Ok men. I have a little secret for you. Come close, I don't want any of the women to hear. I know that buying an engagement ring is a big deal. It's a symbolization of love and commitment etc. I know we are trying to scare you into going into a tizzy trying to find the perfect ring. The thing is, though, men have been doing it for centuries. It's not rocket science. Heck, it's not even worth breaking a sweat over. There are just two secrets to finding the right ring: 1) trust your instincts; and 2) shop around.
That's right: that's all you need to do. Chances are you already know what kind of ring your significant other would prefer. You've been around her enough to know whether she wants a big ring with a bunch of diamonds (god help you) or a simple ring with a precious stone in the middle. Once you have that down all you need to do is fill up your car with gas and drive around visiting jewelry stores to compare style and price. If you live in Newport Beach drive around looking for jewelers. If you live in Wichita do the same there. It might take more than a day but trust me, it's worth it.
The thing to remember when shopping around is to keep your mind open and don't get pressured into buying right away. Oh, are they going to pressure you. They want your business so they will guilt you, be indignant, and do other things to make you feel like an idiot for not buying. The thing about this, though, is that ultimately it gives you the upper hand. If you play your cards right then they will be willing to knock a good amount of money off the price. Most jewelry places start at an inflated price so that they can come down a significant amount to still make money. Since they are going to play with your emotions you might as well play with there's too (be nice though, don't be a jerk).
Don't act too impressed by a particular ring. Don't act desperate either. Just act nonchalant, like you like the ring but don't love it. They will be more willing to shave some money off the price if they feel like they have to sell it to you. And don't be afraid to bargain as jewelry is one of the few industries where this practice is commonplace.
That's right: that's all you need to do. Chances are you already know what kind of ring your significant other would prefer. You've been around her enough to know whether she wants a big ring with a bunch of diamonds (god help you) or a simple ring with a precious stone in the middle. Once you have that down all you need to do is fill up your car with gas and drive around visiting jewelry stores to compare style and price. If you live in Newport Beach drive around looking for jewelers. If you live in Wichita do the same there. It might take more than a day but trust me, it's worth it.
The thing to remember when shopping around is to keep your mind open and don't get pressured into buying right away. Oh, are they going to pressure you. They want your business so they will guilt you, be indignant, and do other things to make you feel like an idiot for not buying. The thing about this, though, is that ultimately it gives you the upper hand. If you play your cards right then they will be willing to knock a good amount of money off the price. Most jewelry places start at an inflated price so that they can come down a significant amount to still make money. Since they are going to play with your emotions you might as well play with there's too (be nice though, don't be a jerk).
Don't act too impressed by a particular ring. Don't act desperate either. Just act nonchalant, like you like the ring but don't love it. They will be more willing to shave some money off the price if they feel like they have to sell it to you. And don't be afraid to bargain as jewelry is one of the few industries where this practice is commonplace.