Ring shopping tips?

Just be sure you know what styles/sizes are in your budget, and tell the jeweler your budget up front. If you just say we're looking for a ring, they're going to show you the priciest one. You don't want to fall in love with something you can't afford. Also, decide what is most important to you. Would you rather have a platinum band, instead of a larger stone? or a massive rock that can be set on sterling silver? Decide those types of details in advance if you can. Have fun w/FH

Think of how "active" you are with your hand too. Some rings have the setting up high off the finger and those tend to bump into things often depending on your activity. If you have long nails-that could be a way of thinking on that. If so, look for a ring that has the setting lower against the band. Consider the shape of the setting. If it is a marquise cut-that does snag easy. And, if the setting is inset--you may have less chance of loose stones over time versus one supported by prongs only. Lastly, there are sets that have many smaller diamonds that are gorgeous because of all the sparkle versus one large diamond. And, you are looking at an engagement ring for now-but for future think the whole picture too, in terms of the wrap, guard, or additional band for the wedding day too. That may give you an idea for the look you may want to have in mind. Oh yeah, check on insurance for the ring set too--sizing, soldering, free gem replacement, etc.

Make sure you aren't allergic/sensitive to whatever metal you chose. Apparently my skin hates the white gold I picked out because my finger is always itchy. The problem is the rhodium that white metal is mixed with.

Yeay, congrats! I would go with a jeweler that has a good maintenance policy. If your ring gets damaged or you need resizing, costs can truly add up. It's worth it to go with a store that provides support.

Do a sharpness test with the ring. Seriously. No joke. When you're trying it on, run it roughly against your arm. If it scratches you, look for another style. I have given both myself and my FH cuts that actually bleed from just moving my hand to pick something up where his arm was above mine and such. I would definitely go back and pick a different setting for the diamond if I could.

My ring is amazing but it sits really high up and is constantly scratching me all on my hands and face. bigger isnt always better !!!

And see if you can find something that comes in a set so you have a matching band and ring. i have no idea what i am going to put with mine.

I would advise you to look at smaller private jewelry stores that don't pay for mall space (the rent gets passed on to you with higher prices). One of the nicest places in the town I grew up in is in part of the top floor of a office building, and the place we got my ring is also in part of the top floor of an office building in the major city nearest to where I used to live. Make sure the people you are working with don't rush you or press you to be "pre-approved" for financing. Look at some settings in mall stores before you go to the private places and see what you like, the private place may be able to make one for you for way less. I agree on the maintenance, also look for repeat customers- we were very impressed with how many repeat customers we saw be greeted where we got my ring. Service matters- the owner spent over two hours with us just teaching us about stones and settings with no pressure to buy, be pre-approved, or otherwise make any decisions.

Definitely go with a place that will do free resizing and dipping (if your going with white gold) and make sure you know about their insurance policy. We ended up paying a little more for my ring up front buying it from a really fancy jewler, but if anything ever happens to it, including loosing a diamond they will replace it for free. I think thats worth it.

I agree with looking at your lifestyle. I got a cathedral setting just to have a little extra protection on my diamond. Don't be afraid to negotiate. DS chopped my ring by 40% of what they were asking. The worst they can do is say no. Go for sparkle over big (if that's what you want). I wanted a bigger diamond, but the diamonds they had in the size I wanted weren't as sparkly, so I got a smaller carat. Try on wedding bands with the e-rings you look at.

Check Kays site under 'Previously Owned Items'. That's where I got FH's ring for a GREAT price!Most of the rings aren't previously owned,they're just overstocked.They have woman's 1-2 carat rings that anywhere else are $$$$ for GREAT prices!!!!

I am always here to help. I work only in the Fairfield County CT area but if you have any questions you can call or email and we can still help. You can find my contact information at http://preciouseye.com.