When you find the person you want to marry, you’ll want to give them the perfect engagement ring. To get the ball rolling on this milestone purchase, head to a reliable pawnshop to browse their selection and garner inspiration. Here are three pieces of advice to help you choose the perfect ring to commemorate your love.

How to Purchase an Engagement Ring

1. Set a Budget

You don’t need to spend two or three months’ worth of salary to buy an engagement ring; your budget should be based on what you feel comfortable spending. Look at your finances, assess your upcoming payments, and browse rings to determine how much you should save.

Don’t discount pawnshops—they typically have a wide variety of high-quality merchandise that’s been verified and appraised. Since these credible stores offer affordable rings, you can put more money toward the ceremony and reception.

2. Consider Their Style

While your sweetheart will appreciate the ring regardless of its appearance, try to get a piece they’d love. For example, if most of their jewelry is gold, opt for a gold band and setting. If you aren’t sure about your loved one’s style preferences, ask their friends or family members for advice. Record this information and bring it to the pawnshop or jewelry store to help you make a decision.

3. Know the 4C’s

Diamonds are judged on their cut, color, clarity, and carat. Cut refers to how well the gem reflects light—a small, well-cut diamond will sparkle more than a large, poorly cut one. While there are colored gemstones, colorless diamonds are traditional for engagement rings. The color of a diamond depends on how pure its coloring, or lack thereof, is.

Clarity details how many imperfections there are within the stone, which can make it appear cloudy and less brilliant. Diamonds are measured in carats, with 200 milligrams of stone equaling one carat. While a big gem may be impressive, it should also have high markings in the other categories to be truly stunning.

If you’re shopping for an engagement ring for your sweetheart, head to A Happy Pawn in Chinatown, HI. This reliable pawnshop is a member of the Better Business Bureau® and offers an extensive jewelry selection that features gold, silver, and precious gems. Learn more about their services online, or call (808) 383-5253 to ask about their current inventory.