Engagement rings: where do i start?

Buying an engagement ring is one of the most important purchases of your life. While it does require a lot of thought and commitment, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re surprising your partner or working together to create the perfect ring, how you shop and buy is up to you, but just know we’re here to help you find the right ring no matter what.

One of our favorite ways to help our customers select an engagement ring is to start with the most romantic part: decide how you’re going to propose first.

The proposal - It's a surprise

A surprise proposal means putting in more thought and effort into creating the perfect proposal and the engagement ring. A surprise proposal is a time-honored tradition that many couples love for its memory-making ability. Surprising your partner with a proposal also means surprising them with a ring.

First, you’ll need to do a lot of research in secret about rings and what they want. Start by asking friends and family for advice about your partner’s style and preferences, but be sure to tell your advisors you’re keeping it a secret. Next, check their Pinterest “engagement ring” or “jewelry” boards for inspiration. If they ever talk about jewelry or diamond rings, make sure to take notes.

Once you’ve picked a ring, you’ll need your partner’s ring size to place your order. Assuming you don’t already know, you’ll need to check their jewelry for their ring size. If they wear a ring on either ring finger, you can use our easy ring sizer to print and measure one of their rings or you can trace the ring. The most accurate way to confirm their ring size is to visit a local Helzberg Diamonds store. The most common women’s ring size is 6 to 6.5, and the most common men’s size is 10.

They know it’s coming but want you to pick

An open line of communication about marriage could mean that you have already discussed some details about their dream ring but they may want to be surprised with the final details of the ring.

If you’re an “out in the open” kind of couple, ask them if they have any pictures of rings they like or ideas about what they want. You can ask for even more details like band styles, diamond shape, metal tone and ring size. As you shop for the ring, knowing these details will help you pick out one they’ll love.

For a more subtle approach, use any opportunity involving jewelry to investigate. You could ask questions as you walk by jewelry stores in the mall (see how they respond when you say, “Wow, that ring in the window is beautiful!”). If you see engagement rings in television shows or movies, ask what they think of it.

Once you’ve gathered all the details, browse our selection of engagement ring styles or make an appointment at your Juneau staff with your design notes. One of our jewelry experts can help you create the perfect engagement ring.

We’re shopping together

One in three couples goes shopping for engagement rings together. This is the perfect opportunity to go to a Juneau store in person to look at different styles. Being at a jewelry store together is the perfect opportunity to partner with an expert and ask questions about the differences in setting styles, diamonds and the 4 C’s.