Getting Started: 7 Engagement Ring Shopping Tips to Find the Perfect Ring

We understand that shopping for an engagement ring can seem quite daunting so we're here to help every step of the way. To help make the process streamlined and stress-free, we've rounded up our top seven engagement ring shopping tips. Our experts have weighed in on exactly what to consider, from start to finish, to ensure you find the perfect ring to suit your budget and her style. Keep scrolling for our step-by-step guide with links to additional resources for even more helpful advice.

At the very start of the engagement ring shopping journey, it's important to set a budget. For starters, you can ignore the two-month salary rule. Instead, your budget should depend on what you feel comfortable with. To make sure you find the exactly what you're looking for, we have a variety of setting styles and an extensive diamond inventory to accommodate different price points. Every VOW ring is made with the same care, regardless of the budget.

An engagement ring is something she'll wear every day so it's important that it reflects her personal style. Even if you haven't explicitly discussed what she envisions for her dream ring, there are plenty of ways to get a good idea without asking. One of the easiest ways to discover her dream engagement ring is to check out her VOW design file online. Here is where she gets to save her favorites — so you'll know the exact engagement ring styles she's set her sights on. Her friends, family members, and even Pinterest are additional great resources. Even taking note of the jewelry she already loves and wears can give you some direction—does she only wear gold? Does she gravitate toward vintage-inspired pieces or more modern designs? We have something for every style.

You've likely heard about the four Cs of diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Each of these attributes affects the price, but some matter more or less when determining which diamonds meet your particular preferences and standard — it's all a matter of opinion. You'll want to understand the four Cs so you can can decide what's most important to you, what makes the most sense for your budget, and ultimately feel more confident by knowing exactly what you're shopping for. You can always chat our diamond experts if you have any questions.

Buying shy of the carat is one of the smartest ways to get the most bling for your buck when buying an engagement ring. Prices increase significantly at the full carat mark.

When making a purchase as important as an engagement ring, the paperwork is essential in confirming the quality of the diamond you are buying. All of our diamonds are natural (meaning from the earth, not lab-grown) GIA certified, and guaranteed by our suppliers to be conflict free.

You already have enough to worry about with planning the perfect proposal, so we want your ring-buying experience to be stress-free. We know she'll love the ring you ultimately end up choosing for her, but if it's not quite right, our team is here here to help find her dream ring.

Once she has her engagement ring, you'll want to make sure it's protected. We recommend Jewelers Mutual, which can provide a standalone policy. Alternatively, you can add jewelry to your homeowners insurance with a rider.

Once you've found the perfect engagement ring, here are the best places to propose.