A ring can often help tie an outfit together and add a dash of color and style to your look. While rings are most commonly associated with engagement rings, there’s much more to them. From simple gold bands to statement pieces that will have everyone gasping, the variety is unlimited.
However, with the range of options comes confusion. Deciding how to narrow down your list of selections can prove a challenge, which is what, unfortunately, scares many people away from buying rings.
If this sounds like you, don’t worry – here are some of our top tips on buying stylish and trendy rings!
Decide Which Finger You’ll Wear It On
Choosing a finger for your ring should be done before you start looking at rings. For one, each finger has a different symbolism when it comes to wearing rings. However, even if you’re not one for traditional meanings, the finger you choose will have an impact on the ring you buy.
For many people, ring sizes differ according to the finger. For example, your thumb demands a larger ring than your pinky finger, so you’ll need to find a ring of appropriate size for your respective finger. Additionally, larger rings can look unbalanced when worn alone on one of your “edge fingers” (your thumb or pinky). So, if you’re looking for a reason for one of those fingers, you’ll have to consider the design carefully.
Know What You’re Buying For
As mentioned above, there are numerous different reasons you may find yourself buying a ring – and all of those affect which ring you’ll be spending money on. For example, if you’re buying an engagement ring for your other half, the ring experts at Blue Nile suggest having a good idea of the cut and style of the stone you’re looking for. You can even take into account your partner’s preference and design a custom ring before surprising them with an unexpected and out-of-the-box proposal.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a gift for an anniversary or a birthday, you will likely have much more leeway over ring type and stones. These rings, unlike traditional engagement rings, don’t call for diamonds.
And if you’re buying a ring for yourself, the sky’s the limit. So, knowing if you’re looking for a statement piece you can also wear to a work dinner or something more understated that will complete your outfit will go a long way in helping you narrow down your options. Additionally, it will also give the shop attendant an idea of what options to show you!
Consider Your Budget
Your budget will make all the difference when it comes to which ring to buy. Even if you’re planning to buy a gold ring, the carat of your ring will change depending on your budget. Other precious metals and stones will similarly vary depending on your budget.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to go all out when buying your ring. High-quality costume jewelry and lab-grown stones are significantly more affordable and often look just as good as the real thing.
However, without having a clear idea of how much you want to spend, even buying these pieces may be a challenge. Some quality costume pieces retail at several hundred dollars, while others are under a hundred dollars. Therefore, knowing your budget will help you decide which to look at.
Know Your Ring Size
Knowing your ring size is critical when buying a ring. If you’re buying the ring for yourself, you may think you don’t have to worry – after all, you can try it on in the store.
However, your ring size still comes into play when you’re shopping online or are looking to custom order something. There are several free apps you can use to measure your ring size, or you can ask a jeweler to measure it professionally.
If you’re buying a ring as a gift for someone else, make sure you know their ring size before you make a purchase. If you have access to a ring they own, you can use that to determine their size. Alternatively, you can ask them directly.
However, if neither of these options is available to you, you can also look for adjustable rings or rings that the jeweler is willing to resize down the road. That said, with the latter option, you should be prepared to wait a little longer before your giftee can wear the ring.
No matter whether you’re looking for a statement, showstopper ring that will stand out in photos, or simply a small accessory so that your fingers don’t feel as bare, there are plenty of options out there for you. And, with the tips mentioned above, you’ll be able to shop for a stylish ring like an expert and will be looking your best in no time flat!
