A proposal is one of the most significant moments in a couple’s journey of love. It marks the beginning of a new chapter. It starts building up from the day the perfect diamond ring is bought for the to-be-fiancé. Buying an engagement ring can be both exciting and daunting, so it’s better to prepare for it beforehand to avoid any unwanted surprises later. Here are six things one should know before buying an engagement ring.

The 4 Cs
Before buying a diamond ring, people must familiarize themselves with the four Cs: carat, cut, color, and clarity. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, cut refers to how well the diamond is cut and indicates how well it will shine, color refers to how colorless the diamond is, and clarity refers to its overall flawlessness.

The different shapes of stones
Engagement rings come in various stone shapes, each reflecting a distinct aesthetic. A few common shapes for a diamond in an engagement ring include round, oval, princess, pear, cushion, emerald, asscher, and marquise. The choice of the stone’s shape contributes significantly to the overall design and style of the ring.

The precious metals
Selecting the right precious metal for the engagement ring band is also crucial. A few commonly chosen metals include platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. The choice of precious metals also adds to the ring’s overall look and value.

The ring settings
Ring settings refer to how the diamond will be secured on the metal band. While some rings are available with preset diamonds, one can also choose a setting of their choice when going for a custom ring. Some popular setting choices include prong, halo, tension, pave, bezel, and bead.

Order in advance
If one is planning to purchase a custom ring, it is important to remember that they would need to place an order in advance. This is because the jeweler would need a few weeks to make the ring in the chosen setting, with the selected shape of the stone.

Engagement rings with lab-grown diamond
Not all diamonds that are available in the market today are mined. Lab-grown diamonds are growing popular, even for engagement rings. Even though lab-grown diamonds cost less, they are just as good as mined ones. They have the same physical, chemical, and optical features, making them real and durable. So, even when choosing a ring with a lab-grown diamond, one must be mindful of factors such as checking the 4 Cs and the shape of the stone. Considering these factors remains crucial even when choosing lab-grown diamonds to ensure that one is making a well-informed purchase.