Five tips to help you pick the best engagement ring

You want to propose, and you want the moment to be perfect. Getting the right ring is part of that perfect moment, and we'd love to help you put a ring on it.

We understand just how big a deal proposing is. Everyone wants a memorable engagement, and because the ring is one of the most crucial things, choosing one can be tricky. 

We give you five tips to help you pick the perfect ring. 

Determine your budget

One of the first things you have to determine before buying the ring is the actual budget. Ring prices differ significantly. While some can cost a couple of hundreds or thousands, others can set you back significantly more, like the most expensive engagement ring for R147 million. 

So determine your budget and stick to it. Oh, and when it comes to budget, it's better to be realistic. Don't buy a ring that will leave you in debt. 

If you find a ring that you like but don't have enough money for it, rather save up for it or do a lay-by. Most stores allow for lay-by, and the good thing is you won't have to pay interests. 

Read the fine print

Make sure that the are paying the right price for a ring, and the only way to determine this is by looking the ring specifications. 

Don't just assume the ring is all gold, because you might find that it's actually just gold-plated. Insist on a certificate if you're purchasing a ring with precious stones like diamonds. Your certificate is your guarantee and also allows for recourse should something go wrong.

Look at character (likes and dislikes)

One of the best guides in buying a ring is looking at your partner's character - dislikes and likes. Do they love bling, or prefers simple things? Some people won't even mind a simple band for an engagement ring, while for others, it's all about the big bling.

Take note of their style and accessory choices and you should get a clear indication.

Just ask 

You're probably thinking that would spoil the surprise, but your partner doesn't need to know what it is you're actually asking. There are so many wedding shows on TV right now, you could easily watch one with them and comment on the ring. They key here is to listen carefully to what their opinions are and take it into account when buying the ring. 

As long as you keep it nonchalant and within the context of the situation, your partner will be none the wiser.

Go for quality 

You don't need to spend hundreds of thousands of Rands to get a quality ring. While it will probably be a bit more pricy that others, if you can, you should try and get one. Consider the 4 C's - cut, colour, clarity and carat weight if you are buying a diamond ring, and have a look at the gold quality too.

Remember this ring should be able to withstand every day life and tasks, so try and get the best quality you can afford. 

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