Did you know that thirty percent of all proposals take place between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day? Engagement season is fast approaching, and – dare we say – it’s the best time of the year! Maybe you’ve been sneakily planning a surprise proposal to your sweetie. Or maybe you have been discussing this next phase together. Either way, these engagement ring shopping tips are about to make the bling-bling part a little easier. Our friends at Henne Jewelers helped nearly 400 couples get engaged last year. It’s safe to say they know a little something about proposals! Whether you’re ring shopping together or you’re trying to design a special surprise rock with your future spouse in mind, Henne is here to help!
There are no rules.
Much like finding a spouse, you’ll know when you know. It sounds cliche but it’s so very true. What might be the perfect ring for someone else, might not be the perfect ring for you. You can read all of the helpful tips for buying an engagement ring you can find online but it all comes down to what speaks to you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach since an engagement ring is as personal as the love it represents. So throw out the rulebook and shop with your heart!
“There is a perfect ring for everyone, and our goal is to help you find it! I’m not here to push what I think will be best. My role is to give you as much information as I can to help you make the best decision for you! I want you to feel comfortable, confident, and excited! When choosing a diamond or a ring, you will know when you find the perfect one for you.”
– Meghan Sanders
Ratings only tell one part of the story.
Numbers schmumbers. A lot of jargon can be thrown around when shopping for a diamond ring. Things like diamond ratings and clarity plots and color grades might mean a lot to a gemologist or your jeweler, but they’re just numbers on a chart to a layperson. And guess what…that’s ok! You don’t have to understand them to find the perfect ring! Doing so is more about a feeling and far less about a rating scale tells you!
“My advice would be not to get too caught up in the diamond ratings. You can look at five diamonds – all with the same rating on paper – and they will all appear visually different. Some people get too caught up in the technical ratings of diamonds and they don’t realize one that may have a lower rating or be less expensive, can actually outperform another with a higher rating. It’s best to judge a diamond by how it speaks to you, not what a certificate tells you.”
– Debbie Nucci
Have an idea of what your partner likes.
Stalk their Pinterest board, ask their friends, or even be as bold as to ask them straight up. But having a good grasp of your partner’s style in advance will start your hunt for the perfect ring off on the right foot. There is a seemingly endless array of options out there, and decisions to make on shape, color, cut, and size for the diamond, setting, AND band. It can be overwhelming! But if you go into it with some ideas in mind, you’re already one step closer to finding THE ring for them!
“I like to get input from both halves of the couple as much as possible. I prefer for both individuals to be involved up front in order to get an idea of style and design. It still allows one partner to select the diamond for size, quality, and budget. But I feel that this is the best of both worlds. They get the design and style they want, and their partner still gets to feel like they really selected the diamond as the symbol of their love.”
– John Henne
You do you.
Your mom might want you to have a big wedding with all the bells and whistles. Your dad might have his heart set on a traditional Catholic ceremony. And Aunt Linda will freak.out. if her lady locks aren’t front and center on the cookie table. But damn it…that engagement ring is about YOU and you alone (and your partner too, of course)! You are the only person who has to wear and look at it every day. It should be something you ab.so.lutely. love, regardless of others’ opinions or the latest trends. Stay true to yourself and you’ll never get tired of staring at your left hand!
“Take away the rules and expectations others place on you. You don’t need to buy a certain ring or center stone just because someone told you it would look good. Your ring purchase is about what you and your future spouse want. It’s a symbol of your love and commitment. Make it yours!”
– Audrey Crompton
Shop small.
Buying or designing an engagement ring is a very personal experience. Shop with a jeweler who will take the time to really get to know you and understand your desires. While finding a ring online or even at a national retail chain may be more convenient, working with a local, independent boutique will elevate your experience. Henne is family-owned and operated and they treat each and every couple as if they are part of that family. Their team will shed happy tears over your milestones and they’ll hope to see you again throughout the years. You’ll be hard-pressed to find this level of attention, service, and commitment elsewhere!
“I believe the thing that sets us apart is that we are genuinely excited for you and truly celebrate your love, even behind the scenes! We gush over the wedding photos you send us and we get so excited when we hear about baby announcements, job promotions, and first home purchases! We love seeing our couples come in through the years to share what is happening in their lives. Henne is more than just a jewelry store; we are a family!”
– Jessi Johannson
Relax and have fun!
Just like your wedding day, engagement ring shopping is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While it may be stressful at times, try to enjoy it. Take a deep breath, relax, pour some champs, lean on your jeweler for expert advice, and try to remember what the ring actually symbolizes – a love for someone so deep that you are making a public, lifelong commitment. Now that is something worth celebrating!
“Enjoy the process! This is a fun and exciting time for you both! We love to help couples find that special ring. It shows in our enthusiasm at the bridal case! There are lots of styles out there, so if you are nervous about ring shopping, maybe take some time to look at rings online beforehand to give you an idea of what you might like to try on.”
– Jami Wallick
If you are still on the hunt for a sparkler for that special someone, be sure to visit Henne Jewelers, located in Shadyside. You can also learn more about this Pittsburgh jeweler in the Burgh Brides Vendor Guide.
If you are a Henne couple, we’d love to hear about your engagement ring shopping experience. Comment below and tell us how their team helped you find THE ONE, and upload a photo to social media tagging @burghbrides and using #burghbrides so we can see it!
A HUGE thanks to Henne Jewelers for teaming up with Burgh Brides to bring you this post. While we were compensated for our work, all writing, thoughts, opinions, recommendations, and love for the brand are our own. You can read our full sponsored content disclosure policy here.
