After you have been with your partner for a stretch of time, you may feel ready to take your relationship to the next level. Getting engaged can be an exciting way to start your shared lives together, though there are many steps you need to consider in advance. Above all else, you must put thought into finding the perfect engagement ring. From price to style, there are plenty of angles to consider before you buy this essential piece of jewelry. Review these tips and get a better idea of how to select a ring that feels right. 

Have a Conversation

In the past, it was common for a proposal of marriage to be a surprise. However, most couples nowadays tend to make the decision together. Working with your partner can be especially helpful when it comes to selecting a ring. Instead of blindly choosing a piece based on guesswork and observation, you can directly ask your significant other what he or she would prefer in terms of style, cut, and more. You can still retain an element of surprise if you’d prefer, especially when it comes to the exact date and time you will be popping the question.

Set a Budget

There are plenty of conflicting opinions when it comes to how much you should spend on an engagement ring. According to tradition, a person should save up the equivalent of two months' salary for this investment. Of course, this is far from a hard rule you must follow. Weddings can be incredibly expensive, which means you may want to keep a good chunk of your funds saved for the big day itself. According to statistics from the last few years, the average couple spends about $4000 on a ring. 

Create a Timeline

In an ideal world, you would be able to go to a jeweler and walk out with your engagement ring on the exact same day. Unfortunately, this is far from the reality of the situation. Since you likely will need to have the ring customized and sized, you need to give yourself plenty of time to wait for the item to arrive before you plan on popping the question. Experts in the wedding industry advise a timeline of about six weeks, though this number can fluctuate depending on how much work needs to be done on the ring. 

Explore Different Stones

The centerpiece of a quality ring is the gemstone. Though diamonds have long been considered the ideal choice for an engagement, there are plenty of other options worth your consideration. Your partner might prefer emeralds, sapphires, or rubies, which all can work beautifully in a ring when cut and styled in an appropriate way. If you do decide on diamonds, be sure to research the differences between lab-grown and natural stones. Typically, diamonds grown in a lab are going to be much more affordable than those that have been sourced from nature. 

Protect Your Prize

No matter how much you spend on a ring, you want to make sure you are taking the proper steps to protect your investment. The easiest way to do this is by insuring the ring. First, be sure to have the diamond or similar gemstone appraised and verified in writing. Next, determine where you would like to take out the policy. There are many insurance agencies that specialize in policies related to jewelry, especially when it comes to high-end pieces. In many cases, you can add the ring to an existing homeowners’ insurance policy or renters’ agreement. 

The longer you have been with your significant other, the more likely it is you are ready to take the next step and begin your life as a married couple. To guarantee you get off on the right foot, give yourself plenty of time to find an engagement ring that reflects the love you share.