How To Buy An Engagement Ring

Although buying an engagement ring used to be a pretty straightforward process, over time, it’s become increasingly complicated in terms of both available options as well as innate expectations. To make matters worse, it’s not as simple as setting a price and deciding on a design; many people also tend to get hung up on things like color, cut, clarity, and carat. And it’s not without good reason; after all, a ring is one of the most monumental purchases a man will make in his life, so the pressure to find the right one couldn’t be higher.

But with the help of Clean Origin and their wide variety of lab-grown diamonds, it’s easier than ever to make sure that your commitment is celebrated accordingly. So, rather than letting you fret over how much to spend, what setting to spring for, or whether you’re even buying the right ring, we’ve put together this guide to get you on your way. Below, we break down some general rules of thumb to ease your anxiety, followed by the Clean Origin value proposition and some of our favorite picks from their selection. Relax, take a deep breath, and read on to see how to buy an engagement ring. After that, all you’ll have to do is snag one for yourself and pop the big question.

Even before you begin the search for your future fiancé’s ring, it’s critical to establish a budget. There’s a long-standing suggestion that you should spend at least three months’ salary for it to be meaningful enough to have an impact. However, that’s a myth that’s grown more and more outdated, as the price tag ultimately has less bearing on your significant other’s reaction than the overall effort. In reality, there are no hard and fast rules on what they’ll consider the right amount. It’s entirely subjective exactly how much you should drop, so you needn’t go into debt just because you think it’ll make an impression.

Because, let’s face it: some women will prefer a smaller, less expensive diamond, others a different type of stone, and still others will forgo a setting altogether. Of course, now and then, the price may be up there on her list of requirements — it is important to some people. But that doesn’t make it an open invitation for careless spending. On the contrary: you should create a budget that you feel is right for your significant other, one that allows you to find the best ring for her particular tastes. Trust us when we say that you’ll both be all the happier for it.

Once you decide how much you’re looking to spend, your next step is to consider the needs of your significant other. In general, we’d recommend that you work with her friends and family to determine the right course of action. After all, many women will have a specific vision for their ring, so consulting someone close to her will ensure that the execution lives up to the expectation. Should you still find yourself in doubt, try consulting your jeweler. With their wealth of industry knowledge and years of engagement ring expertise, rest assured — they’ll be able to get you sorted. Oh, and if all else fails, you can always go straight to the source and ask her what she wants.

It’s also worth noting that she may not even have a set of requirements for how her ring should look. In fact, your significant other could very well prefer a surprise over providing you with a shopping list of essentials. If this does happen to be the case, go with what your gut tells you. So long as the intention is genuine and the choice is heartfelt, she’ll be happy with however the ring takes shape. Again, you shouldn’t feel the need to embark on the buying process alone. Even if she doesn’t have a clear idea of what she wants, chances are pretty good that a sibling, a parent, or a best friend will be able to tell you if you have the right idea in mind.

When attempting to buy the best ring for your future fiancé, it’s a good idea to look to the rest of her current jewelry. In particular, you should pay attention to things like material, stone, and setting. So, if your significant other normally wears silver, she’s unlikely to want something made from gold. And if her tastes are more minimalist than they are statement-making, needless to say — you should buy a shape to suit. Below we go into buying pre-made versus designing your own so you can choose with 100% confidence.

Buying Pre-Designed: Above all else, pre-designed rings have the advantage of a timely arrival. Because of their mass production, they offer a pretty quick turnaround, usually ready in as little as 4-6 weeks. What’s more, buying a ring off the shelf makes for a far less complicated experience, as you don’t have to consider as many options and you’re also not having to rely on someone to create her vision. Such convenience comes at a cost, though — she’ll be one among many wearing the same setting.

Designing Your Own: With little exception, designing your own ring will prove a much better buy. For in addition to giving you total control over the final product, it also shows that you went above and beyond to do something special. Oh, and it’s not nearly as expensive as you might think. With Clean Origin’s customization service, for instance, you have the choice of four different band styles, four different materials, and nine different stone shapes — all the while coming in at a price point comparable to that of a ready-made ring.

If you’re looking to get the best bang for your buck, Clean Origin’s lab-grown diamonds are a no-brainer. For starters, they offer an excellent value proposition, as larger stones and nicer settings come considerably cheaper than that of the competition. And here’s the thing — the affordable price point doesn’t compromise the quality. That’s because, along with being 100% ethically sourced (meaning less environmental impact), they’re also independently certified, rated by third-party labs to ensure that they’re up to snuff when it comes to things like cut, color, carat, polish, and symmetry.

As if that wasn’t enough, though, Clean Origin provides some pretty comprehensive customer service. In practice, this means that you have ready access to a team of diamond experts, with free virtual appointments that can be scheduled at your own convenience. But the support doesn’t end there; once you find her perfect ring, you even get free resizing to ensure that the fit is in line with the presentation. And in the unlikely event that you should have to send it back (for whatever reason), Clean Origin even offers a no-nonsense 100-day return policy. Put another way, your only commitment is to your future fiancé — not some ring she’ll be wearing.

Quiet Beauty Engagement Ring

This simple solitaire ring makes for a great way to put your lab-grown diamond on full display. With its thin band and clean setting, it’s perfect for women who like a more understated aesthetic.

Purchase: $960+

Grand Delicate Halo Ring

For those who want to make more of a statement, you can’t go wrong with this eye-catching halo option. In addition to a large center diamond, it also features a ring of recessed stones and a stunning scalloped pavé band.

Purchase: $1,465+

Golden Gate Bridal Set

When you’re after a ring that’s as timeless as it is elegant, this dazzling bridal set is easily your best bet. It combines a modern, minimalist setting with some old-world scrolling to result in a design that’ll continue to impress for years to come.

Purchase: $2,155+