13 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Buying an Engagement Ring

When you’re ready to pop the question, you’ve got another big task to do first: find the perfect engagement ring. 

Without the right ring, your proposal can fall flat and leave you in an awkward position, especially if she says “No.” A diamond engagement ring is the usual choice, but choosing the right one is not as simple as just picking any diamond ring.

Check out our list of mistakes to avoid when buying an engagement ring and make sure you get your proposal perfect.

Key Takeaways

• Avoid making common mistakes like ignoring your partner’s preferences, not budgeting properly, and rushing the decision when buying an engagement ring.
• Research is crucial; consider factors like diamond quality, jeweler reviews, and how the ring will pair with the wedding band.
• Focus on selecting a ring that fits your partner’s preferences and lifestyle while adhering to a realistic budget, rather than succumbing to trends or societal pressures.

1. Not Considering What She Likes in a Ring

If your soon-to-be-fiancée never wears yellow gold, buying her something resembling a slab of bullion won’t be appreciated—no matter how much you spend. A woman who wears mostly silver jewelry will likely opt for white gold or platinum, so keep her personal style in mind while shopping for the perfect ring. 

2. Doing It All By Yourself

Shopping for engagement rings is incredibly personal, but that doesn’t mean you need to go it alone. Talk to her friends or family members to get a sense of what she’d love. 

You can also book a free consultation with us to get a sense of how much you’ll need to spend for this meaningful jewelry piece. 

3. Not Budgeting

You must have a budget in mind when you start engagement ring shopping. If you don’t, you’ll likely be talked into spending way more than you can afford. You won’t impress your partner by spending your wedding savings before you’ve even set a date. 

Having said that, don’t just buy the cheapest ring available, either. Research average costs for what you really want and set a budget you can stick to.

4. Not Doing Research

You’ll only find your partner's ideal engagement ring if you do the right research first. 

Look for a jewelry designer who can help you by explaining the difference between different precious metals and ring setting options. You may want to look at other precious stones instead of diamonds. Again, a trusted jeweler can help. If you have a specific design request, like wanting to incorporate personalized details, a custom ring is a must.

If your heart is set on a diamond engagement ring, do a little research on the diamond industry. Compare the costs of earth-mined and lab-grown diamonds and look at the meaning of terms like carat weight and clarity. Experts say not to buy a clarity below SI1 and always to look for at least a “Very Good” cut grade. Also, always check that diamonds are certified by a reputable organization like the GIA, or IGI.

5. Not Reading Jeweler Reviews

If you choose a jeweler based on price rather than customer testimonials, you’re likely to be disappointed with the service you receive. Check out genuine reviews for a jeweler before making your final decision. 

6. Only Focusing on the Diamond’s Size

While size matters to a certain extent, don’t make it the entire focus of your search. Balance color, cut, clarity, and a ring setting that will make your partner’s eyes sparkle when she sees it. 

Plus, you don’t need to chase the “magic” number of a carat size—aka a size that is a whole, even number. Like getting a 1.00, 1.50, or 2.00-carat diamond. Because these round numbers are the most sought-after (because they “feel” complete), you can save hundreds to thousands of dollars by slightly veering away from magic numbers. 

So, for example, you can choose a carat size that’s 0.96, 1.42, or 1.92 and you won’t see the practical difference to the naked eye—making it a win-win.

7. Forgetting about How the Engagement Ring Will Fit with the Wedding Band

An engagement ring is rarely a standalone jewelry piece. It will normally eventually be worn with a wedding band. Keep this in mind, particularly if you’ve already decided on your wedding band design. 

For example, a wishbone engagement ring won’t sit well with a straight band but may fit perfectly with a twisted wedding band. Also, consider the aesthetics—you wouldn’t normally pair a yellow gold engagement ring with a white gold wedding band, for instance.

8. Forgetting about the Comfort of the Ring

Your fiancée will have to wear this ring for many years so ensure you take comfort into account. Overly angular rings can be uncomfortable as can those with an overly protruding center stone. You could always ask a female friend or family member to try it on and see how it feels. 

9. Not Considering Her Lifestyle

Similarly, if your partner uses her hands a lot, a complicated ring could be a problem. Take her job and daily lifestyle into account when choosing the perfect ring. 

10. Getting Swept Away by Trends

It’s very easy to get bogged down in magazine and website advertisements and imagery. However, your engagement ring choice should be driven by your partner’s style and the desire for something that lasts beyond trends. Choose timeless styles that will look great in decades to come.

11. Rushing the Process

We get it. You want to propose and hear her say “Yes.” It’s a magical moment and, naturally, you want to get there fast. However, as in all things, proper planning prevents poor outcomes. 

Make sure you’ve gathered all the necessary information and don’t just opt for the first ring that looks okay. Take the time to shop around and consider a jeweler who will consult with you throughout the entire process.

12. Not Considering the Ring Size

It may seem obvious but you really do need to find out your partner’s ring size. If the proposal is a secret, see if you can find her ring size from a best friend or family member. As a last resort, you could use a bit of string to measure her finger while she sleeps. However, if she wakes, you’ll certainly have some explaining to do.

13. Letting Culture Dictate How You Shop

There’s so much pressure on men to spend big and shop for the biggest diamond they can afford. Avoid falling into the trap of letting these societal expectations drive your engagement ring choice. 

Many impersonal, big-box jewelry stores will encourage you to spend far more than a ring is worth—or buy something that won’t even suit your fiancée-to-be. Some major stores carry a mark-up of over 300% on the actual worth of the ring.

Avoid These Common Mistakes and More by Letting Faithful Platform Help You

Faithful Platform offers an alternative to trawling around stores that demand big-ticket prices. We offer engagement rings for all budgets, plus we take you through the process from start to finish. Tell us what you’re after and one of our designers will help bring your perfect ring to life. Saving on your engagement ring means you can invest more in your marriage.

Buying engagement rings doesn’t have to be stressful or overly expensive. Now you know what mistakes to avoid when buying an engagement ring. Make life even easier on yourself by letting us help you find the perfect ring for a magical proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What to avoid in engagement rings?

Avoid choosing an engagement ring solely based on trends, stone size, or price. Instead, focus on what suits your partner's preferences and lifestyle, ensuring it’s a piece she’ll cherish for years to come.

What really matters when buying an engagement ring?

What truly matters is understanding your partner's preferences, setting a realistic budget, and selecting a quality ring that combines the right balance of cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. It’s about finding a ring that reflects your partner’s unique style and the significance of your commitment.

How do you not get ripped off buying an engagement ring?

To avoid getting ripped off, do thorough research, compare prices from different jewelers, and read customer reviews. Make sure to choose a reputable jeweler who offers certified diamonds and transparent pricing. Additionally, you can work with a jeweler who avoids overhead costs and has direct-to-supplier relationships to save more.

What is too much to spend on an engagement ring?

Spending too much on an engagement ring means going beyond what you can comfortably afford. Stick to a budget that won’t strain your finances, and remember, the value of the ring is in its meaning, not its price tag.

How can I pay less for an engagement ring?

You can pay less for an engagement ring by opting for a slightly smaller carat size, choosing lab-grown diamonds, or exploring alternative gemstones. Additionally, working with a jeweler who cuts out the retail markup can help you find a beautiful ring within your budget.