Five Tips for the Groom-To-Be on How to Shop for an Engagement Ring

You are about to pop the big question to the love of your life, and the only thing you know is that you are supposed to provide her with an exquisite jewel that sits on her left ring finger. How to go about getting that jewel is a whole different avenue.

If you are about to make an engagement ring purchase, here are five useful tips to get you on the right track to doing so.

Decide if you are going to select and purchase the ring on your own, or if you are going to have your bride-to-be select the one she most appreciates. If you decide to go it on your own, the following guide will help guide you:

One: If you can find out her ring size prior to shopping, that is a big plus. Discovering this information without tipping her off as to your plans can be tricky, but with a bit of care you can do it without her ever even knowing. Ask her family or friends to help you, if you must, but if you go that route, make sure the person you recruit for help is trusted enough to keep your plan a secret. If you are unable to find her ring size, the ring, of course, can be sized resized to fit after the purchase. Make sure you alert the jeweler of this intention prior to making your purchase.

Two: You need to shop armed with a little bit of jewelry knowledge. Do not go into a jewelry store with no idea whatsoever of what you are looking at. Research for this type of job is as easy as clicking onto the Internet. Research settings, shapes, durability and available options, prior to walking in to sit with a jeweler.

Three: You want to know exactly what it is you can afford to pay for the ring (the average guideline is whatever is equivalent to a two-month salary), and stay very close to that guideline. If you are charging the ring to a credit card, you still want to stick with your budget.

Four: When shopping for an engagement ring, you can, if you wish, purchase a package deal that includes both wedding bands, as well. Or, if you prefer, you can shop for the bands afterwards. It is expected that the bride pay for the wedding band of the groom, but if you are budget conscious, these all-in-one deals can save you quite a bit of capitol.

Five: And I shudder to even type this, but feel I must; if you have been divorced and have the engagement ring of your ex-wife on hand, do not, and I repeat, do not, even consider using this as your engagement ring for your new bride-to-be. Similarly, if you have given a ring to a woman before, in hopes of becoming married, do not reuse the ring that you gave her to propose to your beloved.

In closing, I have one additional tip to offer, and this is for the gentleman who decides that instead of choosing the ring himself, he will allow his partner to select theone she favors. Go to the jeweler ahead of time and explain to him or her what you are doing. Arrange for a time to be set aside to come in and give the jeweler your budget for shopping. This will aid you greatly in sticking to budget, because if it is preplanned and upon your request, the jeweler will only present for viewing, the rings that fall into your budget constraints.

These tips are sure to help you as you prepare to shop for one of the most important events in your life. Congratulations, and happy shopping!