It’s never a bad time to buy a new piece of jewelry. Whether you’re purchasing jewelry for yourself, a significant other or a loved one, there are a few things you should consider when buying a new ring. One of the first things that come to mind when we think about rings is engagement. But you don’t have to be on the road to marriage to purchase a ring for someone you love and appreciate. Taking this list into consideration will help you pick the right ring for any occasion.
1. Size
Finding the right ring size is pretty important. If your purchase is for yourself or you’re not trying to surprise the recipient, then you can get the size quite easily. If you’re trying to be stealthy or just can’t get sizing information, it is always better to err on the side of caution. In general, rings can be resized fairly easily, but it is usually easier to make a ring smaller than to make a ring bigger. (Some factors that influence resizability include the type of metal and the amount of metal present.) If you are trying to get a ring size secretly, you can trace a ring the person already has and take it to your jeweler or you can download a ring sizer from the internet and compare a current ring.
2. Stone
Choosing a stone can be a little tricky at times. Some people are in love with their birthstone and enjoy wearing whenever they can. Others are drawn to the clarity of diamonds. Perhaps you want to choose a stone based on metaphysical properties or a favorite color. Whatever gemstone route you choose to take, make sure you know that there are lots of stone to choose from. There’s ruby, sapphire, emerald, quartz, opal, pearl, tanzanite and so many more. If you’re choosing a ring for someone else, it helps to know a little about their preferences. If you’re not sure, you can always forego the stone and choose a ring with a stunning design.
3. Stone Shape
Once you’ve chosen a stone, you need to choose the shape of the cut. Stone shapes can vary, but they are 10 standard shapes, including round (the most common), princess cut (square) and cushion cut (a shape that’s not quite round and not quite square). If you’re looking to save some money on your purchase, you should consider one of the less common shapes. Choosing the shape of your stone may seem a little daunting, but think about the types of activity the wearer engages in and how often they will be wearing the ring. Personal preference truly is the deciding factor here, so try to get the recipient’s opinion first or choose a shape according to the rings they already have if you need to be secretive.
4. Carat
One of the most apparent things about rings is the carat weight of the stone. Bigger isn’t always better unless it is. A two-carat ring is likely to have an exposed stone that will be subject to all the bumps and run-ins that life brings. If you want to save a little money, don’t choose a whole carat. Prices tend to change dramatically with each whole number, particularly with diamonds. Be sure not to confuse carat, which refers to a gemstone’s weight, with karat, which refers to the purity of the metal.
5. Metal
The foundation of any ring is the metal. It’s what holds it onto your hand. Gold is the most popular metal, but there is also platinum and silver. If you are looking at antique or vintage rings you may come across some brass or copper options. There are several options in the gold family, including white and rose gold. Although platinum and white gold appear to be identical, they are very different metals. Platinum is much more durable and more expensive. Metals can be pure or mixed with other metals.
6. Insurance
Protecting your jewelry is a great idea when you pay good and hard earned money for it. If the ring you are buying is irreplaceable, cost thousands of dollars or is otherwise a historic artifact, you should strongly consider in]suring it. In the event that it is lost, stolen or damaged you will be protected. You can usually cover your jewelry with your renters or homeowners insurance but a jewelry-specific insurance policy will give you more peace of mind.
7. Price
Many people are willing to pay a pretty penny for a great piece of jewelry. Mostly because they are sentimental and symbolic adornments that can represent so many things, including social status, socioeconomic status, and level of love or commitment. But who doesn’t like to save money? There are plenty of ways to save money when you buy a new ring. Choosing a less common shape of the stone, choosing a less expensive metal and understanding the four Cs of diamonds (cut, clarity, color, and carat). By selecting and imperfect diamond, you can certainly save big. Another way to save is to buy wholesale
8. Hardness
This may not be a big deal to most people, but if you’re looking for a ring that will be worn every day you should think about the hardness of the stone and the metal. Silver is very malleable, so it can become misshapen and scratch very easily. Although yellow gold holds up to everyday wear pretty well, the purer the gold, the softer it will be. Diamonds and sapphires are two of the hardest stones according to the Mohs scale. That makes them great choices for rings that get a lot of wear. Other gemstones like pearls and moonstone will likely be covered in scratches and lose their polish when worn every day.
Remember, rings aren’t just for engagements, weddings and anniversaries, they can be birthday or graduation gifts, new mother presents and a just because gift to name a few. Once you’ve decided to buy a new ring, don’t be afraid to talk to your jeweler about any concerns you may have. Any good jeweler will be more than happy to help you make a great choice for your budget and personality.
