There’s more to a successful proposal than knowing your partner’s ring size and ensuring her BFF has taken her for a mani “just to catch up.” Here are four other factors to consider when you find yourself ready to pull the engagement trigger.
Don’t Assume Your Partner Wants a Diamond
This might sound wild, but it’s true. More and more brides are looking for something a bit outside the princess-cut box and opting for gemstones, which not only look stunning in photos, but come with cool meanings, too. For instance, a sapphire symbolizes wisdom, loyalty, and faith. A ruby represents purity and passion (ooh la la). Tourmaline is October’s birthstone.
Another idea is to incorporate his or her birthstone—or both, which is a sweet way to show unity and commitment.
Money Saver: Don’t Get Hung Up on the Setting
If money is a factor, don’t feel pressured to go with an ornate setting. Nine times out of ten, the rock is more important, so splurge there and leave the setting plain. It can always be changed down the road.
Understand Sustainability
Where the ring came from, how it arrived there, and how it was made is incredibly important to look into if sustainability is a priority. Look for rings described as “ethically-sourced,” which means 1) the gemstone is traceable to where it was mined; 2) it didn’t stop in any sweatshops along the way to the jeweler; 3) the band is recycled (nearly all gold is actually recycled today, btw); and 4) it wasn’t manufactured in a country with poor working conditions.
Last But Definitely Not Least: Remember to Buy Insurance
Until that sucker is on her finger, it’s your responsibility to care for it. The most vital thing you can do besides not forgetting where you hide it is to insure it. Jewelry insurance can be purchased online by credible companies such as Jewelers Mutual, which is the preferred insurer by most jewelers (you can also go through the big ones like Geico and Progressive).
And, jewelry is actually absurdly cheap. Like any insurance, the cost to insure varies by zip code, but only slightly; in New York City, for example, a $5,000 ring costs $93/year to insure, while in Dallas the same priced ring is $72/year to insure, and in Toledo it’s $55.
