We recently had Nicole from @theringconcierge on the podcast so we decided it would be perfect for her to come on the blog for Valentine’s Day to break down her top tips for buying an engagement ring.
She is also hosting a giveaway where you can win this GORGEOUS baguette + pavé necklace. All you have to do is follow @theringconcierge on Instagram & comment on my latest Instagram post @laurynbosstick.
AND, Nicole is offering 15% off sitewide ( except for diamonds ) with the code SKINNYRING until February 28.
Be sure to listen to her podcast episode where she dives even deeper into her tips for purchasing an engagement ring.
Let’s welcome Nicole back to the blog.
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We understand that shopping for an engagement ring can seem quite daunting so we’re here to assist every step of the way. To help make the process streamlined & stress-free, we’ve rounded up our top six engagement ring shopping tips.
Our experts have weighed in on exactly what to consider, from start to finish, to ensure you find the perfect ring to suit your budget & style. Keep scrolling for our step-by-step guide with links to additional resources for even more advice.
TIPS FOR BUYING AN ENGAGEMENT RING:
♡ Set a budget
At the very start of the engagement ring shopping journey, it’s important to set a budget. For starters, you can ignore the two-month salary rule. Instead, your budget should depend on what you & your partner feel comfortable with. To make sure you find exactly what you’re looking for, we have a variety of setting styles & an extensive diamond inventory to accommodate different price points.
♡ Determine your style
An engagement ring is something you’ll wear every day so it’s important that it reflects your personal style. If you haven’t already narrowed down your preferred diamond shape, setting, or metal, there are an endless number of sources you can tap for inspiration ( not to mention our Instagram feed ).
Taking note of the jewelry you already own & how you like to accessorize, whether dressed up or down, can help provide a sense of what ring style will best suit your look & lifestyle. Do you only wear gold or do you like to mix & match metals? Do you gravitate toward vintage-inspired pieces or more modern designs? And of course, trying on different engagement ring styles in person can help to really visualize exactly what you’re looking for. We have something for every style.
♡ Study up on the four Cs
You’ve likely heard about the four Cs of diamonds: cut, color, clarity, & carat weight. Each of these attributes affects the price, but some matter more or less when determining which diamonds meet your particular preferences & standard — it’s all a matter of opinion. You’ll want to understand the four Cs so you can decide what’s most important to you, what makes the most sense for your budget, & ultimately feel more confident by knowing exactly what you’re shopping for. You can always chat with our diamond experts if you have any questions.
♡ Buy shy
Buying shy of the carat is one of the smartest ways to get the most bling for your buck when buying an engagement ring. Prices increase significantly at the full carat mark.
♡ Don’t stress about the paperwork
When making a purchase as important as an engagement ring, the paperwork is essential in confirming the quality of the diamond you are buying. All of our diamonds are natural ( meaning from the earth, not lab-grown — unless requested ), GIA certified, & guaranteed by our suppliers to be conflict free.
♡ Protect your investment
Once you have your engagement ring, you’ll want to make sure it’s protected. We recommend Jewelers Mutual, which can provide a standalone policy. Alternatively, you can add jewelry to your homeowners insurance with a rider.
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Be sure to stalk Nicole’s first post on The Skinny Confidential where she shares like, EVERYTHING you could ever want to know about jewelry & enter yourself in the giveaway. Remember, all you have to do is follow @theringconcierge on Instagram & comment on my latest Instagram post @laurynbosstick.
Good luck!
x, lauryn
+ scope these tips for planning your wedding.
++ check out this post if you’re looking for wedding invitation inspo.
SHOP THE POST:
I love the way Nicole broke down the diamond buying process to say how important it is to get what the woman wants, but also how to be the best bang for your buck.
I loved hearing Nicole talk about the industry as a whole and debunk the “diamonds are dirty” myth. Recently it seems like so many people are saying they’re going for larger lab diamonds because natural diamonds don’t hold value and they’re unethical… as the owner of a natural diamond engagement ring I’m so glad to hear that’s not the case! Cant wait to buy some jewelry from RC!
I loved hearing Nicole’s goal of empowering women to buy their own diamonds. We should always celebrate ourselves before waiting for others to do so!
Buying an engagement ring is a big decision. It can be a daunting task to find the perfect ring for your loved one. Very Helpful article for choosing your wedding ring.