she may prefer. Additionally, if she usually wears minimal jewelry--or no jewelry at all--she may prefer a smaller, understated ring. Or if she’s someone who wears a lot of sparkly jewelry already, she may be expecting a bigger rock.
6. Not seeking her friends' advice
If you want the proposal to be a surprise and don't want to ask the bride what she wants, be sure to ask her best gal pals for their advice. You need to know the style or design that she loves; if she loves silver or gold; etc.
7. Rushing through the process
"While men are generally fast decision-makers when buying things, grooms should take their time in choosing the perfect ring," explains Nielsen. "They should consult a specialist, ask the bride-to-be's best friend or family for their opinion, and visit a few shops before finding the one. The ring will be worn for the rest of the bride's life, so it shouldn't be any old purchase."
8. Focusing too much on carat weight
One of the biggest mistakes is focusing only on the diamond’s carat weight, says Money. "Carat is only one of the four C’s that should be considered. For instance, since a diamond’s cut determines its brilliance and sparkle, it makes a great impact on its overall beauty."
9. Making a hasty online purchase
You don't want to buy an engagement ring online without doing proper research, notes Kim Kanary of JTV. "It's certainly possible and safe to buy a beautiful, quality engagement ring online. But it's vital to ensure that you are purchasing from a reputable jeweler with a return policy that does not penalize you for the opportunity to see and hold your ring in person."
