Engagement Rings shopping tips: What to know before you buy, according to an expert.

Looking for a ring for your engagement? Don’t overlook these expert hints. Getty Images) Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away, and as the holiday approaches, many people are getting ready to propose on one of the most arguably romantic days of the year.

Since nearly 2.24 million weddings are anticipated in 2023, an increase in engagements is likely to occur in the coming months, according to a recent forecast from The Wedding Report. That is still a significant increase from the low of 1.3 million in 2020 when there were 2.5 million weddings.

If you are looking for the ideal ring to commemorate your relationship with less than a month to go until the big day, keep reading for everything you need to think about before making a purchase.

With these expert suggestions, Engagement Rings shopping will be less stressful. Getty Images) How much to spend on an engagement ring The amount to spend on an engagement ring is up to the individual, despite the out-of-date “rules” that might suggest otherwise. WeddingStats.org reports that the average price of an engagement ring in Canada in 2021—the most recent year available—was $3,500, while The Knot reported that the average price of an engagement ring in the United States was $5,600.

Having said that, before you start shopping for an engagement ring, you should establish a spending plan that takes into account your lifestyle and income.

Take into consideration the center stone of your engagement ring. There is no denying the appeal of a diamond engagement ring because the precious stone represents love, faithfulness, and commitment.

Although stones like Moissanite are gaining popularity as alternatives to conventionally mined diamonds, a survey conducted by The Knot in 2021 found that 85 percent of people who bought rings chose diamonds as the center stone.

However, in light of growing environmental and ethical concerns, the gemstone’s appeal appears to have diminished recently, and customers are choosing alternatives that are both economically and fairly traded. The lab-grown diamond is here.

You can save money by choosing between diamonds that are mined and diamonds that are grown in a lab.

What is a diamond grown in a lab?

Lab-grown diamonds are produced in controlled lab conditions rather than being mined from the earth using frequently questionable methods. The stones are produced with a fraction of the environmental impact of mined diamonds using technology that mimics the natural process of growing diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds are not only better for the environment but also cheaper and come with a guarantee that they were not extracted from a conflict zone.

Anna-Mieke Anderson, the founder of the lab-grown diamond company MiaDonna, explains, “It’s like getting ice from your freezer versus getting it from a glacier.”

When is the ideal time to begin looking for an engagement ring?

According to Jeff Brenner, co-founder of the jewelry brand Couple, if you are one of the majority and are planning to propose this Valentine’s Day but have not yet started shopping, it may be a little late to start, particularly if you are looking for something custom-made.

“Usually, to be safe, I recommend shopping for a ring six months in advance, but at least three,” Brenner stated, “It depends on how confident you are in your partner’s desires and how much research you have done in advance.

Even though you can always find rings for the last minute (look for ones that are ready to ship), you shouldn’t rush buying an engagement ring. You should shop around and compare designs from a variety of retailers before purchasing to ensure that you are not pressured into buying something you don’t like.

What to know before buying an engagement ring Before buying an important piece of jewelry, such as an engagement ring, a present for a loved one, or a gift for any other special occasion, Brenner offered his top shopping advice:

Pay close attention, observe, and listen. You have no idea the number of people who make the wrong decision simply because they are not listening and are not picking up on hints like magazines that have been left open on the coffee table.

Make a budget, learn about your options within it, and give yourself some time to consider your options.

Last but not least, if you can’t decide, go with a timeless design rather than trying to come up with something original.