If you’re like the majority of engagement ring shoppers, you’ve probably never purchased a piece of fine jewelry before, so you may feel a bit intimidated and overwhelmed when searching for the perfect ring. An engagement ring is, after all, one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make in your lifetime. Regardless of how much money you spend on the ring, the meaning behind the engagement ring makes it one of the most priceless gifts you’ll ever give. So making sure you end up with a ring your significant other will love, one that will last a lifetime, is likely a top priority for you. That’s why we created this guide to help you avoid making one of these five engagement ring buying mistakes.

1. Not consulting with an engagement ring specialist. When it comes to selecting or creating an engagement ring, there are a lot of choices you’ll have to make. You’ll need to decide between the different types of metals, gemstone varieties and shapes, and overall style of the ring. That’s why it’s a good idea to speak with someone who knows everything there is to know about engagement rings. They’ll be able to answer any questions you may have, bring up any potential concerns, and guide you into selecting or creating a ring the two of you will be proud of. And the best part is, it won’t cost you anything but your time to speak with an expert!
2. Failing to consider your significant other’s style and preferences. After all, your soon-to-be fiance will be the one wearing the engagement ring, so you’re going to want to consider which type of ring he or she will like the most. Of course, the best way to determine this is by asking your significant other directly, but if you don’t want to ruin the surprise, look at the jewelry he or she currently wears and see if you notice any patterns. Think about what color metal best complements your significant other’s skin tone. Does he or she prefer simplistic styles or something more extravagant? Does your significant other’s fashion choices reflect contemporary trends or classic ones? If you’re still not sure, you may want to ask a close family member or friend about their opinion.
3. Not setting a budget. Engagement rings cost anywhere from hundreds to millions of dollars. The price all depends on the quality of the ring, gemstones featured, and complexity of the ring design. The last thing you want to do is spend money you don’t have and start your engaged life in (or further in) debt. That’s why it’s a good idea to set aside a certain amount of money you feel comfortable spending on the ring and make sure you don’t go over that limit. You can always choose to upgrade the ring later on down the road when you’ll likely have more money.
4. Paying too much attention to the diamond’s grading report. When buying a diamond engagement ring, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the 4 C’s, but you shouldn’t make a purchase based on the diamond’s quality characteristics alone. A diamond’s grading certificate can only tell you so much about a particular diamond. It doesn’t tell you how beautiful the diamond is or how much it sparkles. You won’t be able to see how that diamond compares to other ones of similar quality by simply looking at the grading reports.
5. Purchasing the engagement ring online. Online shopping has definitely made our lives easier, but shopping for an engagement ring isn’t quite the same thing as buying a new pair of shoes. When purchasing something as significant as an engagement ring, you’re going to want to do that in-person, where you’ll be able to work with an expert who’ll be able to determine whether or not a certain setting or gemstone is worth its price tag and where you’ll be able to actually see rings and gemstones with your own eyes and not though pictures on a website that may or may not have been altered. You also won’t experience the same level of service if you purchase an engagement ring online vs. through a local jewelry store. Like cars, engagement rings need maintenance over time. Ring resizing, cleaning, polishing, re-plating, and gemstone tightening are just some of the services you’ll likely require later on down the road. Obviously, this is something online retailers can’t provide, or if they can, you’ll have to be without your ring for a long period of time and risk the chance of your ring being lost in the mail. Many jewelry stores, on the other hand, provide these maintenance and repair services as a courtesy to those who purchased the ring from them, and complete the work in a timely manner.

Have questions about shopping for an engagement ring? Contact us at 414-276-2457 or info@kloiberjewelers.com. Preview part of our engagement ring collection here. And schedule a meeting with our engagement ring specialist/owner, Karin!