Every couple is different and so is every diamond. Girls have been dreaming about their wedding since they were little girls. Those of you who have an extensive wedding board (guilty), it can only add more pressure than what is needed. For some women, a ring is just a symbol of the man they love finally taking the next step. While for others, picking out a ring is just as much as a commitment as walking down the aisle. My advice for you ladies is to do what feels right or some cases what is less stress on the man. He is of course, forking out a large amount of money to make you happy. Let’s at least make it a joyful and rewarding experience.

If you chose to help him look at rings, then I have some helpful hints. One, this is perfectly normal. I spoke with a manager of one of Arkansas’ finest jewelry stores and he reassured all the girls in this position, “I wish they all came in to help.” Why? Well, as diamonds scale in pricing and men are no longer spending $100 dollars on a simple ring, it is just not as reassuring as it used to be. Luckily, we gathered some advice on the biggest jewelry purchase… well, ever.

Before you go ring shopping:

1.) Treat yourself to a manicure! You know diamonds look better with manicured nails, so go for it! Make sure to choose a color that will not take away from your ring. After your nails are done and your hands are massaged, there is really no excuse for any diamond not to glow on your hand.

2.) Study the 4 C’s! The 4 C’s are the easiest way to learn more about your diamond you are buying. The color, cut, clarity and carat weight will determine a lot about your diamond. First, if you are truly obsessed with a sparkly whopper on your left ring finger, your price range may not allow it to be perfect clarity. That doesn’t mean it isn’t perfect to the eye, but it’s something you should know before you write the check.

3.) Know your budget and stick to it! If you suffer from ETPB (Expensive Taste on a Poor Budget) like I do, it is very important you consult your love to see how much he can afford. You don’t want to guilt him into buying you a ten thousand dollar ring when he really wanted to spend five thousand. It will make him feel inadequate or just broke. Stick to your budget. I promise you can do it.

During your shopping experience:

1.) Only try on rings in your budget! Trust me. It is very hard to choose a ring that is 1 carat after you try on a 2 carat diamond. It will look small compared to the other, while a full carat is a nice size ring. Save yourself the trouble.

2.) Have Fun! How many times will this happen in your lifetime? Hopefully, this will be the only time. So, go in and have fun. Try on rings and kiss your boyfriend. It is important you have that stunning “this is it” moment.

3.) Kiss your Future Fiancé! Most men don’t like to ring shop. Most don’t like shopping at all, but he did this because he wants you to be just as in love with your ring as he is with you. He wants you to be happy and most importantly… He wants you.

So ladies, the time has come. Start picking out which nail color compliments your skin and set a date to go look after lunch one Saturday afternoon. It may just be the best date yet!

Let’s all take a moment to look at the beauty on our left ring finger. That sparkling perfection is a symbol of commitment for a lifetime. So how do we honor  and respect the money just invested on your shiny new baby. We take care of it.

We also need to take a moment to realize how losing a ring would kill us inside. This is  the ring that your fiancé gave you to express that you were everything to him. This is the ring that your husband put on your finger on your wedding day. This is the  ring you hid in your house because it wouldn’t fit your finger when you were  pregnant and felt naked without.

These memories symbolized by the ring cannot be replaced if you left it at a department store, at the bottom of the lake or in the mulch of your mother’s yard. So, take my advice, put your baby away for days like these:

Lake Day: Come on; let’s guess how deep the dark muddy waters are? If you are like me and can’t even guess… then just remember the likely hood of ever finding your ring  again. Besides, it would take away from tubing, swimming, tanning and playing with your family and friends.

Gardening Day: For the ladies with a green thumb, dirt, mulch and lining can hide a ring pretty well. Especially when that ring’s shine is covered in dirt, grime or weeds.

Farm Day: If you love to be outside and enjoy four-wheeler riding or riding horses, beware of having too much fun and it slipping off your finger. I have lost a good sum of rings to mother nature.

The Nightlife: Don’t get me wrong with the subheading, not wearing your ring to a bar might cause some issues. I mean more of an urban night scene. If you are in a more urban area,  you may not want to attract more attention to yourself with a beautiful ring. It may attract the wrong crowd: the ones with “sticky” fingers.

If you have tan line from never taking off your ring, don’t fret. I have something that could still symbolize your eternal love in these situations. Monograms are the “it” thing right now, and I think they may be on to something. Why not have a cute monogram ring for your “replacement” ring for days like these. They are less than 100 dollars and are super cute even as a fashion ring. It may save you time, money and sadness along the way or it would just make a very cute wedding presents.

Who doesn’t love a great wedding present idea?

Well guys, if you're anything like I was when I first went shopping for an engagement ring, the sum total of your knowledge is that it's supposed to be a diamond and the bigger the better. Well, the bad news is you may not know as much as you think, neither of those things being strictly true, though they COULD be true. No need to worry, the good news is that I'm here to lay it all out for you. I've done the research, found the information and am here to impart it.

Wedding Ring

Some Engagement Ring Basics

The easiest and surest way to buy the perfect engagement ring is to take your intended along with you. Does that kill the romance? Perhaps but it results in a choice that she'll love, and she'll be wearing that ring forever! Still, this article is predicated on the idea that you'll not be taking this particular piece of advice, so without further ado, here are some basic ring buying tips with which you need to be familiar.

First of all, the goal is to buy a ring that she will love, not like, LOVE. Again, she'll be wearing this for the rest of her life. The best way to go about that is to model this new ring after jewelry that she already owns. Now is not the time to be trying something new and exciting; you want something that she'll be comfortable wearing and that will match the jewelry she loves to wear.

For example, if the majority of the jewelry she wears is silver or platinum, you want to be sure and avoid a gold setting. If she has a thing for rubies, maybe a diamond is the wrong stone. I know that sounds odd, but it does happen. And if all of Continue reading "A Man's Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring" »