The Ultimate Guide To Engagement Ring Shopping

Shopping for an engagement ring can be very tough, with all of the different options and considerations. How much should you spend? Should you buy online or in-store? How do you ensure it’s the perfect fit, both in size and style?  How do you ensure it's a perfect fit in terms of size and style? From setting a budget to picking the right metal, from lab-grown to natural diamonds—there is so much involved in the decision-making.  With the right information at your fingertips, you can find the ring that’s just right for you and your partner.

How Much Should I Spend on an Engagement Ring?

The “three-month salary rule” has often been cited as a guideline for how much to spend on an engagement ring. However, this rule is more of a suggestion than a strict requirement. While reports indicated that the average expenditure on an engagement ring was around $5,680 in 2018 according to The Knot, it’s important to focus on value rather than trying to match or exceed averages. The amount you should spend on an engagement ring depends on your financial situation, priorities, and personal preferences.

Instead of concentrating on a specific dollar amount, consider what you can comfortably afford. The true value of the ring lies not in its price tag. Setting a budget before you start shopping will help you find a ring that aligns with both your financial reality and your partner’s expectations.

 

Is It Better to Buy a Ring Online or In-Store?

While it seems convenient and easy to shop for an engagement ring online, the reality of the matter is that picking out a diamond proves very complicated. Even if the online listing has very high color and clarity grades, complete with images or even videos, it really is quite difficult to make a judgment about the appearance of a diamond without having it in front of you. We strongly recommend against purchasing a diamond without first seeing it yourself—just as we would never buy one sight unseen.

However, we understand that visiting a store in person isn’t always feasible. That’s why we offer virtual appointments, allowing you to connect with a bridal expert via video call. During this session, you can receive personalized guidance through the engagement ring selection process, get expert advice, and have all your questions answered—all from the comfort of your home.

Ultimately, the choice between online and in-store shopping depends on your circumstances. If you have the ability to go in person, then you'll reap those benefits of seeing the ring for yourself and receiving tailored advice. If not, a virtual appointment offers a valuable alternative to ensure you make an informed decision.

 

How Can I Find Out My Partner’s Ring Size?

One of the most challenging aspects of buying an engagement ring is determining your partner's ring size without giving anything away. Here are some discreet ways to help you find the perfect fit:

• Borrow an Existing Ring: If your partner already wears rings on their ring finger, borrow one temporarily and take it to a jeweler to determine the size. Just make sure it’s a ring they wear on the correct finger, as sizes can vary between fingers.
• Visit a Jewelry Store: Many jewelers offer free sizing services. You can bring in one of your partner’s existing rings or get professional advice on how to estimate the correct size based on other factors.
• Take a Guess: In situations where you need to make an educated guess, it’s helpful to know that the average ring size for adult women typically ranges from 5 to 7, while for adult men, it’s between 9 and 11.

When in doubt, consider opting for a slightly larger size. It’s generally easier to resize a ring down than to increase its size.

How Do I Choose the Right Metal Color?

Pay Attention to Their Jewelry: Look closely at the metals your partner typically wears. Silver-colored pieces often mean a preference for white gold or platinum, while golden shades might indicate a liking for yellow or rose gold. You could also ask a friend if they know whether your partner prefers gold or silver tones.

How Can I Get The Ring They Want Without Ruining The Surprise? 

Let Us Take Care of It!

Share our engagement ring quiz with them, and let our expert bridal team take over. Based on their responses, we’ll work closely with them to craft the perfect ring design—completely free of charge.

We’ll meticulously record their preferences and specifications. Once that’s done, it’s your turn to come in. From there, we’ll manage the rest!

Start the Process Together

Begin the engagement ring process together by scheduling a consultation. This ensures that both of your tastes are aligned. After this initial meeting, you can return solo to finalize the details, discuss pricing and financing, and perfect the ring’s design—all while keeping the final ring a delightful surprise.

Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds

When selecting an engagement ring, one of the key decisions you’ll face is whether to go with a lab-grown or natural diamond. Visually, there’s no difference between the two; they are identical in both physical and chemical properties. Natural diamonds tend to hold their value over time and command higher prices, whereas lab-grown diamonds offer a more budget-friendly option, allowing you to afford a larger or higher-quality stone for less.

If you opt for a natural diamond and decide to sell or upgrade in the future, you’re likely to retain significant value. On the other hand, the resale value of a lab-grown diamond is typically very low.

The Choice Is Yours

Ultimately, the choice between natural and lab-grown diamonds comes down to what matters most to you. At Buchroeders, we take pride in offering the largest selection of both types in the Midwest, ensuring you have plenty of options to find the perfect ring.

What Happens if the Ring Gets Lost or Breaks?

It’s crucial to protect your engagement ring, given its sentimental and monetary value. Buchroeders Jewelers offers our Buchroeders Assurance program, which safeguards your ring against loss, damage, and common repair needs. Our program provides zero-deductible coverage and a hassle-free claims process, so you won’t have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses. Plus, unlike many others, we don’t require annual inspections, ensuring continuous protection. 

Alternatively, you can opt for third-party jewelry protection if you prefer. If you believe your ring is damaged, simply reach out to our team, and we’ll discuss the next steps to get it back to perfect condition.

Do I Have To Pay For the Entire Engagement Ring At One Time? 

Purchasing an engagement ring is a significant investment, and you might wonder if you need to pay for the entire ring upfront. The good news is that you don’t have to. At Buchroeders Jewelers, we offer flexible financing options to help make your dream ring more affordable.

We have relationships with Affirm and Wells Fargo to provide financing options that allow you to spread out payments over time. These options can make it easier to manage your budget while still getting the perfect ring. Whether you choose to finance through Affirm or Wells Fargo, you’ll have the flexibility to select a payment plan that suits your financial situation.

This means you are able to focus on finding the ideal ring without the pressure of paying for it all at once. If you have any questions about our financing options, our team is here to assist you in choosing the best option for you. 

Is a Custom Engagement Ring More Expensive?

Creating a custom engagement ring offers the chance to design a piece that perfectly suits your partner’s style. But is it more expensive than choosing a proposal-ready option? Not necessarily.

In fact, a custom ring can be comparable in cost to a ready-made ring, depending on the choices you make. The overall price is influenced by factors such as the complexity of the design, the materials you select, and the time required for craftsmanship. However, by working closely with a jeweler, you can tailor the design to fit within your budget. Opting for simpler designs or selecting more affordable materials can result in a custom ring that matches your vision without exceeding the cost of a pre-designed option.

In essence, a custom engagement ring doesn’t have to be more expensive. It allows you to create something truly unique and personal, often for the same price as a proposal-ready ring.

How Do I Know If I Am Getting a Good Deal on a Diamond?

When purchasing a diamond, ensuring you get the best value for your money is essential. Most diamonds on the market will come with a certification from a reputable gemological laboratory, such as the GIA or IGI. This certification provides an unbiased assessment of the diamond’s quality, including details about the 4 Cs: Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity. Educate yourself here. 

While certification isn’t a requirement, it does add to the value of the diamond by confirming its quality and characteristics. To help you make these decisions, our bespoke bridal team is here to guide you through the entire process. Whether you have questions about certification, the 4 Cs, or anything else, our experts will ensure you feel confident and informed every step of the way. This personalized support ensures that you’re making the best choice for your unique needs and budget.