Choosing the perfect & ideal engagement ring for the person of your dreams is no easy feat. Many people report that an engagement ring is one of the most expensive things they have ever purchased, on top of the challenge of getting the proposal just right. This double pressure can make buying a ring a stressful experience, so here are some of the ways you can ensure you choose the perfect option.

1. Find Out if Size is the Most Important Thing

finding the ideal engagement ring

It's a common belief that the size of the engagement ring is the most important factor – with many people longing for a huge stone. However, this isn't always the case, and many newly engaged couples report that they were more concerned with the type of stone, or the number of carats, than they were with the size. 

2. Find a Ring with a Story

It's difficult not to fall in love with a beautiful ring with an incredible back story. If you want to buy something totally unique for your lover, find something that has travelled from another country or previously belonged to a famous historical figure or family.

3. Choose Custom Made

If you've been shopping around and just can't seem to find the perfect engagement ring, consider working with a jeweller to have the ring custom-made. This is likely to come with a higher price tag and will be easier if your partner is involved too, but can be the ultimate option to finding the ideal engagement ring.

4. Ensure Adjustments are Possible

It can take a huge amount of stress away from ring shopping if you can take the item back for adjustments if needed. This also means that you don't have to consult with your partner about any aspect of the ring since you can bring it back for resizing or shaping later. 

5. Speak to Other Friends

Talk to the friends of your partner about what they like. Invite one or more of them to come shopping with you or to browse jewellery online for suggestions of styles and materials. They may know simple details such as whether your partner prefers gold or silver, or what their favourite precious stone is. 

6. Only Go Big if You Can Afford It

Spending three months' salary on an engagement ring – as marketing messaging suggests – is unnecessary and should only be done if you can afford it. In fact, splashing out too much on an engagement ring when you can't afford it could leave your partner feeling concerned about your future money-managing skills.

7. It's More About the Proposal Than the Ring

While it's important to put time and effort into finding the ideal engagement ring for the person who will hopefully be your future spouse, the location and approach you choose for the proposal will be the part that is remembered forever. 

There is no set formula to finding the perfect engagement ring. It will depend on your partner's tastes, your budget, and the informed decisions you make while shopping around.