How to Buy a Ring

Rings have been used for centuries as symbols of wealth, power and affection. While people still wear rings for these reasons, many rings are worn simply for adornment. If you're planning to buy a ring, you need to consider the following things.

Instructions

Step 1
Know the reason you want to buy a ring. A mother's ring is generally a ring with birthstones set in it. Wedding and engagement rings use precious metals and stones. An occasion ring is typically costume jewelry with synthetic stones. By knowing the occasion for the ring, you can narrow your choices for rings.
Step 2
Choose a metal. The price you want to pay for your ring and your personal taste determine the type of metal you want for your ring. Platinum, titanium and tungsten are rare metals that cost more. Gold comes in a variety of colors including yellow, white and rose gold and has different karat weights, typically 10k to 18k, based on the purity of gold. Check the hallmark, which is the stamp inside the ring, for the purity of the metal.
Step 3
Find your ring size. Any jeweler can help you find the right fit for a ring. If you are shopping for someone else, you can take one of their rings into a jewelry store and get the size from the ring.
Step 4
Pick the additions to your ring. If you want to use stones, you need to decide between synthetic stones, which are created to resemble precious gems, or genuine stones. Genuine stones are more expensive and typically have imperfections that affect the quality of the stone. Precious stones like diamonds and rubies have a grade system used to determine value and quality. Another option is to engrave the ring.
Step 5
Compare the prices of the same ring or a similar rings at different sources. You can often buy discounted jewelry online or at a local discount jewelry store. Some businesses sell wholesale to individuals who visit their showroom. Also look at antique stores and estate sales for rings that you can have resized.
Step 6
Order your ring. Plan a week to two weeks to get your ring. Most stores order your ring to fit the specifications you choose. You need to be prepared to pay a deposit before the store orders your ring.
Step 7
Pay for your ring. Depending on the cost of the ring you're buying, the store may offer a financing program. Otherwise you can pay with cash, check or credit card. You need to find out if the cost includes a warranty. If it doesn't and you want a warranty you need to buy it when you pay for your ring.