Selecting the perfect engagement ring for your sweetheart can seem pretty overwhelming. There are countless choices to be made and details to be hammered out. Aside from deciding upon matters of style and design, there are other factors to consider, like whether or not the ring you choose will need to be special ordered. Don’t let the pressure of picking a beautiful ring cause you to forget about these important particulars! Before making this paramount purchase, you want to be certain that you’ve asked all the right questions. Unsure what those questions might be? No problem! We’ve compiled a list of 10 crucial questions to ask when choosing an engagement ring that will help make your trip to the jeweler that much easier.

1. What’s Your Budget?

Budget is undoubtedly the most important thing to consider when choosing an engagement ring. A budget will act as your road map while shopping, helping narrow your options to what you can afford. If you’re stuck contemplating what you should spend, keep in mind that an engagement ring is something she will wear long into the future, and may even pass down to your children. It’s definitely an item worth investing in. That being said, it’s important to talk to your spouse about what they like, what they’re expecting, and what you’d realistically like to fork over for an engagement ring. Perhaps the two of you decide you’d rather save your money for a house or an unforgettable honeymoon. It’s really a personal decision that you and your significant other must make together. Let your jeweler know upfront what your budget is and how flexible you’re willing to be. That way, they don’t waste your time showing you rings you can’t afford.

2. What are Your Payment Options?

Seeing as an engagement ring is a pretty pricey purchase, many jewelers offer various payment options so you’re not stuck paying one massive sum up front. Though most men plan and save ahead of time for this kind of expense, unexpected costs can arise that he may not have prepared for. In these cases, it comes in handy to have a backup plan. Talk to your jeweler about what payment options you have. Some offer layaway programs with a down payment, as well as lines of credit that are interest free for a certain introductory period. Depending on the cost of the ring, monthly payments tend to be low and fairly easy to manage for most. Even if you have a good chunk of money to spend, you can use that towards a down payment on the ring and pay off the remaining balance over time.

3. Will the Ring Need to Be Special Ordered?

It’s important to do your ring shopping well before you plan to propose. Don’t assume that the ring you choose will be available same day. Jewelers often carry a wide variety of engagement ring styles, but only in a few select sizes. That means that the ring you decide on may have to be special ordered. If this is the case, you want to make sure you have ample time for it be ordered and for modifications to be made before you receive the final product. This can take weeks, sometimes even months, so be sure to think ahead and plan your proposal accordingly.

4. Can the Ring You’ve Chosen Be Resized?

Customers tend to assume that all rings can be resized, though this is unfortunately not the case. The more detailed a ring is, the more difficult it will likely be to resize. Rings with engravings, milgrain, or eternity stones are the trickiest to modify. In fact, many jewelers won’t even try for fear of damaging the ring. This is important to remember when shopping, especially if you’re just guessing her ring size. You’d hate to purchase a pricey ring that’s too big only to discover that it can’t be resized.

5. What Kind of Care Will the Ring Require?

Engagement rings are a gorgeous, glittering accessory, but they don’t stay that way on their own. They must be properly cleaned and cared for to maintain their beauty and luster. White gold, for example, will occasionally need to be re-plated with rhodium to keep it looking bright and radiant. On the other hand, a platinum ring will develop a natural patina over time that causes it to look darker and less lustrous. Those who prefer a glossier look will need to have their ring buffed and polished to maintain its gleam. If your bride-to-be has always wanted a gemstone engagement ring, you’ll want to first make sure that the gemstone you choose is durable enough for everyday wear. Sapphires and rubies are nearly as hard as diamonds, making them ideal for an engagement ring. Other gemstones, like emerald and opal, are softer and more susceptible to chipping and scratching and are therefore less practical for an engagement ring.

6. Do They Have an In-House Jeweler?

Nothing is better than having all of your needs met in one convenient place, which is why we recommend shopping somewhere that has an in-house jeweler available for quick repairs. It’ll save you the time and hassle of finding someone you trust to get the job done right. And since you’ve purchased the ring from the store, they’ll likely cover certain adjustments and repairs under warranty.

7. Can They Provide a Certification?

We can’t stress this enough—do not buy a diamond that is not graded and certified by an independent gem lab, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). If a jeweler does not offer certifications for its diamonds, you may want to reconsider shopping with them. A diamond certification contains all of the details about a diamond including the cut, carat weight, color, and clarity, as well as any other characteristics that define that particular stone. Without a diamond certification from an independent lab, you simply have to trust that what the jeweler tells you about the diamond is true.

8. What is the Return/Exchange Policy?

Every man’s worst nightmare is pulling off a proposal, only for her to be disappointed in the ring. It’s an unfortunate situation, but it does happen. Luckily, many jewelry stores offer returns or exchanges for exactly these instances. Before finalizing any purchase, make sure to ask your jeweler to thoroughly explain their return and exchange policy so there are no surprises if you try to bring it back.

9. Does the Ring Come with a Warranty?

No matter how sturdy a ring is, natural wear and tear is inevitable. There’s always a chance you might lose a small diamond or spot a loose prong. It’s best not to ignore these minor imperfections, as they can lead to further damage. If you happen to be covered by your jeweler’s store warranty, these routine repairs should be easy, and cost-free.

10. Do They Suggest a Jewelry Insurer?

Depending on the price of the engagement ring, it might be worth investing in ring insurance. Engagement ring insurance can protect your treasure in the event of damage, theft, loss, and even unexplained disappearance. The annual premium for these plans is usually around 1-2% of your ring’s value. That means if the ring was $5,000, your annual cost would be about $50. Considering both the monetary and sentimental value of an engagement ring, this seems like a pretty reasonable price to pay each year to protect it. Jewelers can often point you in the direction of a reputable insurance company, and coverage is even offered through many renters and homeowners insurance plans.

Shop for Extraordinary Engagement Rings in San Diego

Don’t waste time searching online for the best jewelry store in San Diego. Instead, come to Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry & Engagement Rings Store on San Diego Avenue and discover the greatest selection of stunning engagement rings in every shape and size imaginable. We also offer an array of vintage and antique engagement rings that are as rich in history as they are in charm. Whether she longs for a timeless diamond solitaire or an intricate Art Deco design, you’re sure to find something in store that will take her breath away. What’re you waiting for? Visit us today!