Popping the big question
Information compiled by Renae Cowley and additional info provided by Hillary Kirshman from S.E. Needham Jewelers.
Preparation:
* Plan ahead. Period. * Make popping the question personal to you. Don’t try and outdo your friends, but tailor it to your relationship and style. * Asking her father for permission is not old-fashioned and doing so could gain you a lot of respect from the future in-laws. * Budgeting for a ring is crucial. You get what you pay for, but you don’t always have to break the bank. Average price of a ring with a one-half or three-fourth-carat center stone ranges from $2,500 to $3,500. * Tension settings can take up to three weeks, and custom rings can take up to two weeks (if purchased at S.E. Needham Jewelers). Most rings can be picked out and sized within one day, however.
Ring Selection:
* 80-90 percent of couples go in together to select a style and stone within their budget. It may take a few times of coming in to finally choose a ring. * Occasionally a gentlemen will come in alone, sometimes with a picture or idea of what his fiancee wants. * Many times, girls will come in alone or with their girlfriends and roommates in anticipation of the big question to carouse the selection and create a “wish list.”
Popular Styles:
* White gold or two-tone with rose gold is very popular. * Princess and round-cut are classic and frequently ordered as well as more unique cuts such as asscher and trillion. However, there are many to choose from at each store. Once again, it’s good to know what cut of diamond the girl likes the most.
Advice:
* Think long term. Don’t just get the best deal out of the gate. * Just like a pair of jeans, rings wear out. Prongs can come loose and bands can become scratched. Make sure you can bring your ring back to the store to get minor repairs if needed. * Be cautious of the jeweler. Look at getting a certified warranty, or you could pay in the long run. * Don’t go above your means. You can always upgrade later. “No girl wants to make payments on her ring after she is married,” Kirschman said.
Real-life Account:
* Kirschman told the account of a young courtier several years back who had purchased a ring in preparation of proposing and had tied the ring box to a collection of balloons. The balloons were swept off in the wind with the ring in tow, and he never fould the ring. But since the ring was under warranty, Kirschman said he was provided with a replacement.