If you’re ready (or at least considering) to take the next big step in your relationship, choosing the right ring can be a daunting process.

With so many designs, styles, and settings to choose from, it’s often difficult to even know where to start.

That’s why we designed this comprehensive, educational engagement ring guide for you. You’ll learn everything you need to know before you buy so that when the time comes to propose, you can rest easy knowing you got the perfect ring that your partner will cherish for years to come.

Take a look at our Comprehensive Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring, and if you have more questions don’t be afraid to reach out for help. You can schedule an appointment with a gemologist or chat with us from 9 am to 10 pm Monday through Thursday; 9 am – 5 pm Friday, or 9 am to 7 pm on Sunday.

Halo settings are our most popular style since their versatility pairs well with any sized finger. Stylistically, round-cut diamond rings are the most popular for similar reasons. They can be incorporated with a wide range of settings, side stones, and metals, and looks - from vintage to modern. For more information, see this recent post listing the 10 best selling engagement rings of 2019.

While the answer to this question largely depends upon your dynamic as a couple, there are some inherent pros and cons of shopping for an engagement ring together. A major pro is that you can explore options together, which means that in the end, you will both be 100 percent sure that you’ve chosen the right ring. This also takes some weight off of the shoulders of the buyer, who may have otherwise spent more time going back and forth debating the right decision. However, a con is that the whole surprise element of the proposal will either be diminished. Part of the appeal of a proposal is the level of suspense leading up to the event, and the jubilant release of emotion when the moment occurs. 

There is a range of qualities to analyze when purchasing a ring. The shape of the diamond matters most, followed by the right setting. The former facilitates the stone’s geometric qualities, while the latter sets the tone and style of the ring itself. In addition to the stone itself, carefully consider which metal to use, as each possesses unique qualities, strengths, and comparative drawbacks.

When deciding how much to spend on a ring, there are two major considerations that you should carefully consider and strike a balance between:

-Your partner’s expectations.

-Your financial standing.

Assess your current (and potential future) income, your expenses, and your savings to gauge how much you can sensibly spend, then set a budget and stick to it.

The average total carat weight for a ring in the United States is 1.08 carats. While the range of 1.0 to 1.9 carats is by far the most popular, there are noticeable peaks at the 0.70 – 0.79 range, the 0.90 – 0.99 range and the 1.50 – 1.59 range. Check out our blog for more detailed information on carat weight.

The consensus is that the best time to purchase a ring is approximately 2-3 months before your scheduled proposal date. This allows you ample time to prepare for your special day and ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Many people do not get their partner’s ring size right the first time around. That’s why Ritani offers one free ring resizing within the first year of purchase. To learn more, contact customer service at 1-888-9RITANI. We’ll take care of the rest.

Many companies allow customers to finance engagement rings to afford greater flexibility throughout the payment process. Ritani has financing options that includes zero interest for 12 months.

If you cannot buy aring in full and decide to finance it, make sure that it is not an unreasonable amount. While you may not want to buy something “cheap,” you can still responsibly finance an affordable ring. The bottom line is that there is no reason to go into substantial debt and hurt your credit rating over a ring thatis way out of your price range. Remember to stick to your budget when deciding if financing is the right option for you.