How does buying wedding rings work?

Question

I want to propose within say 1yr, how do I go about ring shopping. Do I need to buy an expensive engagement ring or wedding ring or both? I guess I need to know what the first step is...

Answer 1

Generally you would by the engagement ring first then if she says yes the two of you would pick out the wedding bands. As for cost that depends on what you can afford and what she wants. I have a small stone and love it as I am not into big expensive rocks.

Answer 2

Don't worry about the wedding bands now. The first step is the engagement ring. Does you girlfriend wear jewellery, particularly rings? You can usually answer the question of white or yellow gold from that. Also if she wears more chunky jewellery she may like a larger ring.
The cost of the ring is individual - figure out what you can afford and talk to your local jewellers about what you can get for your money. It is often better to get a clearer more sparkerly diamond that just looking at size. Research the 5 c's of diamonds - carat, colour, cut, clarity and certificate
If all this seems too much and you have no idea what your girlfriend would like, you can propose and take her shopping for the ring after. That can be fun!
My fiance and I had a chat about it before hand, looked at a few places together so he could get an idea what I liked then found my perfect ring and proposed with it a couple of months later so I wasn't expecting it then.
Hope this helps...GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

Well, you just need to buy an engagement ring to start, the wedding ring comes later. Try doing a little research on diamonds, I find www.bluenile.com or www.adiamondisforever.com helpful. Try to find out what kind of ring she would like in some sort or subtle way if you want to surprise her. Then, go a few jewelers and talk to them, ask a lot of questions and look at some different diamonds and settings. Determine what you want to spend and when you are ready, make your purchase. Good luck!

Answer 4

Find out what she likes first off. My boyfriend and I would just walk around the mall looking at different jewelery stores. I let him know what I thought was nice, and he just took mental notes of that. And it wasn't like it was obvious what he was doing either (we always go into random stores to just look around). He ended up surprising me with the most gorgeous ring about a year after we were looking, and it was a mix of all the things I love in a ring. By the way, another good reason to take her along to just look is because some girls like those sets where the engagement ring and wedding ring go together. That way you could find out ahead of time, and then purchase a ring that goes along with a band that you know she likes! Good luck to you :)

Answer 5

although sometimes rings are cheaper when you buy the engagement and wedding band together, i think purchasing an engagement ring yourself, and than letting her offer her input on choice of wedding band.

When purchasing an engagement ring, first step is to figure out her taste. Look at her other jewlery. Does she even wear rings? If so, what metal does she prefer (white gold, platinum, yellow gold...) What shape stones does she like? Are they more traditional rings or more contemporary? If she doenst wear rings, look at her other jewelry, notice the same things. Also keep in mind, most women who dont wear rings prefer them to be flatter and closer to the hand so not to obstruct daily activities.

Once you have an idea of what she likes, go shopping. Look around, see what you see.

Answer 6

you can either buy just an engagement ring or get what is called a bridal set which is the engagement ring and wedding band.

I would look at her taste in jewely does she like silver or gold? does she like simple things or extravagent things? You can also ask her parents what she would like. After all they know her best.

I would get something that she would like that is within your budget. You dont have to get the most expensive ring out there.

Answer 7

Traditionally,an engagement ring is supposed to be worth two months salary of whatever the groom to be makes. THEN if she says yes,both of you go to pick wedding bands.
If she says no,she has the option to keep the ring or return it.

Answer 8

Buy the engagement ring first, but do some research. http://weddings.about.com/cs/rings/a/diamondfourcs.htm

Spend whatever is comfortable for you to spend.

Answer 9

Price shouldnt matter, its all about the thought. Hopefully your women doesnt have high standards. But more great women shouldnt mind. You just pick one out that your think she would like, or hint around and find out what she does like?

good luck!