With over 60 years in business and hundreds of years of combined experience, we’ve had the pleasure of helping many couples take their next step and get engaged. From nervousness to excitement to pure glee, the process of deciding to propose, finding the perfect engagement ring, and executing a memorable proposal are all part of a process that we revel in getting to be a part of.
So after working with grooms-to-be who want to keep the proposal a total surprise, couples who are taking every step together, and everyone in-between, what tips would we offer couples considering saying “I do”?
With a little planning ahead of time, you take this next step with ease. And like most big decisions in life, communication is key, and picking out an engagement ring is no exception. Even if the proposal will be a surprise, it’s a good idea to discuss a few key factors as a couple.
Your engagement ring will likely be your most-used, most-treasured piece of jewelry. It will be worn for years to come, through all seasons and all life events, so now is the time to explore, discuss, and try on different shapes, styles, and sizes to find a ring that feels just right for you.
While you can visit our showroom today and purchase an engagement ring, there is a lot of value in a little preparation. Start with the questions below, explore online, and visit us when you are ready to find your dream engagement ring.
Top Engagement Tips From a Jeweler
Bring it up early.
Even if you plan on making the proposal a surprise, now is a great time to casually bring it up in conversation— fish out little details to see if your partner would want their ideal proposal private or public, indoors or outdoors, and other important details. By bringing it up now, they are less likely to suspect anything when you pop the question later on!
Set the budget soon.
It might not be the first thing you want to talk about when considering a proposal, but getting an idea of budget is healthy and helps set expectations for both partners. There are a lot of engagement rings out there, and getting an idea of budget early helps narrow the choices and keep you on track. Interested in financing? Learn about our financing options here.
Colorless or color?
Many couples are opting for engagement rings featuring a center or accent colored gemstones. Consider if you want only white diamonds, or if you’d like to include some color as a nod to your favorite color, birthstone, or the month you plan to marry. Consider sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or fancy-colored diamonds.
What about style?
It’s a good idea to get a basic understanding of different engagement ring styles to start off with. Consider a simple solitaire, a bold halo, or a pretty vintage design to get started. You can explore different engagement ring styles here.
How about shape?
There are a number of different diamond shapes or cuts to choose from, and having an idea of which you prefer (round, pear, heart, and more!) will make it much easier to find the perfect gem for your engagement ring. The diamond shape might be the most visually significant choice you make, so be sure to consider shapes that reflect your personal style. Explore different diamond shapes and sizes here.
Save headache with ring size.
Getting the right ring size (or close to it) will save time and money in resizing the ring down the road. There are three common ways you can measure your ring size right at home so you can finally get your ring measurement right, for good. Be sure to measure both at the beginning of the day and at the end, as your fingers are prone to change size slightly throughout the day. Find out how to measure easily at home HERE.
Stop by and see the rings!
While it’s easy to fall in love with engagement rings on our website or on social media, it’s also a good idea to explore and try on different styles in person. You’ll want to know how the ring really feels and fits on your hand until you actually see it up close. You might be surprised to find out that some of your favorite styles just aren’t your favorite anymore after seeing them in person or trying them on.
Don’t forget the important stuff.
We’ll make sure you are set during and after purchasing your engagement ring. Our highly-trained jewelers are prepared to make sure your engagement ring stays as stunning as the day you said “yes!” Because every piece of jewelry is unique, there are many different intricacies to keep in mind. Our jewelry repair craftsmen are true masters of their trade; they know metal and know how to work with it. They know what can and cannot be done, and never risk making changes that could irreparably damage the piece. Learn more about our services here.
Experience the South Shore difference at our Pembroke showroom, or visit us online here.
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“It was a pleasure doing business with Rob. He made the whole experience so easy and pleasant. As someone who’s indecisive, he had nothing but patience and kindness to help me choose the right settings, and I couldn’t be happier with how my ring turned out! I will definitely be coming here for all future fixes and purchases.” Valerie on Google