Valentine's Day proposal: What to know about finding the perfect engagement ring
If you plan to buy an engagement ring for your loved one this Valentine's Day, you might need these expert tips.
Valentine's Day might be considered one of the most romantic events of the year, one that's full of gifts like roses, chocolate and love. But for some people, commemorating their relationship on Feb. 14 requires a grand gift that comes with a major milestone.
Nadia Ring with 1ct Oval Lab Diamond Center Stone
The Three Stone Emerald Engagement Ring
Twisted Band Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Pear Cut Floral Diamond Ring
Petite Elodie Solitaire Ring
Oval Engagement Ring
Proposing on Valentine's Day might be a bit too cliché for a few couples, but for others, it's an ultimate sign of romance. In fact, numerous celebrity lovebirds have waited until the special day of love to get engaged to their significant other.
A day after Valentine's Day in 2022, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens announced their engagement. Orlando Bloom also proposed to Katy Perry in 2019 with a flower-inspired ring for the special day. People also reported that Harrison Ford proposed to Calista Flockhart during Valentine's Day weekend in 2009.
With the big day just around the corner, look no further for everything you need to know about snagging the perfect ring to give your loved one. Keep reading for everything to consider before making your purchase.
How much should an engagement ring cost?
The decision on how much to spend on an engagement ring is a personal choice — despite outdated "rules" that may suggest otherwise. While costs can vary, the average Canadian spent between $4,770 to $5,580 on a ring in 2023, according to WeddingStats.org. In the United States, the average cost was $5,200, according to a 2024 study from The Knot.
That said, you should decide on a budget that fits within your income and lifestyle before you set out to purchase an engagement ring. Peoples suggested shoppers looking for an engagement ring should speak to a jewelry expert after establishing a budget. But overall, it's a good idea to spend only what you can afford.
Consider your engagement ring's centre stone
There's no denying the appeal of a diamond ring to mark an engagement, since the precious stone symbolizes commitment, faithfulness and love. Still, stones like Moissanite are becoming more popular as alternatives in rings.
However, TikTok user Kaitlin Cavallo posted a viral video on the platform earlier this month telling people to not expect a "diamond dupe" if you go with an alternative like Moissanite. Sharing her "hottest engagement ring takes" as a fine jewelry production manager, she shared you can tell a difference between the two stones, but noted one isn't necessarily better than the other.
While alternative centre gems might be rising in popularity, one recent study found 85 per cent of ring shoppers stuck to traditional mined diamonds. But amid growing ethical and environmental concerns, the gemstone's appeal seems to have tarnished lately. Instead, some consumers are picking other options that are fairly-traded, as well as cost-effective. Enter, the lab-grown diamond.
What is a lab-grown diamond?
Rather than being mined from the earth through often questionable practices, lab-grown diamonds are instead manufactured under controlled lab conditions. Technology that replicates the natural diamond growing process is used to create the stones, with a fraction of the environmental impact of mined diamonds.
In addition to being better for the planet, lab-grown diamonds are less expensive and offer a guarantee that they haven't been mined from a conflict zone.
"It's like getting ice from your freezer versus getting it from a glacier," Anna-Mieke Anderson, founder of lab-grown diamond company MiaDonna, explained.
When should you start shopping for an engagement ring?
If you're feeling the romance and are planning to pop the question this Valentine's Day, it may be a little late to start according to jewelry brand Couple's co-founder Jeff Brenner. That's especially the case if you're looking for something custom-made.
"I usually recommend shopping for a ring six months ahead of time to be safe, but at least three," Brenner said in a previous interview with Yahoo Canada. "It really depends on how confident you are in what your partner wants and how much advance research you've done."
Though last minute rings can always be sourced (look out for items that are ready to ship), an engagement ring is definitely a purchase you shouldn't rush. Before buying, you should take your time to shop around and compare designs from multiple retailers, and make sure you aren't pressured into buying something you don't love.
What to know before you buy an engagement ring
Ahead of making an important jewelry purchase, whether it's an engagement ring, a push present, or a gift for any other special occasion, Brenner shared his top tips every shopper should consider:
Listen, observe and pay close attention. You have no idea how many people make the wrong call because they aren't listening and picking up on hints like open magazines left on the coffee table.
Set a budget, learn about the options that fall within it and take time to consider your choices.
Finally, if you can't make a decision, opt for a timeless design over trying to create something unique.
If you're ready to take the plunge, shop some of our favourite diamond engagement rings that are sure to be a hit this holiday season.
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This engagement ring features a 1-carat oval diamond with side accent stones.
Three emerald cut diamonds are the star of this engagement ring.
A twisted band adds a unique touch to this halo setting.
This ring features a pear cut diamond center and side accent stones.
This ring features a modern yet timeless solitaire design, along with an open basket and claw prongs.
While this ring appears simple from above, it has a hidden halo along the basket.
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