How To Buy An Engagement Ring
You’ve made one of the most exciting decisions of your life...to get engaged!
Choosing an engagement ring is a big choice; it’s the one piece of jewellery that will be worn every day for many years to come. Not sure how to pick the perfect ring? Rutledge Jewellers can help. Drop by the store and speak to one of our jewellery experts or book a 1:1 appointment with us!
Keeping The Ring A Secret...Or Not
While it’s often the tradition to do the shopping for your bride-to-be yourself, some couples may find it more practical to shop together. If the topic of getting engaged comes up with your partner, go ahead and ask if they would like their engagement ring to be a surprise or not...hypothetically speaking, of course! Many will drop hints about their dream ring, so be sure to take note.
Get To Know Her Style
If you’re planning to keep your proposal a secret, take some time to get to know your partner’s jewellery style. Remember that this is something she will wear forever so it’s worth taking the time to get it right.
- Are her tastes more traditional, modern, or out-of-the-box?
- What type of metal does she wear most often - yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, silver or platinum?
- What style of ring would look best on her finger? Certain diamond cuts like oval or emerald can actually make short fingers appear longer.
Find Out Her Ring Size
There are a few different ways to help you figure out her ring size. If you’re comfortable with it, you could always start by asking her. If you want to keep it a surprise, try asking one of her closest friends or a family member. There’s a good chance they’ll be able to help. Another option is to borrow a ring she’s not wearing and bring it in to use as a guide. If none of the above options work, don’t sweat it, we can help you resize to the perfect fit after the proposal.
4 C’s
When you begin shopping for a ring, you will undoubtedly come across the 4 C’s — the official diamond grading system that takes into account a diamond’s Cut, Clarity, Colour, and Carat. The 4 C's are a spectrum, and where you land on that spectrum is unique to each couple’s wants and needs. Click below to visit our diamond guide page and learn more about how this grading system works.
Budget
It’s no secret that buying an engagement ring is an investment, and you’ve probably heard the age-old advice that you should spend three months’ salary on a ring. Though you might think that this is sound advice at first, what’s more important is to set a budget that you are comfortable with. There are many factors that can come into play here - your financial situation, any foreseeable large purchases in your future such as or buying a home, or even the wedding itself. So forget the ‘rule’ and focus on your fiance-to-be’s ring preferences and what YOU want to spend. Set your own budget or splurge if you want to!
Money Saving Tips
1. Choose An Alternate Centre Stone
Who says you have to stick with tradition? Using a coloured gemstone in place of a diamond is not only cost-effective, but it’s also an increasingly popular trend and great for those looking for a ring as unique as their fiance-to-be. The sky's the limit when it comes to coloured gemstones, think pink sapphire, morganite, emerald, amethyst, ruby and more!
2. Design Your Own Ring
Custom design is easier and more affordable than you may think. It’s also a great way to incorporate metals or gemstones from treasured family heirlooms that are no longer worn anymore. Visit our Custom Design page to learn more about our process and get in touch with our Jewellery Designer - Laura Moser!
3. Opt For A Lab Grown Diamond
Over the last few years, man-made diamonds have increased in popularity, and for good reason. They’re high-quality, environmentally friendly, more affordably priced and have all of the same physical properties as a mined diamond. Don't let the words "lab-grown" deter you, they’re just as real as their natural-grown counterparts! LEARN MORE
4. Think Vintage
Our Vintage Collection is home to a beautiful array of previously loved pieces. It’s also a great place to find stunning engagement rings too! Our Vintage Collection is constantly growing with new pieces being added every week so be sure to keep your eye on new additions. Buying vintage at Rutledge Jewellers is a great way to find high-quality pieces at unbeatable prices.
Appraisals
You will receive a jewellery appraisal when you pick up your sparkling new ring. A jewellery appraisal is required for purchasing jewellery insurance. Jewellery insurance protects your ring from circumstances that most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies don’t cover, so be sure to protect your investment for years to come. To learn more about jewellery appraisals, click below.