Engagement rings hold a deep significance and meaning for couples, because for most men, an engagement ring is something they buy only once, and for most women, it's something they accept only once. Thus, to help you make a great choice we will share with you some insights from couples before you who have bought engagement rings, highlighting key points to help you avoid common mistakes and choose the right ring with confidence.
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1. Understand Your Partner
Before making a decision to buy an engagement ring, men should first understand the true meaning of the engagement ring. First, an engagement ring is an important symbol for a woman, something she will receive only once in her life, so it should reflect her tastes, not just your tastes as a man. For example, if you want a very unique design but she prefers a simple engagement ring design, it may not feel right for her if you force your tastes on her.
Take some time to think about what kind of person she is, and take into account the following.
Does she like to stand out or keep things low-key?
Is she more reserved or outgoing?
Does she have a preference for simple, classic designs or something more elaborate?
Is she particular about details or brands?
Understanding her personality and style will help guide you to a great choice that suits both of you when you buy a diamond and ring design.
2. Set A Budget
Once you know her preferences, the next step is to consider your own budget. Engagement rings come in a wide price range, from a few thousand dollars to even millions.
When setting a budget, it’s helpful to have a clear idea of your budget limit. Your budget will affect the types of ring styles and the diamonds you can choose. Additionally, some people will suggest to you to spend a one to three months' salary on an engagement ring, but do not let these opinions affect your buying decisions, because you have your own personal financial situation, and your partner needs to understand that. Therefore, It's important not to spend all your money on one thing, since after the proposal, you'll have a future together to plan for.
Some people are willing to spend a lot, while others may choose a more affordable ring and later upgrade it. Both options are common. The key is to understand her expectations, and for her to understand your financial situation, and make a choice that fits your budget as well as her preferences.
3. Buy the Diamond, and Ring Styles Separately
Once you've set your budget, it's helpful to focus on two key aspects: the diamond and the ring style. These are the two main parts of an engagement ring. In most cases, choosing the diamond and the ring style separately can save you up to 30% of the cost.
The reason we suggest buying the diamond and the ring style separately is simple. There are usually thousands of loose diamonds available in shops or in the market, and the best deals are often found among them. On the other hand, ready-made rings in stores usually only have few styles, and some retailers may use hard-to-sell diamonds in their finished rings. That's why it's a good idea to choose the diamond and the ring separately, which can help you get a better deal.
Moreover, many jewelry stores offer free services to set a diamond into a ring, so you can easily choose both the diamond and the ring style from the same store, and this gives you more options and better control over your budget.
4. Selecting the Diamond: Natural Diamond or A Lab Diamond
After setting your budget, the next step is to learn about the different types of diamonds. There are two main types of diamonds: natural diamonds and lab diamonds. Both diamonds look the same, have the same hardness, and can come with a diamond certificate, they are even similar down to the molecular structure and that is why both types are considered real diamonds. However, the price difference between a natural diamond and a lab diamond is quite vast. For example, if your budget is HK$30,000 (around NT$120,000), you might only be able to buy a natural diamond ring that’s about 0.8 carats. But with that same budget, you could get a lab diamond ring that’s around 3 carats.
Should you choose natural diamonds or lab diamonds?
It depends on the size of the diamond. For engagement rings, usually most people want a diamond that’s 1 carat or larger. A good quality 1-carat natural diamond usually costs at least HK$30,000 (about NT$120,000) or more. Thus, if your budget is around this amount, it makes sense to consider a natural diamond. However, if your budget is lower, then you might only be able to afford a smaller natural diamond, which could lead to dissatisfaction if your partner compares it to others.
Lab diamonds are another option which are usually much more affordable, and high-quality. larger lab-grown diamonds typically cost less than HK$20,000 (about NT$80,000), making them a more cost-effective choice than natural diamonds.
However, it's important to consider whether your partner would be okay with a lab-grown diamond rather than a natural diamond. That is why we advise you to give her a lab-grown diamond as a gift on a special occasion (like her birthday or Christmas) to see how she reacts. If she doesn't like it, you may want to consider choosing a natural diamond for the engagement ring instead.
That said, lab diamonds do have their own benefits as an engagement ring. For more details, you can read another article: "Can lab diamonds be used for marriage proposals?"
Here is a comparison table to help you understand what diamond sizes you can afford based on your budget, and whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown:
Budget Range | Natural Diamond | Lab Diamond |
HK$10,000 (NT$40,000) or below | May not be available for purchase | 1 carat lab diamond (recommend) |
HK$10,000 (NT$40,000) to HK$20,000 (NT$80,000) | 0.5 to 0.8 carats natural diamond | 1.5 to 2.5 carat lab diamond (recommend) |
HK$20,000 (NT$80,000) to HK$40,000 (NT$160,000) | 0.8 to 1.0 carat natural diamond (recommend) | 3.0 carat lab diamond (recommend) |
HK$40,000 (NT$160,000) or above | 1.0 to 1.2 carats natural diamond (recommend) | May be too big |
Make sure to make a wise choice based on your budget and her preferences, you can go to [RAGAZZA DIAMOND Filter] to explore our wide range of natural diamonds and lab diamonds, we offer the most competitive diamonds in the market.
5. Trade-offs Between the Diamond Quality and Size
The quality of diamonds can vary, and higher-quality diamonds are as you expect more expensive, while lower-quality diamonds are cheaper. For example, a 1-carat natural diamond can range in price from HK$10,000 (about NT$40,000) to HK$100,000 (about NT$400,000) depending on its quality.
If your budget is HK$15,000 (around NT$60,000), you can either focus on diamond quality or size. If you prioritize quality, you could get a high-quality 0.5-carat natural diamond. However, if you care more about the size, you could choose a medium-quality 0.7-carat natural diamond. The difference in size between the two would be noticeable to the eye.
in conclusion:
You need to choose between the best possible size and quality. This trade-off is crucial to the final choice.
Here are some tips to help you decide, and make a good balanced choice:
Understand her preferences: These signs can help you know if your partner has high standards when they buy or accept diamonds, these signs may include things like if she owns diamond jewelry, knows a lot about diamonds, or is a perfectionist. If you notice these signs then it’s a good idea to choose a high-quality diamond.
Consider your budget’s value: If she doesn’t have strong preferences about the diamond quality, then you can focus more on getting a larger diamond for your budget. This way, you get a better value for your money, as the size of the diamond is more noticeable and easy to compare. On the other hand, it is important to point out that the difference between high-quality and medium-quality diamonds is harder to spot without knowledge of diamonds.
High Quality Diamond Grade | 中品質鑽石等級 | 低品質鑽石等級 |
Color grade: D Clarity grade: VS1 or above
Cut grade: EXCELLENT (Recommended for girls with high demands) | Color level: EF Clarity grade: VS2 or above Cut grade: EXCELLENT (Recommended for girls who have no special requirements, the saved cost can be used to increase the size of the diamond) | Color grade: G or below Clarity grade: SI1 or below Cut grade: VERY GOOD or below (not recommended) |
In the end, choose the best option striking a balance between her preferences and your budget. Whether you focus on size or quality, your choice will show your sincerity and commitment. Visit [RAGAZZA Diamond filter] to explore a range of certified diamonds from reputable organizations like GIA and IGI in different qualities.
6. Selecting the Ring Style
After choosing the diamond, the next step is picking the ring style. There are many different ring styles, so it's important to choose one that matches her preferences. Here are some suggestions:
Simple style ring: If she prefers a modest and simple look, a solitaire style is a great choice. This design is elegant and lets the beauty of the diamond stand out.
Gentle style ring: If she has a gentle personality, consider rings with smooth, flowing lines. This design will highlight her feminine nature.。
Gorgeous style: For women who love luxury and intricate details, choose a stunning ring with many diamonds. This design is elegant, luxurious, and makes the ring stand out.
At RAGAZZA, we offer a wide range of engagement ring styles to suit every woman's taste. No matter what kind of design you prefer, we have plenty of options for you. Visit our website to explore more styles: [RAGAZZA engagement ring series].
You can also visit any of our stores for a consultation with our friendly staff, and they will help you find the perfect ring that suits her. With expert advice and in a relaxing atmosphere, you'll feel confident choosing the right ring or your engagement proposal.
7. Selecting the Ring Material
When choosing an engagement ring, the material is just as important as the design. Two popular options are 18K gold and PT950 platinum. Both have a similar silvery-white color, but they differ in how they behave and how they need to be cared for.
18K Gold
Hardness of 18K Gold: 18K gold is fairly hard, which helps protect the diamonds from scratches and damage, making it good for everyday wear.
Maintenance of 18K Gold: Over time, 18K gold may lose its shiny white appearance due to the old color layer on the surface. It may need regular polishing to keep it looking like new.
PT950 Platinum
Hardness of PT950: Platinum is softer than other metals, which means it offers less protection for the diamond. Thinner platinum rings may also bend or lose shape during use.
Maintenance of PT950: PT950 platinum doesn't tarnish, so you don’t have to worry about it changing color over time.
RAGAZZA recommends using 18K gold for the main part of your ring to ensure high-quality craftsmanship. All our ring styles are also available in PT950 platinum. Moreover, to avoid oxidation, we don't offer low-purity metals like 14K, 10K, or 9K gold.
To learn more about the benefits of 18K gold, check out our article [The best metal? On the advantages of 18K gold]. Choosing the right material will help keep your engagement ring looking beautiful and make it last for years.
8. Choosing a Jewellery Store: Name Brand vs. General Stores
When it is time to choose where to buy your engagement ring, you’ll have to decide between a big brand name or a regular store, and many people assume that diamonds from popular brands are of better quality, but the truth is, diamond quality is judged by independent diamond grading organizations such as GIA(Gemological Institute of America) or IGI(International Gemological Institute). So, whether you choose a big brand or a smaller store, as long as their diamonds are professionally graded, you can be confident in the quality.
Choosing a big brand has the advantage of trust and recognition. These brands often offer unique designs and limited edition styles, making their rings more special. On the other hand, regular stores usually offer better value for your money. With the same budget, you can often get a larger diamond at a regular store. This can be appealing to those who want a bigger diamond for the price. Additionally, regular stores often provide more personalized service, with staff taking time to understand your needs and offer options that suit you best.
When choosing a store to buy your engagement ring from, it will be wise to think about what matters most to you—whether it's the brand's reputation or the diamond itself. Consider how you want to spend your budget: would you prefer to invest more in the diamond, or do you value a famous brand for the bragging rights?
If you go with a big brand, it's a good idea to plan ahead, as their diamond selection changes often. Furthermore, you will need to stay in touch with the sales team to catch the best deals and avoid paying a high price if you are in a rush.
On the flip side, if you choose a regular store, you must take your time and do your research to make sure that it's a trustworthy store. A good advice we can give you is to check reviews and compare it to other stores to ensure that you're making a good choice.
Choosing the perfect engagement ring for your proposal takes time and patience. But all this time, effort and patience will be worth it years from now, when you look back on this process and realize how special it was. So, don't rush the decision—choose a ring that captures this meaningful moment and makes it even more memorable in the future.