- Don't get caught up in what's trendy. Go for something she'll love for decades to come.
- Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Truely unique, well designed rings never go out of style.
- 'Size matters' if and ONLY if it matters to you and/or your future fiancé...period.
- Ask around, and take the advice of others who can offer sound thoughts on what she likes and doesn't -- but don't open yourself up to too many outside opinions either. Asking a mom, sister, or friend who really gets her style is better than polling all the ladies at the office.
- A perfect stone doesn't require a pedigree. Sure, many are sold with a certification, but know that at the end of the day, a trusted jeweler is better at choosing a quality stone than going it alone based on paperwork.
- Don't let the metalwork become an afterthought. The design of the ring is just as important as the stone, and is often what sets a ring apart from the rest!
- Going 'custom'? Ask where the designer or maker got their design degree or technical training (or both!). Also ask where the ring will actually phsyically be made. You'll be surprised by some of the answers. If you are after a truly custom piece, don't settle for assembled parts or sending a design across the country to be made by someone you can't speak to yourself. Similarly -- don't expect someone to design something original if they have no formal design training.
- Check the Google Reviews and the company website -- that's a good starting place to scope out who you might be working with or buying from.
- Don't fall for gimmicks! This includes any kind of special pricing or 'today only' or manager specials. Engagement and diamond sales should never be high pressure! The price should be just that: the price. If you're being offered a 'buy now' sale price, rest assured there was quite a bit of upcharge to begin with.
- Beware of financing. Most financing options are high interest, and thus not in your best interest. Financing might allow you to spend more, which a store might love -- but you could end up paying a lot more in the long run. We recommend budgeting, having a plan for how much you'd like to spend, asking about the option to pay in multiple installments, and seeking funding from a trusted bank (or shopping different interest rates) if you decide to do so.
- Reputation trumps a warranty - any day. Big box stores use 'cover everything' blanket warranties to close sales. We've worked on lots of pieces that were supposed to be covered by someone else's warranty, but weren't. A reputable jeweler takes pride in their craft, and will simply warranty their workmanship, often times without any necessary paperwork or fine print. Find someone to work with who will make it right if something unexpected (and unlikely) happens, and preferably someone who will do the work in-house and not send your precious jewelry off-site for weeks at a time. Keep in mind jewelry, like everything else, has normal wear and tear over time. 'Warranty' or not, you'll always be expected to pay for damage that is your fault.
- The price is not the most important thing, and a higher price does not necessarily mean a better or more beautiful ring.
- Don't fear distance! It's always our first choice to be able to shop in person, but with technology today -- we can do everything from choosing the perfect diamond to reviewing sketches and designs remotely. If you feel limited in your location -- seek out someone who is confident in communicating with you from a distance.
- Know her size! Many rings can be sized, so getting close is good, but accuracy is best. There's nothing worse than giving her a ring that's too small to put on her finger or that's at risk of falling off with every move she makes. Sneaky tips to get it right: ask a friend or family member to covertly browse a jewelry store and get her sized, or, if that's going to be a give-away, here is the exact plastic ring sizer I give to clients (so I trust it's accuracy over others)! You can secretly (and carefully) pop on her finger while she's asleep!
Ready to start designing the perfect one of a kind ring?
I'd LOVE to help (whether you're local, or distance -- both are my thing)!
First, Check my Google Reviews, follow my instagram (to see past projects), visit my Custom Design Info Page, and then book a free consultation to chat!