I find it hard to believe this isn't a common issue but it seems hard to find guidance for how a man goes about choosing an engagement ring, I'd be very grateful for guidance
In my opinion men are simple creatures and I suspect that if I am a reasonable example have little clue as to what really matters when choosing a ring.
So, well, it's got to fit, I know the size... (yay me)... there's apparently some significance to the choice of metal ( I guess silver is out, is that because it's too soft or too cheap?! It needs to be white so I assume white gold or platinum.
So far so good. Now, how it looks, I've figured out some of this, it'll be pave (those expensive shiny bits half way around the band!), the stone will be round, princess or cushion (seems lots of places eager to sell me any of those!).
Now, these 4 C's I keep reading about... I'm good with "cut", mostly, but color, clarity and carat? Seriously? How's a fellow supposed to figure out what is what... and what is necessary? Do you pick a budget and start there? Combine a budget with a target number of carats and get the best clarity and color you can afford? Do you shoot for the best clarity and color and buy the most carats you can afford?
My head is spinning, I've read everything from "what you can afford" to "three months pay" and really have no clue whether I'll end up broke or with a disappointed sigh when all is said and done.
Is there an "average"? A "typical"? A range? I find it hard to believe I am unique in my struggle but if nothing else I am certain I am struggling and in desperate need to some education on how to get some of these things right!!
Please, please help me!
So, well, it's got to fit, I know the size... (yay me)... there's apparently some significance to the choice of metal ( I guess silver is out, is that because it's too soft or too cheap?! It needs to be white so I assume white gold or platinum.
So far so good. Now, how it looks, I've figured out some of this, it'll be pave (those expensive shiny bits half way around the band!), the stone will be round, princess or cushion (seems lots of places eager to sell me any of those!).
Now, these 4 C's I keep reading about... I'm good with "cut", mostly, but color, clarity and carat? Seriously? How's a fellow supposed to figure out what is what... and what is necessary? Do you pick a budget and start there? Combine a budget with a target number of carats and get the best clarity and color you can afford? Do you shoot for the best clarity and color and buy the most carats you can afford?
My head is spinning, I've read everything from "what you can afford" to "three months pay" and really have no clue whether I'll end up broke or with a disappointed sigh when all is said and done.
Is there an "average"? A "typical"? A range? I find it hard to believe I am unique in my struggle but if nothing else I am certain I am struggling and in desperate need to some education on how to get some of these things right!!
Please, please help me!