Deciding What Size Engagement Ring to Buy

If you’re considering popping the question, one of the biggest (and perhaps most stressful) decisions that you will make is the ring. Not only the style of the ring, but also the size of a diamond or gemstone that you would like to have on that ring. There is no exact diamond size that is right for everyone, so the size you decide on ultimately depends on several different factors that you should weigh carefully. Here are some tips to help you choose.

1: What is Your Budget?

Many people use the guideline that you should spend about three months’ salary on an engagement ring, but that is certainly not a hard-and-fast rule for ring buying. What you spend on the ring is not a reflection of your love for the person, so if taking out a loan equal to three months’ of salary is too much debt for you to take on, or if you think that it would not be financially feasible, you certainly don’t have to spend that amount.

If you don’t have money saved specifically for the ring, you can also consider getting financing from the jewelry store, but it’s important to make sure that it’s an affordable rate and you are able to repay the loan without a financial strain—after all, even the perfect ring might not be worth the stress of financial debt.

2: What Style Does She Like?

The size of ring you buy may depend on her personal style. If she is looking for a single solitaire diamond, for example, you may need to opt for a larger diamond. If, on the other hand, she loves the style of a halo ring or a band, you might be able to get a smaller (or no) center diamond and still get a gorgeous ring she can be proud to wear.

3: Does She Want a Traditional Diamond?

Another important thing to consider is whether she wants a diamond at all. Not all women are interested in getting the traditional diamond for their ring, so if she is interested in something that is a little more unique, she might be happier with another type of gemstone, such as a sapphire, which will cost less and comes in a variety of colors beyond just the traditional blue.

Another way you might be able to save is with a diamond cut that is different from the usual round. Since that’s the most popular choice, it usually costs more than cuts like square (princess cut), tapered-edge (cushion cut), rectangle, or oval.

The engagement ring you choose should be a reflection of your feelings for your soon-to-be-spouse, so whatever size you decide to get make sure you tell her how much you care about her and express your commitment and undying love.