Valentine’s Day is only a few brief weeks away, and as we strategy the vacation, many individuals are making ready to pop the query on what’s arguably one of the vital romantic days of the yr.

There’s are more likely to be a surge in engagements over the subsequent few months, since in keeping with a latest forecast from The Marriage ceremony Report, practically 2.24 million weddings are anticipated in 2023. Whereas that is down from 2.5 million weddings in 2022, it is nonetheless up from a low of 1.3 million in 2020.

With lower than a month to go till the massive day, should you’re trying to discover the proper ring to commemorate your relationship, hold studying for all the pieces to contemplate earlier than making your buy.

How a lot to spend on an engagement ring

The choice on how a lot to spend on an engagement ring is a private alternative — regardless of the outdated “guidelines” that will counsel in any other case. In response to WeddingStats.org, the common engagement ring in Canada in 2021 (the most recent yr obtainable) price $3,500, whereas in the US the common price was $5,600, in accordance The Knot.

That stated, it’s best to determine on a price range that matches inside your revenue and life-style earlier than you got down to buy an engagement ring.

Contemplate your engagement ring’s centre stone

There’s no denying the enchantment of a diamond ring to mark an engagement, because the treasured stone symbolizes dedication, faithfulness and love.

Stones like Moissanite are gaining in recognition as options to conventional mined diamonds, however in keeping with a 2021 survey from The Knot, diamonds stay the preferred stone of alternative with with 85% of ring consumers selecting them as their centre gem.

Nonetheless, in mild of rising moral and environmental considerations, the gemstone’s enchantment appears to have tarnished these days, and customers are as an alternative choosing options which can be fairly-traded, in addition to cost-effective. Enter, the lab-grown diamond.

What’s a lab-grown diamond?

Relatively than being mined from the earth by way of typically questionable practices, lab-grown diamonds are as an alternative manufactured underneath managed lab situations. Know-how that replicates the pure diamond rising course of is used to create the stones, with a fraction of the environmental influence of mined diamonds.

Along with being higher for the planet, lab-grown diamonds are inexpensive and supply a assure that they have not been mined from a battle zone.

“It is like getting ice out of your freezer versus getting it from a glacier,” explains Anna-Mieke Anderson, founding father of lab-grown diamond firm MiaDonna.

When must you begin looking for an engagement ring?

For those who’re a part of the bulk and are planning to pop the query this Valentine’s Day and have but to begin purchasing, it could be slightly late to begin in keeping with jewellery model Couple’s cofounder Jeff Brenner, particularly should you’re in search of one thing custom-made.

“I normally suggest looking for a hoop six months forward of time to be protected, however a minimum of three.” Brenner stated. “It actually is determined by how assured you’re in what your associate desires and the way a lot advance analysis you’ve executed.”

Although final minute rings can all the time be sourced (look out for gadgets which can be able to ship), an engagement ring is certainly a purchase order you shouldn’t rush. Earlier than shopping for, it’s best to take your time to buy round and evaluate designs from a number of retailers, and just remember to aren’t pressured into shopping for one thing you don’t love.

What to know before you purchase an engagement ring

Forward of constructing an necessary jewellery buy, whether or not it’s an engagement ring, a push current, or a present for some other special day, Brenner shared his prime ideas that each shopper ought to think about:

1. Pay attention, observe and pay shut consideration. You haven’t any concept how many individuals make the mistaken name as a result of they’re simply not listening and selecting up on hints like open magazines left on the espresso desk.

2. Set a price range, study concerning the choices that fall inside it and take time to contemplate your decisions.

3. Lastly, should you can’t decide, go for a timeless design vs. attempting to create one thing distinctive.

For those who’re able to make the leap, store a few of our favorite diamond engagement rings which can be certain to be successful this vacation season.

From 1,590 at Good Earth

From $3,736 at Catbird

$2,800 at Mejuri

$6,299 at Paris Jewellers

From $1,350 at Vrai

From $1,944 at Blue Nile

$2,188 at Ritani

Tell us what you suppose by commenting beneath and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Comply with us on Twitter and Instagram.

Initially printed 24 January 2023, 2:00 pm