How to Shop for Engagement Rings: Guide to Buying the Perfect Ring to Pop the Question

Deciding you’re going to ask the person you love to marry you is an exciting revelation. You’re so eager to take the next step in your forever story - but before you can get down on one knee and pop the question, you need to go engagement ring shopping.

This is supposed to be part of the fun of proposing, and yet, so many find it stressful and overwhelming. We’re here to help with our engagement ring shopping guide.

After all, we’ve played a part in quite a few happily ever afters here at Alexis Russell with our unique engagement rings. Learn all about how to shop for engagement rings, including when to start, where to look, whether you should loop your partner in or not, and much, much more. Better yet, take all the guesswork and uncertainty out of shopping for an engagement ring by connecting with one of our Sales and Service specialists.

We have ready to ship engagement rings and the AR Design Studio where you can create a custom engagement ring to make your dream ring a reality!

When Should You Start Shopping for an Engagement Ring?

First things first, is now the right time to start shopping for an engagement ring? Timing is everything here. Starting too late can leave you scrambling for options, while starting too early might feel overwhelming if you’re not ready to commit to a decision.

You should know that it takes time to get an engagement ring in your hands, even if you buy a standard option without any customization. Finding the perfect ring alone can take days if not weeks. Custom rings can take several weeks to months to design, create, and ship.

This is not something you want to feel rushed through, so our advice is to start as early as possible. A little window shopping never hurt anyone, after all! Give yourself plenty of runway to weigh options and find the perfect ring for your love story.

Of course, if you have a special date in mind for your proposal—perhaps a holiday, anniversary, or a meaningful trip for you and your partner—you'll need to plan your engagement ring shopping accordingly.

Are You Supposed to Go Engagement Ring Shopping With Your Fiancé to Be?

There are two schools of thought here - one is that you can’t possibly know what your partner wants in an engagement ring if you don’t involve them whatsoever. The other is that this is supposed to be a surprise that leaves them speechless, and you should leave them in the dark. The answer is likely somewhere in the middle and will depend entirely on your unique relationship.

Some couples decide to go engagement ring shopping together with no intention of purchasing anything - rather, to figure out what the “perfect” ring is for when the time comes. This allows your partner to have direct input so that the ring aligns with their style and preferences. They can try on different gemstones with various carat weights, settings, and metals. This way you can feel confident picking the ideal ring when you finally do decide to buy one.

After all, part of what makes engagement ring shopping so stressful is it can feel like a guessing game. The stakes are high, and you don’t want your partner to be disappointed when you pop the box open and unveil the ring.

On the other hand, keeping the ring a surprise adds an element of romance and spontaneity to your proposal. There are plenty of other ways you can get a sense of what your partner wants in a ring. Ask their friends and family, or see if you can find a Pinterest board they’ve curated. You can also take a look at the jewelry they wear regularly. Are they into more simple, understated styles or do they like to make a statement with bold, unique designs?

Striking a balance tends to be the best approach as far as how to shop for engagement rings goes. Talk about general preferences, such as gemstone types or ring styles, but do the actual shopping yourself.

You know your relationship best, though, so we’ll leave that decision to you. In the meantime, let’s get into how to buy an engagement ring below!

How to Shop for Engagement Rings: Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Engagement Rings

Engagement ring shopping doesn’t have to be a stressful, overwhelming experience. In fact, this can be one of the most seamless, enjoyable processes of your life when you follow the right approach and work with an experienced jeweler committed to making your dreams come true. So, read through this step-by-step guide to buying engagement rings, or simply connect with our team at Alexis Russell and we’ll guide you through how to shop for engagement rings one-on-one.

Decide on a Budget

The first thing we recommend you do is come up with a rough budget. This will help you avoid falling in love with certain rings only to deal with the heartbreaking realization that it’s out of your price range.

One of the most important things to keep in mind throughout this process is that your ring should reflect your unique relationship. Don’t abide by dated rules like those claiming the ring should cost “three month’s salary.”

That being said, you can expect to spend between $1,500 to $5,000+. The actual price point will largely depend on the gemstone you choose. So, let’s get into it.

Settle on a Gemstone

When most people think of shopping for engagement rings, they envision diamonds. These are the classic choice and a symbol of eternal love.

However, the days of diamonds reigning supreme are starting to dwindle down as more and more people are discovering alternative gemstone options.

We’ve seen a trend toward alternative gemstones over diamonds, especially for couples who want to celebrate individuality. You can choose your birthstone, or perhaps the gemstone associated with the month you met your partner. Here are some of the our favorite options:

• Sapphires: Primarily known for their deep blue hue but also available in pink, yellow, and green. They’re vibrant, durable, and oftentimes more affordable than diamonds.
• Lab Grown Diamond: A stunning diamond alternative with brilliance just like a natural diamond. It’s an ethical and affordable option for couples seeking a high-impact stone.
• Salt and Pepper Diamonds: These have unique inclusions and create a one-of-a-kind, speckled appearance - perfect for those who love a raw, unconventional look.
• Emeralds: A symbol of renewal and love with a rich green hue that’s both bold and timeless. They’re softer than diamonds, so we recommend a stronger setting, like a bezel for extra protection.
• Morganite: Its delicate blush-pink hue exudes romance and femininity. Popular for modern couples looking for a softer, more colorful alternative to traditional stones.

Take your time in looking at all your gemstone options. Here at Alexis Russell we specialize in unique gemstone engagement rings, ranging from sapphire to emerald, opal, sunstone, garnet, and more. See which catches your eye and speaks to your heart.

Understanding the 4 Cs and Other Stone Considerations

The gemstone itself is just one piece of the puzzle. Once you’ve landed on a specific stone you need to figure out how you want it to look. This is where the 4 Cs of gemstones come into play:

Cut

affects how light reflects off the diamond and speaks to its sparkle. A well-cut diamond reflects light internally and externally for maximum sparkle, while a poorly cut one can appear dull, even if its other qualities are excellent.
1. Color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (noticeable yellow or brown tint). Colorless diamonds are the most traditional and desirable, but slightly tinted diamonds, especially in the near-colorless range (G-J), can offer excellent value.
2. Clarity refers to inclusions (internal flaws) or blemishes (surface imperfections). Grades range from Flawless (FL) to Included (I). Higher clarity grades are more brilliant, while inclusions in grades like VS1 or VS2 are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye.
3. Carat measures the weight of the stone, but remember - larger isn’t always better. While larger stones can make a bold statement, their brilliance depends on the cut. A smaller diamond with an excellent cut can appear just as dazzling as a heavier weight stone.

For non-traditional gemstones, the focus shifts to unique characteristics like hue and inclusions. There are plenty of other things to figure out besides the 4 Cs, too. One of these is the actual shape of your stone.

Popular shapes include the timeless round brilliant or pear, the elegant oval, the vintage-inspired cushion cut, and the bold emerald cut. Less conventional options like kite, marquise, and trillion shapes can make a statement in their own right.

One final thing to note is the source of the gemstone. Ethical sourcing is more important than ever, as you don’t want your love story tainted - stick with conflict-free diamonds, sustainably mined gemstones, and recycled metals. At Alexis Russell we work with suppliers that source from mines abiding by the Kimberley Process.

Select the Perfect Setting

So much emphasis is placed on the stone, and rightfully so - it’s the centerpiece of your ring, after all. But the setting is just as important. It defines the ring’s overall style. You have so many options at your disposal, but here are some of the most popular:

• Solitaire settings for timeless simplicity, like our Bryn or Hazel styles
• Halo settings to maximize sparkle and drama, like our Compass or Dahlia styles
• Cigar band settings for bold, modern elegance.
• Vintage-inspired designs for a touch of romance, like our Aster and Ivy styles

The setting should match your partner’s personality and lifestyle. Practicality needs to be accounted for if your partner leads an active life. But whether you prefer a cigar band engagement ring or the more traditional solitaire style, we’ve got you covered at Alexis Russell.

Metal Considerations

Similar to the setting, don’t overlook the metal the band is made from in shopping for an engagement ring, either. Classic options include platinum for its strength and sleek appearance, 18k white gold for a modern touch, and 14k rose gold for a warm, romantic hue.

Each metal has different qualities, such as scratch resistance or maintenance needs. Again, think about your partner’s lifestyle and how the metal will complement your chosen stone.

Sizing the Ring

If you don’t already know your partner’s ring size with 100% certainty, you should make sure you figure that out, of course. There are plenty of subtle ways to do this - maybe you can steal one of the rings they wear on the same finger when they’re not home and get it measured.

Or, you can have a friend or family member ask them discreetly or bring it up in conversation. Keep in mind you don’t need to stress too much about this, as many jewelers offer a free resizing after the fact. At Alexis Russell we offer free 30-day resizings and you can check out our tips to get it right.

Planning For the Wedding Band

We know you came here to learn how to shop for engagement rings, but don’t get so caught up in this process that you forget to account for the wedding band as well.

Traditionally speaking, many brides choose to pair their engagement ring with a matching wedding band. Some settings, like solitaires, fit seamlessly with most bands, while intricate designs or low-profile settings might require custom bands. The team at Alexis Russell is always available to chat about how your engagement ring will pair with our stacking band designs. And check out our Instagram for some stacking inspo!

Customization Capabilities

Once you have a solid understanding of what type of ring is going to best suit your needs you’ll reach a crossroads: should you try to find that specific ring or should you build it yourself? You’ll pay more for personalization, but it creates something deeper than just a ring - and you can tell your partner ‘I designed this just for you’.

You can customize a lot of different details, like the gemstone, metal, setting, and even engravings within the band. Nothing is off limits - you can pair a moody salt and pepper diamond with a rose gold band, or you can try different round or trillion side stones.

To make the most of customization you need to make sure you’ve given yourself plenty of time to design and actually create the ring. Our custom design process typically takes 3 - 4 weeks depending on the intricacy of the design. You should find a jewelry maker who can bring your vision to life without overlooking any details. More on that in a moment.

Look Into Certifications

Any time you’re buying gemstones - be it diamonds or sapphires - it’s worth looking into certifications. This gives you peace of mind that you’re buying a genuine stone, not a simulated counterfeit.

There are plenty of reputable organizations you can ask for certification from - like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS).

The certificate will include information on the stone’s quality, including its cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, so you can confidently make your purchase.

Research Jewelers and Weigh Options

Not all jewelers are created equal, and doing your homework can save time and stress. There are tons of options, including some local to you. So where should you go engagement ring shopping?

Find a jeweler who’s willing to educate you about gemstones, settings, and the overall process. Avoid those who pressure you into decisions or dodge questions. They should be eager to make your dreams come true, no matter what that looks like.

Read reviews, browse portfolios, and ask to see examples of past work. Better yet, see if you can get any recommendations from people in your life that you trust.

Weigh your options and consider shopping for engagement rings with a few different brands to get a sense of who is more committed to helping make your vision a reality.

Finalize Your Purchase and Prepare to Pop the Question!

Once you’ve come up with the details for your ring and you’ve found someone who can help you find it or is able to create it from scratch, it’s time to make the purchase.

Consider financing options if you’re on a tight budget, and always double-check the ring size and other little things so that you don’t have to deal with the hassle of adjustments or returns.

If your proposal involves travel or a specific date, coordinate shipping and ensure the ring arrives well in advance. It’s not a bad idea to get the ring insured either - we've partnered with Jeweler’s Mutual for to offer a variety of insurance plans.

Then, it’s just a matter of planning the proposal. Whether it’s an intimate moment at home or a grand gesture, the ring is just one piece of the puzzle.

But, it all starts with buying an engagement ring. Now that you know how to shop for engagement rings, what are you waiting for?

Shopping for Engagement Rings at Alexis Russell is a Fun, Stress-Free Adventure!

Here at Alexis Russel, we believe engagement ring shopping should be as unique and exciting as the love story it celebrates. We’ve reimagined the experience to focus on individuality, creativity, and ease. Whether you chat with one of our specialists over the phone or email or meet with us face to face in our studio for an in-person consultation or a virtual consultation.

Whether you’re drawn to the raw beauty of a salt and pepper diamond engagement ring, the vibrant allure of a sapphire gemstone engagement ring, or the boldness of a black diamond engagement ring, we’re confident something in our inventory will catch your eye and win you over.

If not, that’s perfectly fine - we’ll talk about your preferences and create something one-of-one just for you! Our customization process is quick and easy, as we guide you through buying an engagement ring step-by-step. Our AR Design Studio is a perfect and easy way to create the ring of your dreams.

Every ring is handmade in New York using ethically sourced gemstones and recycled metals so you can feel good about this purchase.

So, whether you’re browsing for ideas or ready to design something entirely personal, Alexis Russell is ready to help bring your dream ring to life.

Take the next step in shopping for engagement rings today!

Wrapping Up Our Engagement Ring Shopping Guide

We hope this guide on how to shop for engagement rings has left you feeling clear and confident in your next steps. This is a big decision, but engagement ring shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow our advice and you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect ring.

From setting a budget and choosing the perfect gemstone to understanding customization options and researching trusted jewelers, each step is an opportunity to create something truly meaningful.

If you’re ready to take the leap and prepare for this next chapter in your relationship, we invite you to shop with us here at Alexis Russell. Celebrate your love with a handcrafted piece that tells your unique story. Get in touch today!