There eventually comes a time when happy couples want to take the next step in life—officially commit to each other and get married. You propose to your partner, and if they're just as excited, you seal the deal with an engagement ring to symbolize your love for each other and the promise of marriage. An engagement ring shows you're ready to devote yourself and commit to your partner.
While an engagement ring is a custom tradition, it also has rules and etiquette you need to observe. However, you can bend some rules or etiquette to suit your and your partner's needs. This ultimate guide provides details of everything you need to know about engagement ring etiquette:
Why Get An Engagement Ring?
The necessity of an engagement ring ultimately depends on your preferences, culture, and traditions. Some cultures consider engagement rings as crucial for symbolizing commitment, while others don't believe it's essential.
The bottom line is you don't need an engagement ring to propose. You can pop the question and shop for the ring later or skip it altogether. However, whether or not you need an engagement ring depends on your and your partner's preference.
How To Choose The Right Engagement Ring?
If you decide that a ring is necessary for the engagement to be complete, the next thing to do is to buy the ring. Choosing the right engagement ring can be exciting and thrilling yet overwhelming and daunting, especially when you know nothing about jewelry. If this is your case, you just need time to do thorough research and perhaps seek the help of someone with experience. That said, here are a few tips to help you choose the right engagement ring style:
- Choose the right gemstone
You may consider buying a ring with a gem of personal significance to your partner. For instance, you can choose a diamond ring for something rare and unique to symbolize love, strength, and prestige. They're also durable and can retain their shine for decades.
- Consider the four C’s of diamonds
Purchasing the best ring for your partner is the goal, and you'd want to choose something that reflects your personal preferences. Consider the carat, color, cut, and clarity if you select the traditional diamond.
For instance, you may purchase an oval-cut diamond for something unique and timeless. The best part is that you can shop for an oval engagement ring online from well-established brands like VRAI, which offers sustainable, lab-created diamonds. However, it would be best first to understand your partner's personality, tastes, and preferences to choose the best cut.
- Pick the right size
Another thing to consider when purchasing an engagement ring is the size of the ring. It should fit perfectly on your partner's finger for comfort and to avoid losing it. You can borrow one of their rings from their jewelry box. If you can't access their jewelry box, try to measure their ring size while they're sleeping. Alternatively, you can buy the ring and have an expert adjust it to the correct size after the proposal in case it's loose.
- Ask for help
As much as you'd want the proposal to be a surprise, it's not always a good idea to shop for the ring alone. You may not want your partner to know your proposal plans, but it's always a good idea to request help from your partner's closest friends and family. They'll likely know their tastes better.
These are a few things to consider when buying an engagement ring. Besides this, it's best to learn about the ring's after-care. Ask the jeweler how often to clean or polish your ring.
It's best to have your ring professionally cleaned at least once or twice a year. Alternatively, clean it yourself by soaking it in warm water and dishwashing detergent for about 20-40 minutes.
How Much Do Engagement Rings Cost?
Experts suggest spending at least two months' salary on the engagement ring. This implies that you can spend as much as USD$10,000 on the ring if you earn a salary of USD$120,000 per year. However, there are better ideas than buying an overpriced ring. Remember, your spending should depend on what you can afford.
Traditionally, the groom pays for the engagement ring, but that doesn't have to be the case. Nowadays, women are more involved in the entire process, from browsing and selection to actual purchase. You can even agree on who pays for the ring, depending on who's more financially stable. Alternatively, you can split the cost with your partner to lessen the financial burden it may have.
Can You Use Family Heirlooms?
Using a family heirloom as an engagement ring is an excellent and sentimental way to propose. It's one way to ensure your engagement ring is unique, sentimental, and meaningful. It also honors family traditions and history and creates a sense of belonging and connection to the family. On top of that, you won't have to purchase a new ring. However, you must ensure your family agrees to the decision before using it.
Conclusion
Generally, engagement ring etiquette varies depending on your preferences and beliefs. Whether you plan to buy a new ring, reuse it, or use a family heirloom, ensure you communicate openly with your partner about their expectations. You wouldn't want to spend thousands of dollars on something your partner won't like or feel comfortable wearing. Remember that your partner will probably be wearing this ring for their lifetime, so it's just right that the only memories it will evoke are the best ones from your time together.
