Shopping for an engagement ring is an emotional and exciting milestone, but it’s also one of the most important purchases you’ll make. Many new shoppers will not take their time to do due diligence, and as a result, will end up making purchasing blunders that could easily have been avoided had they done proper research on what to look for.

10 Engagement Ring Mistakes You Might Make

1) Not doing research on engagement ring purchasing before going into the store to purchase your ring

The most common mistake new shoppers make is rushing into purchasing a ring before doing their research and understanding the difference (4c’s, metals, settings, stones) that will help to alleviate confusion during the buying process.

2) Guessing the correct size for the ring

This is a very common mistake, as many new buyers will purchase their engagement ring without knowing their significant other’s correct size and, as a result, will have resizing issues after they have made their purchase. It’s an easy mistake to avoid.

3) Focusing solely on the size of the diamond

Many shoppers will focus only on the size of the diamond they are purchasing (i.e., carat weight), and not on the other factors that affect the overall appearance of the diamond, such as cut, colour, and clarity. These are important elements that can lead to a much more attractive-looking stone at a lower price. This is an important tip that all new buyers should be aware of.

4) Not taking into consideration the lifestyle and how often the ring will be worn on a daily basis.

A very delicate setting may be beautiful and look great in the store, but it may not be appropriate for someone who lives an active lifestyle. Be sure to avoid these mistakes when purchasing an engagement ring to ensure the ring remains beautiful for many years.

5) Lack of Budget

Not having a budget is one of the most common engagement ring mistakes that can lead to excessive stress, potential overspending, or both. You may want to determine what your upper limit for an engagement ring will be and take your time to look at other options, such as lab-grown diamonds, fine jewellery, etc. This will allow you to see the various price ranges.

6) Forgetting to Get a Certificate and Being Sure of Its Authenticity

You should always purchase a diamond that has been graded by an independent grading laboratory. Without proper documentation, it is impossible to verify an actual diamond's quality or value. This is among the most important engagement ring tips that jewellers consistently mention when discussing engagement rings.

7) Choosing the Wrong Metal for Long-Term Wear

Gold, platinum, and other metals all wear differently over time. To avoid common mistakes that you may regret later, you should match the type of metal with the wearer's lifestyle as well as their skin sensitivity.

8) Not Checking for Maintenance Plan or Warranty

Maintaining your ring will require periodic cleaning, polishing, and, if necessary, prong tightening. If you are not diligent about checking the warranty or maintenance plan, you may expose yourself to much more significant costs later.

9) Not considering the Recipient's Style

You may think that a ring is pretty; however, if it does not suit the recipient's personality style, it may not feel right. Pay attention to what types of jewellery they wear, modern, minimalistic, traditional, and so on. Even looking into what they prefer in lab-created diamond bracelets can help you get a feel for their jewellery style.

10) Not Comparing Various Options

By doing your research on how to choose a ring - multiple different styles, settings, and stores - you can save yourself some money and common ring mistakes to avoid when buying a ring, due to not having as many options available to you. Try on various shapes, follow trending designs, and see what is available before making a purchase. 

Engagement Ring Mistakes - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the most common mistakes people make when purchasing an engagement ring?

Common mistakes made when purchasing engagement rings include rushing through the process, not paying attention to the 4Cs, measuring the wrong size ring, and not getting a certification.

2. How can I avoid the mistakes that others have made when buying engagement rings?

You should be sure to do your research, set a budget, find out what style your partner prefers, and compare as many options as possible. Following the basic engagement ring tips should provide you with the confidence to make informed and successful purchases.

3. Will I make a mistake if I purchase an engagement ring online?

Not if you are buying from a reputable dealer who has a track record of success, has certifications, and has an acceptable return policy. Just be sure that you don’t forget to read reviews and check specifications before making your purchase.

4. Should I buy a lab-created diamond?

Yes. There are many reasons why purchasers are selecting lab-created diamond engagement rings, such as their beauty, value, and ethical sourcing. Additionally, choosing lab-created diamonds gives you the same sparkle and brilliance as a mined diamond but at a fraction of the cost.

5. Can I make the mistake of selecting an inappropriate ring setting?

Absolutely. The setting of your engagement ring will impact the overall appearance of the ring, comfort of the ring, and durability of the ring. Making the mistake of picking the wrong one is one of the biggest mistakes made when selecting engagement rings that people later regret.