If you’re lucky enough to be picking out an engagement ring in 2021, it’s best to go into the experience with a plan of action. This will ensure that you enjoy the experience to the fullest and get a great ring that you’ll cherish for years to come. This guide will break down the top tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your engagement ring shopping experience. Let’s dive in!

Narrow Your Options Before Browsing

Shopping for and designing an engagement ring can be a lot like walking into a buffet filled with all your favorite foods – it’s hard to know where to start! That’s why it’s important to narrow down your options before you even step foot in a store or fill your online cart.

Start by determining your dream engagement ring’s must-have characteristics. Generally, these will include diamond carat size, band size, ring metal, and the ring’s overall style. For example, if you are looking for a minimalist ring, some of your must-have characteristics might be a thin band, yellow gold, and modest diamond size. With a list in hand, your options will be diminished to a reasonable level.

Choose Between Lab-Grown and Mined Diamonds 

Diamonds are always in style. However, your options have changed significantly in the past couple of years. Now, lab-grown diamonds are a real contender as an eco-friendly, ethical alternative to mined diamonds. Lab-grown and mined diamonds are identical down to their chemical makeup. As a result, there are virtually no visual or physical differences between a lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond. The biggest difference between lab-grown and mined diamonds is where they originate, in a lab setting or deep within the earth.  

Deciding whether to opt for lab-grown or mined diamonds can help you narrow down your vendor choices and solidify your budget. Fewer shops carry lab-grown diamonds, so you’ll have to find a reputable vendor. Additionally, as lab-grown diamonds can cost up to 40% less than their mined counterparts, you can stretch a smaller budget more easily.  

Study What’s On-Trend 

Sometimes, figuring out what you want requires a little inspiration. Doing research to determine what’s currently on-trend can give you the spark of inspiration you need to visualize and describe your dream engagement ring. Not to mention, during your research, you’ll come across the terms to put a name to your wants. For example, as art deco engagement rings are on-trend right now, you’ll learn the exact term to describe the unique, geometric style you’re looking for.  

Moreover, browsing images of rings can help you decide what you absolutely do and don’t want in a ring. It’s a sort of litmus test for your dream engagement ring style.  

Understand the Difference Between 14k and 18k Gold 

The difference between 14k and 18k gold is in the quantity of pure gold present. 18k gold has 75% pure gold present, while 14k gold has just over 58% present. That said, most individuals can’t tell the difference between 14k and 18k gold just by looking, although 14k gold tends to be a bit more durable than 18k gold.  

However, you’ll almost always end up paying more for 18k gold. Unless you have an allergy to certain metals and would benefit from a higher pure gold content in your ring, 14k gold is the more affordable and functional gold option.  

Research the 4 Cs of Your Desired Diamond Cut 

Not all diamond cuts are created equally. Each diamond cut will have strengths and weaknesses relative to the 4 Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat.  

For example, an emerald cut engagement ring holds its strength in its smooth, glass-like table, making this cut appear larger than a round brilliant of equal carat weight. However, the emerald cut’s weakness lies in its inability to hide inclusions and blemishes.  

Understanding the 4Cs relative to their pros and cons for your desired diamond-cut can help to ensure that you get a diamond you’ll love!