| Jewelers
This is an area where you should spend
as much as you can afford and shop as carefully as you can.
You are making an investment in an item, or items, that
should appreciate in value over the years. If you can’t
afford an engagement ring at this point, don’t buy one.
Spending your money on something that’s not of value is
truly a waste of good money. You can always buy a diamond
for a special anniversary instead. Or you can buy a good
quality ring with another stone in it as an engagement ring
and buy the diamond for a special occasion when you can
afford to buy quality. There’s no rule that says you must
have an engagement ring to be engaged!
However, if you’ve determined that you’re going to invest
in a ring, the first step is to do a little homework on
how to select the best you can afford. Then you must go
to a reputable jeweler. They should lead you through the
steps you just learned on your own, pointing out the features
of the various stones and settings available. You must feel
comfortable with your choices. Do not allow a jeweler to
pressure you in any way. If they try, leave! You don’t have
to make your selection at the first store where you shop.
Take your time and be sure you’ve made the right choices.
Of course, it’s always helpful if you give the jeweler an
idea of the price range you can afford before you start.
If you’re the prospective groom and you want the bride to
be able to choose her own ring, pick a jeweler based on
the above criteria, tell him your price range, then bring
the bride in with you to make her choice.
Before you take the ring out of the store, make sure that
your insurance covers it. Most homeowners’ or renters’ policies
cover only up to $500 in jewelry. These days, that’s not
a lot of jewelry – even good costume pieces, let alone the
real thing! You must get a rider to cover the specific piece
you’re purchasing. The rider isn’t expensive and it will
protect your investment in case of fire or theft. You must
remember to have the ring reappraised every five years or
so because its value will appreciate and you may have to
increase your coverage accordingly.
Your jeweler will give you all the information you need
regarding care, cleaning and periodically bringing it back
to check for damage to the prongs.
Just a point of etiquette here……..on the day of the wedding,
the bride transfers her engagement ring to her right hand
before the ceremony, then back to her left hand after her
wedding band has been placed on her finger. The wedding
ring is always worn closest to your heart. And you shouldn’t
wear a watch with your gown. Have someone else keep track
of your schedule for you. You’re supposed to look like you
don’t care what time it is and you haven’t a care in the
world!
|
