Here’s What Nobody Tells You About Buying an Engagement Ring

Yes, you need to know the 4Cs and yes, you need to get insurance. These are all well known aspects of buying an engagement ring. But here are some equally important things that nobody thinks to tell the unsuspecting engagement ring buyer…

You’ll feel uncomfortable in the first few jewellery stores.

No matter how much research you do beforehand, when you walk in the door you’ll still feel out of your depth. Depending on the store (and there are plenty of exceptions to this), you’ll also feel like certain rings are being pushed on you. While they may the kind of style you’re looking for, they won’t be THE ring. So don’t be afraid to say in no uncertain terms that it’s not the one for you. You’re going to have to look at it (and wear it, if you’re the bride) for the rest of your life, so you may as well LOVE it.

You’ll seriously consider buying online instead.

Everyone reaches a point where, after looking at multiple engagement rings and balking at their price tags, you wonder if it may be easier and cheaper to buy online. The answer is yes, it is! But, you need to do be 120% sure that you’re buying from a reputable source and that what you see in the photos is what you get in the box. Luckily there are plenty of top quality online engagement ring retailers these days; check out Blue Nile and James Allen for a start.

You’ll wonder if you should pick it yourself or not.

You’ll be conflicted about choosing the ring yourself. On the one hand, you’re guaranteed to get the exact ring of your dreams if you’re the bride, and you’ll eliminate the risk of choosing something she won’t like if you’re the groom. But on the other hand, keeping the surprise and romance alive by letting your knight in shining armour do the work is more in keeping with tradition (and magical fairytale stories, if you’re into that kind of thing).

If you’re a guy, you’ll have nightmares about choosing the wrong size.

No matter how sure you are – even if you ask your lady outright – you’ll still worry that the engagement ring you spent so much time picking out won’t fit. This is NOTHING to be worried about. Getting your ring resized is relatively cheap, and problems will only occur if the entire band is encrusted with stones, or if it’s platinum. And even then it’s not impossible, it’ll just take longer and need greater skill. If you do get it wrong, rest assured it won’t be too far off perfect.

You’ll wonder why engagement rings are such a big deal.

At some point during the process, you will inevitably take a step back and wonder what the hell you’re doing. You’re about to spend a crazy amount of money on a tiny piece of jewellery when you could easily put it towards more useful things like a house or car deposit, or a nice vacation. Then you’ll wonder why engagement rings even exist in the first place. Then you’ll (hopefully) remember that it’s a symbol of your commitment to your other half and marks the beginning of your lives together, and get excited all over again.

There will be a moment when you realise this is just the beginning.

It will probably be when you finally choose a ring and pay the deposit. You’ll think ‘finally, it’s finished!’ Then something will click, and you’ll realise you still have to propose. And that’s not the end either; then you have to plan a wedding. Then you have to start planning for a house if you don’t have one already, or a family, and many more important life decisions after that. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Don’t worry though, it’s all worth it.

Everyone will want to give you advice. Everyone.

If the fact that you’re looking for an engagement ring is public knowledge, everyone you speak to about it will want to throw their two cents in. From jeweller recommendations to thoughts on blood diamonds to insurance providers and literally everything in between, you’ll be bombarded with tips and ‘helpful’ anecdotes.Do yourself a favour and take it all with a pinch of salt. Focus on what’s right for you and your other half.

When you finally get the ring, you’ll be waaaaay too protective of it.

When you pick up the ring from the jewellery store, you’ll feel like every petty criminal within a ten mile radius has seen you and is waiting for an opportunity to steal it. You’ll be just as protective of it as you would a newborn baby, and maybe even more so if it’s a surprise proposal! Our suggestions? Where clothing with zips so you have peace of mind that it’s safe at all times, and if you’re really paranoid, take someone else with you to keep you calm!