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Most Common Engagement Ring Questions
Engagement Ring Buying Should Be Fun
Does the prospect of buying an engagement ring make you feel a bit confused?
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Don’t worry, I got you! Here are some common questions I hear and some straightforward answers.
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And, if you have a question you don’t see here, let me know.
I’d love to answer you and add it to my list here. Email me at angela@angelacisneros.com
Should the ring be a surprise?
o Not necessarily, it all depends on the couple! You will get hints and information
from her regarding whether she wants to be part of the process or not.
o I have had clients who were very specific about what they wanted, so they both
came in together to pick it out, and he took care of the financial part separately.
o This is a ring she will be wearing every day for years to come, so involving her in
the style process can be a good idea.
Can I bring someone with me to help pick it out? Who should I bring?
o If you are shopping without her, yes, bringing someone can be helpful!
o But ALWAYS bring someone who will have your fiancée’s style in mind. I have
seen shopping being derailed by a best friend or mother who is imposing her
ideas, not what the bride would want.
o If there isn’t anyone you want to bring with you, check her Pinterest boards
because, chances are, she has pinned rings she likes to her board.
Do both females
and males wear engagement rings?
o In traditional relationships (man/woman), it is just the woman who wears the
engagement ring.
o In many same-sex relationships, both people wear an engagement ring and both
add a wedding band during the ceremony.
o Even in man/woman relationships, some very chic men are opting to get an
engagement band, too! No matter what type of relationship you are in, talk to
each other about it!
What is the difference between the wedding band and the engagement ring?
o The engagement ring is the one with the big center diamond or gemstone, which
is the one to propose with.
o The wedding band is the ring given at the ceremony to go with the engagement
ring. Both of you will get a wedding band!
Do you buy the engagement ring and wedding band at once?
o When one person is surprising the other with a proposal, I think getting just the
engagement ring is enough because most women would LOVE to try on bands
and pick out the one they like best.
o If the couple comes in together, yes, plan getting the band as well. It is one less
expense that you’ll have to pay closer to the wedding when lots of extra
expenses are coming in!
o Most of my couples come in within a few weeks of getting engaged to pick
out both wedding bands, whether they originally came in separately or as a
couple!
What are the main metals and what are the differences?
o Gold jewelry comes in three different colors: yellow, white, or rose.
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o Gold always comes out of the ground yellow, but in the case of white or rose
gold, other metals are added to the mix to make it that color, kind of like adding
creamer to coffee!
o Platinum is a completely different metal, and it is naturally white.
Is there a standard on center diamond size to get?
o Between 1 carat and 2 carat are what my couples are getting, so that is a good
place to start!
What is carat? How does that relate to size?
o Carat is a unit of weight, not dimension measurement.
o The larger a gemstone weighs, the bigger it will be, and vice-versa.
Do we shop as a couple for the ring?
o That is totally up to you two! I have had clients shop together because she wants
to be part of the process, and I have had clients who surprised their person.
o Usually, when they shop together it looks like this: they both come in to pick out
the style, and he comes in separately to pay the deposit and get the creation
started. Then, the surprise element is still there!
Same sex couples – who asks who?
o There doesn’t seem to be one “right” way of doing it, so always have that
conversation with your partner!
o I have had same-sex couples come in together, get two rings, then do the official
proposal when both rings are done. I have also had some surprise their person.
Do what is right for you two!
Is the two months salary idea still a thing?
o Not really, but you should always take into account what she wants and what
you are willing to budget for.
o I also offer financing through Synchrony to make it easier to pay off over time!
Finace Questions Answered Here
Can I use a family ring to propose?
o Of course you can! I have seen couples use mom or grandma’s engagement ring
many times.
o In the case where the family ring isn’t the bride’s favorite style, I have had
couples take out the diamonds and put them in a ring she does love.
o Make sure you check with her first, though, the ring style and diamond size may
not be what she is envisioning!
How do I get her ring size?
o This one can be tricky if you are wanting to surprise her, but not impossible!
o A trusted best friend or mom may know her ring size, or have a ring that fits her,
so they are great people to ask.
o I have had some people try on a ring she wears when not looking to see how it
fits on the pinky finger. We then measure your pinky.
o Getting the correct size isn’t fool-proof unless we are actually measuring her ring
finger, so be prepared for some adjustment after you give it to her.
What are the Four C’s?
o The four c’s are a way of remembering the four major quality factors in a
diamond: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight
Do you have to use diamonds?
o No, you can use colored gemstones!
o I recommend using sapphire because it literally comes in all the colors of the
rainbow! Plus, it is the next durable gemstone after diamond.
o Please remember, it is very personal to the one wearing the ring whether she
wants a diamond or a colored gemstone, so make sure you have her direction
when surprising her.
Can the ring be customized?
o Absolutely! In fact, most engagement rings are.
o The size of the center diamond, the shaped of the center diamond, and the color
of the metal are the main ways a ring style is customized for you.
What if she doesn’t like it?
o In 27 years of helping people with engagement rings, this has only happened on
rare occasions.
o Some women have a very specific ring style in mind, and you probably already
know if she is a particular kind of person. In that case you have two options:
o Option one, come in together to pick out the ring. Now you know exactly what
she wants!
o Option two, get a solitaire ring, meaning one with just the center diamond on a
ring, no other diamonds or gemstones. After you propose, tell her that you
picked out the center diamond and want her to pick out the ring style. She can
come in to find her perfect style, and I’ll have the diamond you chose reset into
the new ring. I will even give you credit for the unused solitaire, as long as it is
within the first month.
Are there warranties on the ring?
o I will always warranty for manufacture issues on the ring, but your ring will
develop wear and tear along the way and will need to be repaired. Just like new
tires aren’t covered on a new car, neither is wear and tear repair costs.
o I do recommend having it insured, though. Depending your policy, it can cover
loss and damage.