Five Engagement Ring Shopping Myths
Getting engaged can cause all sorts of problems and not least is the stress of choosing an engagement ring that your wife-to-be will love for the rest of her life. Fortunately, our friends over at Whiteflash.com have put together some information to make everything clearer.
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Myth: Engagement ring shopping has to be one of the most stressful, frightening shopping experience in a guy’s life.
Fact: With a little information and guidance, you can pick out the perfect engagement ring without going grey. You can, in fact, be confident in your choice and know that you are buying a ring she will wear with pride for years and years.
The best way to approach buying a diamond ring is to think of it like buying a new car. When you are thinking about buying a new car, you don’t just watch a couple of commercials and then swipe your credit card. You read up on fuel efficiency, performance and handling and then weigh your options carefully, so you know you are buying the model that is right for you and your lifestyle. Personal taste plays an important role, of course, but information is key.
Let’s debunk some of those myths that are making engagement ring shopping such a daunting prospect.
Myth: The engagement ring has to be a surprise.
Although the chick flicks would have us believe that the girl is shocked when the guy whips out that little velvet box, chances are, if you are thinking about marriage, she is too and you’ve probably even discussed it. She knows what’s coming.
Although tradition would tell you to ask her best friend for help choosing the engagement ring, you should probably do that only if you’re pretty confident in your engagement ring choosing abilities or if you know she loves surprises. These days, more couples than ever are going engagement ring shopping together, which allows the girl to finally get to have an opinion about the one piece of jewellery she will probably wear more than any other. And remember, you can always present a non-surprise engagement ring with a creative proposal that will take her by surprise.
Myth: You have to be a gemologist to know how to pick a good diamond.
It might not be as gripping as Staggered, but the educational section of a jewellery website that specialises in engagement rings will tell you everything you need to know about diamonds and engagement rings.
Frequent some online forums where educated consumers will be discussing everything from fluorescence to crown angles (and don’t worry if you don’t know what those are quite yet.) Focus on the Four C’s—Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat. Try to pick up some of the important vocabulary words so you’ll be able to make an informed choice when it comes time to buy the loose diamond, and remember that it all comes down to personal preference.
Myth: Women are mysterious creatures, and their choices in jewellery and clothes will never be understood by men.
Especially if you are planning on surprising her with the engagement ring, it is now time to start paying attention to your girlfriend’s taste in everything from jewellery to makeup. Consider her lifestyle—a teacher who works with her hands will probably want a ring with a low profile that won’t get caught on anything, while an interior decorator known for her sleek design concepts will probably be looking for something with modern flair. There are literally thousands of engagement ring settings available, so in order to choose the engagement rings of her dreams, put yourself in your girlfriend’s impractical high-heeled shoes for a few minutes (just don’t get caught). Would she appreciate the glittery look of a halo setting, or maybe the alternative elegance of a sapphire center stone?
Myth: Engagement rings have to cost exactly two month’s salary.
Once you see all the stunning engagement rings available, it’s pretty easy to let your imagination take hold and start bookmarking engagement rings that cost more than your house. In order to make a responsible purchase, you will want to think about budget very carefully. Yes, a diamond engagement ring is an investment, both literally and symbolically, but at the same time, you aren’t doing your fiancée any favors if you spend money you don’t have on her engagement ring. The two months salary rule is quoted often, but it isn’t set in stone—you have to decide what makes sense for you.
Think long term—reputable jewellery houses like Whiteflash often offer a lifetime upgrade policy—which means that you can trade in your current diamond for a bigger or better one and only pay the difference forever. Also, keep in mind that no two engagement rings are exactly the same—the same dollar amount is going to amount to slightly different characteristics in two different stones. When in doubt, opt for quality (i.e. cut) over quantity, or carat size.
Myth: You are in this alone. 
When it comes down to it, you aren’t just going to go online and click “purchase” like an engagement ring was some 2 AM Ebay impulse buy. Before you buy an engagement ring, a qualified sales representative should review all your options with you, making sure you know exactly what you’re getting. (Anyone who guarantees eternal domestic bliss is suspect.)
While some customers prefer brick-and-mortar stores for their “human element”, the fact is that online shopping can be a more practical option for many guys. But don’t let shopping online mean you wander alone through virtual aisles of merchandise—the best online boutiques offer friendly and attentive customer service that would put a mall-counter sales clerk to shame.
If you want more information about Whiteflash.com’s services have a look at their page on Staggered or take a look at our information pages in our getting engaged information page.
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