Picking out the perfect engagement ring can be a daunting task. Just ask any of your friends or uncles, and they'll tell you how overwhelming the process can be.

But you need not be overwhelmed. It's achievable.

In this post, we will walk you through a series of steps to help you choose the perfect engagement ring.

We hope you'll be able to pick out something amazing for your better half after reading this.

Steps to choosing the perfect engagement ring

1. Decide on the diamond cut

An engagement ring is only as attractive as the shape of its diamond stone. Usually, most gemstones you'll find will wow you, but that doesn't make them a good fit for your better half.

So, many people subtly ask their other half what their gemstone preferences are. From these conversations, they can easily narrow down the search.

But I don't know how to bring up such conversations without raising suspicion?

SIMPLE HACK: Find a magazine, online blog, or social media post about how someone proposed to their partner and got snubbed. Draw your partner's attention to it and see where that leads you.

Bear in mind, though, that different diamond rings (cuts) come for different prices. Round cuts are the most expensive. But if you can't afford that, you can opt for a pear or marquise cut.

2. Decide on the ring band material

Generally speaking, engagement rings comprise three distinct parts: the center stone (diamond cut), the setting (fittings around the diamond cut), and the band (the ring).

Tip #1 was about choosing the right center stone. Now, let's talk about choosing a good ring band. 

As you probably know, engagement rings can come in a number of band materials ranging from platinum to silver, yellow gold to white gold, rose gold, or pure diamond.

Now, depending on the band material you opt for, you can get a ring that's highly scratch-resistant or less. Pay attention that platinum is usually the best material option, but it also costs the most.

3. Choose your carat size

Do you want pristinely clear center gemstones or a stone with workings around the settings? Usually, the answer to that is in the carat measurement of the ring.

Again, you can determine the carat size by first speaking to the bride-to-be. This is important as the carat scheme of the ring has to sit well with their preference. Remember, no one wants to wear something even they don't find attractive.

Finally, you should know that it's possible to save on your purchase if you choose a less common carat size. That is, the lesser the diamond carat size you opt for, the less money you'll spend.

4. Decide on the perfect engagement ring structure

As we've earlier pointed out, engagement rings comprise multiple parts. How each of these parts compliments one another is an exciting mystery for the buyer to solve.

Normally, this is the part where you ask yourself important questions like: 

  • Should the diamond stone sit directly on top of the finger or be slightly raised? 

  • How protruded should the stone be?

  • Do I want side stones or something plain on the sides like a solitaire engagement ring?

  • What about other finishes? 

Once you find the right answers to these important questions, then you may proceed to buy your engagement ring.

5. Get the right ring measurement

All your effort to pick out the perfect engagement ring will amount to nothing if you don't get a ring that fits fine on your partner's finger.

Buying a ring without first sizing the wearer's finger is a really big blunder. If you're not careful, you may end up getting something uncomfortable for the wearer or something so loose that it falls off every time the wearer puts it on.

If you're not shopping for engagement rings together, you can subtly ask your partner what their measurements are. However, try the hack below if you think that might raise suspicion.

SIMPLE HACK: Visit the nearest jewelry store near you and get your fingers measured. When you get home, tease your partner that you've got a bigger or smaller finger than theirs. Expectedly, they will counter your claim. Offer to settle the argument at a nearby jewelry store.