Buying an engagement ring doesn't have to be difficult. With a little preparation, you can dazzle your partner with a ring they'll adore for years to come. Use the guide for tips on finding the perfect ring to accompany those four special words.

3 Tips For Buying an Engagement Ring 

1. Set a Budget

While the amount you spend does play a role in the size and quality of the ring you choose, an engagement ring's worth should come from the meaning behind it.

Deciding on a budget will help you set a realistic expectation for the gem you choose, as well as its characteristics and design. Try “buying shy” or selecting a weight that’s slightly under the next carat size to save money without compromising the look of the stone.

2. Choose a Style

Selecting a ring style might be the most challenging part of the buying process. For guidance, consider your partner's unique taste.

Think about their clothing style, their interests, and the style of jewelry they already own. If they love old movies, classic art, and vintage-inspired designs, look for a ring that matches that aesthetic.

Consider asking your partner's friends and relatives for advice. Doing a bit of digging into your significant other’s social media and online inspiration boards might also prove fruitful. 

3. Learn The Four C's

The four C's refer to a diamond's cut, color, clarity, and carat. Understanding these factors will help you make an educated decision on the stone, including its quality, appearance, and cost.

The cut is the number one decider of a diamond's beauty. Excellent and ideal cuts ensure your stone offers the most brilliance. Color refers to where the diamond falls on the GIA color scale and is graded based on a stone’s lack of color, ranging to those that emit a yellow hue. Clarity denotes a diamond’s internal and external blemishes and their severity, while carat determines the overall size of a diamond.

For an engagement ring your partner will swoon over, visit Schwartz Jewelers in Cincinnati, OH. For over 73 years, their team of professional jewelers has provided beautiful, high-quality jewelry, including engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, and timepieces, from a variety of precious metals, including gold, platinum, and silver. To speak with a jeweler, call (513) 541-5627. Visit their website to learn more about their beautiful selection.