An Insider’s Guide to Engagement Ring Shopping

So you think you’re ready to tie the knot? Well, first off congratulations! Secondly, get ready because you are about to embark on one of the most important shopping trips of your life, but don’t worry. The experts here at Tara Fine Jewelry Company are here to help. As Atlanta’s best jeweler with over 30 years of experience, we know a thing or two about Engagement Rings. In fact, it’s been our lavish Engagement Rings – and maybe our designer Swiss watches too – that have made us such a success, but now it’s time to give you the inside scoop on how to make Engagement Ring shopping easy and stress-free. These 5 shopping tips are sure to help you find an Engagement Ring that you and your bride-to-be will adore!

Stick to the Budget

You’ve probably heard the “rule” that an Engagement Ring should be equal to three months’ salary. This mantra might work for you – giving you a ballpark range of how much to spend – but please remember that you are the one that sets your budget. No one understands your finances better than you, so be realistic with yourself. Now, gentlemen, this tip is not to steer you away from buying her something extraordinary. Her engagement ring is something she will wear each and every day for years to come. So, another tip of advice: don’t do the bare minimum for her ring! Find a common ground that will make you both happy. The key is being mindful of her taste while making note of the numbers on the price tag.

2. Pay Attention to Her Style

When it comes to finding the right style for an Engagement Ring, many men find themselves lost, often asking questions like: “Does she like White Gold or Yellow Gold?” “Is a solitaire too plain for her?” “Do I dare try to get her something unique?” The answer to all of your questions is simple: pay attention! Notice her likes and her dislikes. Take note of what she has in her jewelry box. Does she wear more white gold or yellow gold, or is she a fan of fashionable rose gold? Think about her style. If she has a simplistic style or doesn’t wear a lot of jewelry, a solitaire or three-stone ring will be perfect. A modern fashionista who likes to be different might enjoy a ribbon or twist-style ring. Figuring out her sense of style is half the battle. Once you know what you’re looking for, it should be smooth sailing for the rest of your shopping trip.

3. It’s the Diamond That Counts

For a woman, the best part of her ring is the sparkling center Diamond. Watching it dance and sparkle in the light never gets old, so it’s your job to find that mesmerizing Diamond while remaining true to your budget. The center stone usually takes up most of the cost, so the key is to splurge on the center stone and not the setting of the ring. Now, when it comes to finding the right center stone most men stick with a Diamond. In fact, 90% of all Engagement Rings feature a Diamond center stone; however, gemstone Engagement Rings are back in style and many celebrities are sporting lavish gemstone Engagement Rings. If this is the route you want to go, we suggest going for a Sapphire. It’s the next hardest gemstone when compared to Diamonds, and its rich blue hue has the reputation of sophisticated elegance.

Since most of you will probably stick with a Diamond, let’s discuss Diamond shapes. Round Diamonds are the most commonly used center stones. A Round Diamond is the safest choice for Engagement Ring shoppers, but their popularity has now made them more expensive. If you are looking to save on the center stone, go for a non-round cut Diamond like a Princess Cut or a Cushion Cut. These luxurious Diamonds offer you a beautifully cut stone at a reasonable price. Just remember that whatever Diamond you choose, it will be the star of the ring, so choose wisely!

4. Turn Her Dreams into Reality: Go Custom!

The great thing about high-end jewelry stores like Tara Fine Jewelry Company is that they offer you the chance to create a custom ring for your future fiancé. There are no limits or guidelines to what you create. You are given absolute freedom to personally design an Engagement Ring for your unique love story. While custom rings can be slightly more expensive, this is a great option for those who are struggling to find the perfect ring at other commercial jewelry stores. The other plus side to a custom Engagement Ring is that you are sure to score big with your special lady. Every woman wants to feel like one in a million, and giving her a one-of-a-kind Engagement Ring is sure to make her feel special.

5. Be a Smart & Safe Shopper

Buying an Engagement Ring is a major purchase for any man! To ensure that you have a great shopping experience and you walk away with a beautiful, credited Engagement Ring, we suggest that you get things in writing. It is important that your jewelry store is a certified jeweler, having accreditation from laboratories such as The Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) or The American Gem Society (A.G.S.). Purchasing from a credited jeweler is the smartest choice you could make as a shopper. If you buy a Diamond 1 carat or larger, these stores provide you official documentation detailing the specific characteristics of your diamond, crediting its value. Shopping for an Engagement Ring is a joyous time for you, but don’t get distracted by the glitz and glam of sparkling Diamonds. Make sure that you shop with a highly recommended jeweler and that you walk away with a grading report for your certified center Diamond.

So now that you know the secrets of how to have a stress-free shopping experience, are you ready to get out there and shop? Of course you are! If you’re in Atlanta or the Metropolitan area, you’re in for quite a treat because your friends at Tara Fine Jewelry Company are located in Buford – only three miles from the Mall of Georgia. We warmly invite you to experience our beautiful showroom where we showcase some of the most beautiful and certified Diamonds and Engagement Rings. Gentlemen, we are proud to say that you are now ready to venture out into the world of Engagement Rings! You know the secrets, and you know what to expect. So go! Explore the world of fine jewelry, and find that extraordinary woman an extraordinary Engagement Ring!

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