How to Choose the Right Bling
If you’re reading this, you’re probably either thinking about proposing, planning on picking out your own engagement ring with your partner, or you want to send this article to your significant other to give them the *hint hint* that it’s time to propose. Either way, buying an engagement ring is a big deal. There’s a lot that goes into it, and you want to make the right decision on a ring you (or your spouse to be) will be wearing for the rest of time.

Get the right size
No matter what way you go about it, make sure you find out what size her ring finger is before looking at rings. After you pop the question, the last thing your new fiancée is going to want is to send her ring out to get resized. Getting the size right is crucial so that she can keep that shiny bling right where she wants it: on her finger so she can show it off! You can try to find out her ring size a number of ways; measuring her finger while she’s sleeping, sneakily borrowing one of her rings from her jewelry tray or asking around to family and friends. Whatever you do, size matters!

Figure out your budget
It may be a difficult task to find a ring to propose with, but it all becomes that much harder when the perfect ring comes with a not-so-perfect price tag. Setting a budget before falling in love with a ring that’s out of your price range is a must. If you know how much you can afford, you’ll be able to window shop online to get an idea of what falls in your price range. Then when you do go to a jewelry store to make a purchase, you can tell them what kind of budget you’re working with. Consider a low-interest engagement ring loanso you don’t have to spend all your savings on the diamond, and you’ll have a good chunk left to throw the wedding you and your fiancée deserve.

Know the style
Unless your significant other is going to the store with you to pick out the ring she wants, you’re going to need to know what her style is so you’re pointed in the right direction. There are lots of different engagement ring styles, and you want to know what will give your S.O. heart eyes! You don’t want to give her a ring that might leave her disappointed--you want her to love it! Ask her family and friends if they know what style ring she would prefer or stalk her Pinterest page to see if she has any particular rings pinned. You want to get an idea of what she likes so you have a clear vision when you go into the store to know what you’re looking for.

Do your research
While you might not know much about engagement rings when you first decide to propose, it becomes your job to find out a little more information before you make such a significant purchase. The four C’s(Carat, Color, Cut, and Clarity) and are a big part of buying a ring, so make sure to brush up on your knowledge before starting the search. The more you know before you need to buy the ring, the better off you’ll be on making the right decision.

Make it a surprise
Even if your bride to be helped pick out her own ring or knows the proposal is coming, try to add an element of surprise to the actual proposal. Everyone likes to be surprised (especially when they’re being proposed to), so put a little thought into it. Make the location or the way you propose unknown to your partner, so they won’t see it coming! Or surprise them with a gathering with your families and friends afterward. You can even get the inside of the ring engraved with a meaningful phrase, so they have a small special surprise when you finally slip it on their finger.

Now that you know how to find the right bling for your special someone, all you’ve got to do now is buy the ring and ask the question!

Top 5 Tips on Choosing the Perfect Bling