It’s beginning to look a lot like…proposal time! And you’ll want to make sure you have the perfect engagement ring when the moment is right. But there’s a lot of pressure in choosing the perfect ring. So, we’re here to make the process a bit less stressful. Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll be well on your way to finding a piece that your partner will love!

Don’t Just Guess Their Ring Size

You want to keep the proposal a secret. We get it. But you still shouldn’t pick a random ring size. If a ring doesn’t properly fit, you might have to buy a ring enhancer or get the piece resized, which would require additional time and money. Instead, do your research…subtly. For example, you can inquire with family and friends, borrow one of their favorite rings when they’re not looking, etc.

Don’t Shop for Yourself

Remember, your partner is the ultimate recipient of your ring, so keep their sense of style in mind. If they like their jewelry big and flashy, consider adding a halo (or two!) around that center stone. But if they prefer a simpler look, you can’t go wrong with a classic solitaire setting. And if your partner has an active lifestyle, you might want to choose a flatter stone to minimize potential bumps and scratches on everyday surfaces.

Don’t Pay Too Much for Diamond Color, Clarity or Carat Weight

We know you want the biggest, brightest diamond to properly express your love. But sometimes, a diamond’s size or color isn’t everything. What do we mean by that? A diamond’s characteristics — cut, color, clarity and carat weight (aka the 4 C’s) — essentially work together to create a stone’s overall look. Therefore, you’ll want to pay attention to all of them. You wouldn’t want a 3-carat diamond with little sparkle!

*Pro Tip: You likely won’t have to choose a diamond with the highest color or clarity rating, which will save you some money in the long run. The differences between each ranking are often invisible to the naked eye. And certain ring designs can even cover up some imperfections. So, you can opt for slightly lower grades and your partner won’t even be able to tell!

Don’t Direct All Attention to the Center Stone

The center diamond/gemstone might be the most eye-catching part of your ring, but it’s not the only feature. You should think about the ring band too, as some types of metal are hypoallergenic and more scratch-resistant than others. And if you’re planning on a larger diamond, you’ll want a fairly sturdy band to support it.

Don’t Forget Insurance

If you’d like your token of love to last forever, you might want to insure it. After all, it will likely become one of your partner’s most valuable possessions. However, this will be an added annual or monthly cost. So, you’ll need to consider your other expenses and determine what’s doable. Do your research and shop wisely!

Don’t Skip In-Store Shopping

While it may be tempting to search for sparkly rings from the comfort of your couch, your options are limited. We recommend visiting a trusted brick-and-mortar jewelry store, like Gage Diamonds, so you could compare engagement ring settings in person and get advice from experts. You can even test the level of sparkle under different types of lighting.

Have a question? We can help!

Gage Diamonds is Chicago's premier jewelry showroom and online retailer of engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry. We offer a selection of dazzling handpicked diamonds, including certified natural and lab-grown diamonds.

We’re committed to helping you find the ring of your dreams. For inspiration, browse our website or set up an appointment with a member of our trusted staff at our in-person showroom.

We offer no-credit-needed financing – feel free to apply and get your approval within 24 hours!

Pay over time, because love shouldn’t wait.