When you think about it, an engagement ring is like a final test. It’s when all your months (or years) of planning, scheming, and saving come to fruition. You propose to your significant other, and they say yes, and now you need to prove that you’re as serious as you seem by buying them an expensive piece of jewelry.
And let’s face it: multiple things can go wrong when picking out an engagement ring for your bride-to-be. After all, this is something you’ve probably planned on doing only once.
So, if you’re looking to buy an engagement ring for your better half, here are some of the mistakes you should avoid:
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1. Not Knowing Your Ring Size
The most common mistake couples make regarding their engagement ring is not getting the ring size right. You don’t want a ring that doesn’t fit, especially when you can easily avoid it by measuring your finger.
To avoid this mistake, consider measuring your ring finger before making any purchase decision. You can use a soft measuring tape or a piece of string to measure the base of your finger. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight—you should be able to fit a fingertip between the measuring tape and your finger.
Most retailers will ask for your ring size during the checkout process if you order your ring online. If you’re unsure, it’s best to go a size up, as rings can always be resized, but it’s trickier to make them smaller.
2. Choosing a Metal That Isn’t Suited to Your Lifestyle
When picking an engagement ring, avoid metal that isn’t suited to their lifestyle. For example, if you work with your hands a lot, you’ll want to avoid a ring with a delicate setting since it’s likely to get damaged.
Likewise, if you like to swim or play sports, you’ll want to ensure your ring can withstand being wet or hit by a ball. Platinum and gold are great options because they’re both very durable metals, while silver and titanium are less so. You can also go for rings with citrine, preferably set with gold.
So, before shopping for rings, think about your life and regular activities. That way, you can choose a metal that will fit your lifestyle and budget.
3. Shopping for an ill-Fitting Ring
Are you in the clear because you’ve been fitted for a ring before? Not so fast. It’s not uncommon for people to “grow out” of their rings, meaning that as they gain or lose weight, the ring size changes and no longer fits properly.
Even if your ring size hasn’t changed, it’s still important to get it resized if you’ve recently had a significant life event, like a pregnancy or a wedding. When your hands go through big changes, they can often end up a different size than before.
So how do you avoid making this common mistake? Make sure to get your ring resized regularly, especially if you have a significant life event coming up. It’s an easy fix that will ensure your ring fits correctly. This way, you won’t worry about your ring slipping off during your big day.
4. Not Insuring Your Ring
It’s essential to have your ring insured for its full value since that’s what you would need in the event of a loss or theft. This is often overlooked, but ensuring you’re not out of pocket if something happens is critical.
Sadly, most people don’t purchase an insurance policy for their engagement ring. Don’t make the same mistake! Research different policies and compare rates to get the best deal.
There are different levels of coverage and policies, such as optional riders, where you can add coverage for disasters like floods and jewelry repair services. Also, remember that many employers offer insurance plans for engagement rings and other jewelry pieces. So, be sure to check before purchasing an independent policy.
5. Neglecting to Clean and Care for the Ring
No matter how carefully you shop for your ring, it can become dull and lose its sparkle if you don’t clean and care for it properly. The simplest way to keep your ring looking its best is to clean it regularly.
Depending on the material, you can use a soft brush, mild soap, and warm water to gently scrub the ring. Remove any soap residue by rinsing it off with lukewarm water. There’s also a jewelry cleaner designed explicitly for diamond engagement rings.
It’s important to note that jewelry cleaners should not be used on colored gemstones. This is because of their susceptibility to discoloration with certain chemicals in the cleaner. However, special cleaners are available for colored stones, such as citrine pendants, that are milder in strength and thoroughly clean gems without damage or discoloration.
6. Wearing It for Everything
An engagement ring is not for every occasion and place. Most couples think that because they are in love, it’s okay to wear the ring around all day and night as if it were a piece of jewelry that could get lost or broken easily.
If you have trouble taking off your engagement ring when washing your hands or swimming, then you’re probably not ready to give up wearing them at all times!
Taking Care of Your Engagement Ring is More Complicated Than You Might Think
If you’re a person who takes care of your engagement ring, then you already know that taking care of your engagement ring is more complicated than you might think.
Remember that even though it looks like glass, metal is very soft and can be scratched easily. You should also ensure that your ring is always in good shape.