Purchasing an engagement ring is a big decision that deserves some thorough research. In the U.S., the average amount spent on an engagement ring is $5,273. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring for someone you love, or going with the one you love to pick out your ring, there are a few things you should understand before making the big purchase. The following tips will help you find the perfect rin whether you’re shopping at a local jewelry store or an online jeweler.

The 4 Cs

The quality and value of a diamond is based on the 4 Cs, which stand for Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut. Understanding what each of the Cs mean will help you when shopping for an engagement ring. When evaluating the color of a diamond, the less color in the diamond, the higher the value.

Clarity is evaluated on the amount of characteristics that take away from the clarity of the diamond. The more inclusions or blemishes on the diamond, the less valuable it is. A diamond’s cut is evaluated on its ability to interact with light. The more a diamond is able to transmit light and sparkle, the higher the value. The final C is carat, which measures the weight of a diamond.

Ways to Save

When shopping for an engagement ring, you can save by going for a smaller carat. Instead of purchasing a full 1 carat ring, look for a slightly smaller ring that is .98 carats. You could save hundreds of dollars, and the difference in the diamond’s size will be difficult to notice. Another way to save is by purchasing the ring from an online jeweler, like Gesner.com.

According to the New York Times, an engagement ring may cost 20-25% more at an actual jewelry store compared to an online jeweler. Going in with a budget will also help you save. It will allow you to stay on track and only look at rings that are within your budget.

Ring Size

If you plan on surprising your soon-to-be fiancé, you will need to find out her ring size before going shopping. This can be pretty tricky, but there are ways to do it. If you have access to her jewelry box, snatch one of her rings and take it to a jeweler to find out what size it is.

If you can’t take the ring with you, slip it on your finger, mark your finger with a pen, and go to a jeweler. They will use that mark to figure out what size the ring is. If you aren’t able to figure out what size she wears, always go for a larger size. It’s much easier to make a ring smaller than it is to make one larger.

Choosing the ring that your soon-to-be bride will wear for the rest of her life is something that requires some detective work, research and thought. When making the purchase, make sure you’ve done your homework first.

Ellie Ross has always been creative, but a metal working class at school sparked her career as a jewelry designer. She loves creating one-of-a-kind pieces for her clients and writing about jewelry trends online.