5 Mistakes People Make When Choosing Their Engagement Ring

At TwoBirch, we know how important and sometimes overwhelming the process of choosing your engagement ring is. We’ve compiled a list of 5 Mistakes People Make When Choosing Their Engagement Ring so you can be aware of standard errors and make sure you choose the perfect ring for you.

Being Blinded By Tradition

Maybe your mom has a beautiful princess cut ring, or you’ve just always dreamed of having something on your finger that is just absolutely classic. But when you go into that ring shop, you have no idea what is going to give you butterflies when you slip it on—so instead, keep an open mind. There are so many stories of people going into a jewelry or wedding dress shop, knowing what they want, and coming out with something they never expected to like. Trust your instincts and have fun with the process.

Putting Carat Weight First

The size of your ring, for many people, is a status symbol. But the way other people see your ring is not what’s important. Your engagement ring will serve as a reminder of your special day, your excitement when your partner proposed, and your relationship, not anyone else’s. So make sure you get a ring with the cut, color, and clarity that you’ll be happy getting distracted by for the rest of your life, not one that comes with a significant number to impress the people around you.

Needing Even Carat Weight

Carat Weight can also drive up the price for minuscule increases in size. A diamond that is 1-carat can cost $1,000 more than one of the same cut, color, and clarity grade that is .91 carats. The bigger one will barely look superior to the other, yet it’ll cost you a whole extra grand to have that satisfaction of an even carat.

Overlooking the Metals

The diamond—or whichever precious gem you choose—is the glamorous part of the shopping process. It’s the first thing people will notice about your ring and the element that allows for the most creativity and style. But the type and quality of the metal you use for the band is just as important.

The two best options for your band are platinum and gold. Platinum is hypoallergenic, won’t fade, and withstands a hefty amount of wear and tear, which is what you want for a ring you’re going to be wearing for forever.

It does, however, come at a higher price than silver or gold. If you’re considering a gold band, 18-karat and 14-karat gold will be the most common options that you’ll find. If you plan on being active while wearing your ring, 14-karat is a great option, as it is made up of different metals that make for a sturdy band. 18-karat is more “pure” and therefore will probably be more expensive. It’s also an excellent option for people with metal allergies.

Ignoring Your Gut

Research is important. It will make you feel confident about what you are and aren’t looking for, whether you’re in a store or on a website. Knowing the ins-and-outs of the diamond industry will ensure you don’t get duped by a greedy salesperson or make an impulsive decision based on inexperience or confusion.

That being said, you aren’t buying something like a car or a house that requires you to not just like what you’re buying, but also factor in the more practical and logistical considerations. Buying your engagement ring should be an emotional and sentimental process. Don’t spend too much time worrying about the exact color grade or carat weight. Pick something that you’ll love wearing and staring at for the rest of your life, not necessarily something that looks good on paper.