WTF, Which Engagement Ring Is Right For Me?
What if I make the wrong expensive choice and I’m stuck with this thing on my finger forever? - WTF Bride
3-4-6. Sounds like a warranty right?
Actually, that’s how many years I’ve spent in three very different relationships. At the three year mark in each love story (LIKE CLOCKWORK), my brain circuitry spikes in oxytocin and I ask each boyfriend, “So, are you going to marry me?”
Despite how blunt and tactless I am, I get three yeses from each man - at three different times. Obviously, this isn’t daytime soap. The third yes is different, because I already knew I was going to marry WTF Hubby at the start of our relationship. It just took a decade of dating to not be a total commitment-phobe!
Then when it was time to choose an engagement ring, it returns in an episode called The Commitment-Phobia Strikes Back. While other people get lost in daydreams and unicorn magic from the mesmerizing ring glimmer, I only felt UGH - Unnecessary Glaring Heartburn.
What if I make the wrong expensive choice and I’m stuck with this thing on my finger forever?!
If the thought of engagement rings make your toes curl up with joy - that's awesome! I knew I didn’t have another decade to figure out this new chapter of life so I called in the cavalry - my Mom.
This is how she saved my butt.
How I Found My Perfect Engagement Ring
1. Go to a small jewellery store.
My friend once said, “Try not to feel overwhelmed, although everything will be over stimulating: the lights, the selection, the salespeople...”
He was right.
When I went into a big jewellery store, I wanted to spike my bubbletea and skip town. A small store worked way better for me.
2. Does the ring fit your lifestyle?
My mom knew the owner of the store, so she spent a good portion of the time talking about ME. Not only was she successful in keeping the embarrassment to a minimum (SO MUCH PRACTICE YOU GUYS), the owner was able to narrow the choices down to four different settings (e.g., halo, prong, pavé, three-stone) that would fit my lifestyle.
3. Choose the setting.
Hi, Indecision called and it wanted to talk to me! Choosing the setting was the trickiest step.
I liked the pavé look, but that little voice asked me, “Do you? Do you really?”
Luckily, Mom picked up the pavé setting and said, “This one is classic and fits you the most.”
4. Choose your stone. Know your 4 C’s!
What helped me here was knowing that there was no such thing as a perfectly flawless diamond.
Let’s break down how diamonds get their good (or dismal) grades.
Cut - Not to be confused with the SHAPE of the diamond (Well, excuse me for being a noob). Cut affects how sparkly your new rock is. Jewellers advise picking a great cut while toning it down on carats if you want a more budget-friendly option.
Colour - You want your diamond to be as close to colourless as you can get, unless you want to be an unconventional badass. In that case, you also save money!
Clarity - All diamonds have imperfections called inclusions. You can save some money if you choose one with inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye.
Carats - I tried on different carats until I felt I had found my happy medium. Even then, I remember how heavy it felt when WTF Hubby slipped it onto my finger at the lavender fields.
This one really comes down to personal preference and budget!
Will you Splurge or Save on your engagement ring?
Mom and I are super close. From prom dresses to engagement rings, I am so thankful for my Mom’s help! She has always had a knack for picking out beautiful things and seeing the beauty in people. Having her share in this moment makes it the more special to me and WTF Hubby.
Good luck in your engagement ring shopping, WTF Friends! If you are already engaged, please share your stories here!
Also, do you get mesmerized, distracted, or lost in the shininess of your e-ring?
Haha, you are not alone!