The Essentials of Shopping for Engagement Rings in New York

Shopping for engagement rings can be a little stressful. There are just so many options…where do you start? Fortunately, the process of selecting the perfect ring can be broken down into four essential elements. They are durability, practicality, affordability and, of course, aesthetics.

Durability

The tradition of wedding rings is symbolic of a couple’s commitment to forever. That said, one of a ring’s most important qualities is that of durability, as it’s intended to be worn every day, withstanding a variety of environmental conditions. It is for this reason that diamond engagement rings are the most popular choice, as diamonds are the most durable of all precious stones. 14k-18k gold and platinum are precious metals of choice in the construction of diamond rings for the very same reason. For the purpose of securing the stone, a four or six prong setting is best.

Practicality

The practicality of a particular ring style may not be the first aspect to come into your mind when shopping for engagement rings, but it’s important to remember that she will be wearing this ring all the time, and so practicality is actually one of the most essential elements in ring selection. A lifestyle evaluation is necessary to determine what type of setting is the most practical for daily wear. For example, a woman who works in an office environment may be well suited to an elevated setting, where a woman who plays a lot of sports or spends a lot of time with small children is likely to be happier with a lower setting that doesn’t get caught so easily.

Affordability

Budget, of course, is a primary consideration in the selection of wedding rings. The two-month’s- salary “rule” is really more of a guideline these days, but there are plenty of cheap diamond rings out there that will make her just as happy as if you had spent a fortune. Diamond engagement rings are the norm, but for a more affordable engagement ring, you might consider looking at alternate gemstones, such as emeralds or sapphires. Another affordable engagement ring option is to choose a design constructed of smaller stones, as opposed to a large solitaire.

Aesthetics

Above all, you want a ring that is aesthetically pleasing. Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule about what makes engagement rings beautiful. As the saying goes, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Trust your instincts and your own knowledge of your beloved’s sense of style. This will lead you to the ring that is uniquely representative of your love. By identifying these essential elements of durability, practicality, affordability and aesthetics prior to shopping for custom design rings, you will be able to easily narrow down the selection to the ring that’s perfect for her.