If you are planning your perfect proposal, there’s a chance you have a few hard and fast things you know about engagement rings. Whether it be the best size, the ideal shape, or the rules for budget, we all have ideas of what is right.
An engagement ring is a big purchase— both emotionally and financially— so of course it is a purchase you will want to get right. Just like buying a car or putting a down payment on a house, it’s best to go into it informed.
We’ve pulled together ten of the biggest engagement ring myths— and what is actually true— for discerning brides- and grooms-to-be.
10 Engagement Ring Myths— Busted
You have to spend XX% of your salary on the ring.
We’ve heard all the “shoulds”— that you should spent two months pay, three months pay, and a certain percentage of your annual salary on an engagement ring. All these “shoulds” are myths; the best budget is the one you come up with and that feels comfortable in your own financial situation. Remember, you can always finance, or pay with a credit card. With the Wells Fargo Jewelry Advantage Credit Card, where you can buy today and pay over time here.
Diamonds can’t be damaged.
While it’s true that diamonds score an impressive 10/10 on the Mohs Scale of hardness— meaning of all minerals, they’re one of the hardest and most difficult to destruct— it is possible for a diamond to chip or crack if struck at the right angle with the right force. Diamonds needed to be treated with care to last for a lifetime, so it’s a good idea to leave your ring in a safe place when working with your hands or playing hand-contact sports.
Platinum engagement ring settings are indestructible.
Platinum is very heavy and durable, as well as hypoallergenic and tarnish resistant. But just like its white gold and yellow gold counterparts, your platinum engagement ring setting can be damaged through excessive wear or blunt force.
A solitaire is a ring with a single round shaped diamond.
Solitaire comes from the word ‘solo,’ meaning a single diamond when referring to an engagement ring. A solitaire ring can actually have any shape of center diamond. The only real criteria for a solitaire engagement ring is that it has no additional diamonds on the band. You can absolutely have a pear shaped diamond solitaire engagement ring, for example!
Round diamonds appear the largest compared to other shapes.
While round diamonds have the potential to sparkle more than any other diamond shape, their symmetry also makes them appear slightly smaller in comparison to a fancy shaped diamond of the same carat weight. The apparent size of any diamond, when viewed from the top down, can vary depending on the shape and size of the wearer’s hand. This is why it’s a great idea to try on different diamond shapes and setting styles when beginning your engagement ring search. Stop by and we’ll be happy to show you some examples!
The engagement ring and wedding band should match.
We’re thankful to see variety added to the matching engagement ring and wedding band— more styles mean more fun. There are endless opportunities to create your own unique look with a mix of metals and styles between your engagement ring and wedding band. If you really want to create a unique look, choose more than one wedding band for a stacked look.
The engagement ring has to be a surprise.
While most couples still prefer a surprise proposal, discussing what she likes and dislikes in engagement rings— or even stopping by the showroom to try on rings together— will help ensure your partner will love the final ring you choose. Don’t worry— the proposal will still be a surprise!
A true engagement ring has a diamond center stone.
While we love a diamond engagement ring, emeralds, rubies, and other gemstones are stealing center stage in some stunning engagement rings. Each gemstone has its own beautiful hue and meaning, so there is no need to feel like you have to choose a diamond when finding or creating your perfect engagement ring.
The setting is just a stage for the center diamond.
While your center stone might be more expensive than the setting, both combine to make the whole package. If you view an engagement ring setting as simply a stage for the diamond, you could be missing out on some beautiful details. Give thought to the setting as much as the center stone.
Designing your own engagement ring is hard.
Custom designing your engagement ring can actually be very easy (and cost efficient!) method to achieving the ring of your dreams. A custom, handcrafted piece of jewelry allows you the opportunity to create and design a one of a kind piece of jewelry that will become a part of your love story for years to come. Our team gives you the opportunity to create the jewelry piece of your dreams with the latest design tools to show you exactly what your piece of jewelry will look like so you can be assured it will be exactly what you are looking for. Learn more about our custom design process here.
Experience the South Shore difference at our Pembroke showroom, or visit us online here.
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“I been saving up for some time now to get someone I truly love something special. I called the south shore exchange spoke to a very phone friendly gentleman. I told him what I have, and that I was looking for something nice for my wife of 29yrs. It wasn’t much that I had, but the gentleman I spoke with Rob never made me feel like I was searching in the wrong place. Well I went there a few days after speaking to Rob. As soon as we met we hit it off. He then showed me some rings in the price range i was looking to spend. We looked at quite a few rings. He then took the time to search for what what I could afford for a few dollars more. But what he then brought out caught my eye. I feel it was one of the best deals I’ve ever made in 66yrs of being. My family and friends loved my choice and thought I payed double of what this ring cost. And their staff there are very friendly thank you for everything.” — John P. on Google