This post is sponsored by Clean Origin, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
An engagement ring is a once in a lifetime purchase and something you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. When you look down at that gorgeous sparkler you’ll want to make sure every last detail feels right and totally you. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you (and your future Mr. or Mrs.) go into the process equipped with all the info needed to make that lifelong ring commitment with confidence.
To help you on your search for your dream ring, we’ve put together a list of five important factors you should consider before purchasing your engagement ring.
1. Get clear on your budget!
While setting a budget may not be the most romantic aspect of engagement ring shopping it’s important to discuss this early on with your partner. While it can be overwhelming to set a budget, we suggest settling on a number that both you and your partner feel confident in. Take into account your overall wedding budget and any big life purchases you and your partner plan to make over the next few years to see how your engagement ring can fit into the picture.
Are you the type of gal who wants the ring of her dreams and is willing to flex her budget to get that? Or would you rather save some money for experiences and travelling together as a couple? Perhaps you are more conservative and the sentiment behind the ring is what truly matters. No matter what your budget, know there are tons of engagement ring options and styles out there to suit you just right!
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to get a little more bang for your buck without sacrificing quality or style we suggest going for lab-grown diamonds, which can cost anywhere from 20-30% less than traditional mined diamonds. Read more about the benefits of lab-grown diamonds below!
2. Narrowing Down Your Engagement Ring Style
Once you have your budget squared away you can move onto the fun part. Finding an engagement ring cut and style that fits your unique personality! There are so many styles out there, but here are a few of our favorites:
- Halo – if you are a girl that loves all things glam, then this is the ring for you. Surrounded by a “halo” of diamonds these beauties make a statement wherever they go.
- Solitaire/Classic – if you gravitate towards simplicity and elegance a solitaire ring will make your heart sing. Solitaire rings are not to be overlooked.
- Vintage – elegant scroll-work, braided bands and intricate carvings. A vintage engagement ring is perfect for those who appreciate exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail.
- Three Stone – For the romantic at heart, a three stone diamond ring represents a couple’s journey together; one diamond for the past, one for the present and one for the future. Take a cue from the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle herself, and opt for a ring with stunning center stone flanked by round diamonds.
3. Study Up on The 4 C’s
Established by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the 4 C’s of a diamond have become the global standard of the diamond industry. These important characteristics are used for grading quality are cut, color, clarity, and carat in a diamond. While you don’t need to become an expert in the 4 C’s, having a basic understanding of what they represent will help you know what to look for when evaluating your ring in terms of quality.
4. Why You Should Consider Going Eco-Friendly
Natural diamonds look beautiful, but have you ever considered the impact of the effort it took to source those diamonds? The majority of mined diamonds come at an incredible cost to the communities and environmental habitats that harbor them. While all forms of mining can have negative impacts, diamond mining has proven particularly brutal damaging marine ecosystems, leading to deforestation, and causing excess carbon emissions. This has paved the way for the new and environmentally friendly technology of creating lab-grown diamonds. It’s now more important than ever to make sure the diamond that you choose is environmentally friendly. Choosing a lab-grown diamond is the best way to lessen this impact.
5. What are Lab Diamonds?
When you hear “lab-grown diamond” you might wonder is this truly a real diamond?
While lab-created diamonds are grown inside a lab, scientists use cutting-edge technology to replicate the natural diamond growing process. The result is eco-friendly, ethically-sourced, man-made diamonds that contain all the same characteristics of a real mined diamond. Lab-grown diamonds are even held to the same grading and certification standards as mined diamonds. This sounds like a win to us!
Clean Origin is a company that understands the importance of the entire engagement ring purchase process and has become an industry leader through their commitment to bringing the highest quality lab-grown diamonds to soon-to-be engaged couples everywhere.
