Top 5 Myths For Buying Diamond Engagement Rings Debunked

When it's time to pop the question, it probably seems like everyone around you has their own opinion about the type of engagement ring you should buy. They also don't hesitate to offer advice that will make things "easier" when buying the ring.

But, from over 130 years in the business, we can tell you that many of the things you will hear about buying diamond engagement rings are actually completely false!

When it comes to buying an engagement ring, there are no rigid rules in place to get it right. Here are the 5 most common myths for buying engagement rings that we've heard:

Myth #1: The ring has to be two or three month's salary

This is by far the most misunderstood part of buying an engagement ring. I'm sure by now you have heard that a good rule of thumb is to spend around two to three month's salary on the ring. However, this is an arbitrary number that was created decades ago by the De Beers company to increase consumers' budgets and grow the diamond industry.

Today, there is no reason that anyone should feel the need to follow this rule of thumb. Buying an engagement ring is about your budget and what you can afford. There is no magic number that will be a one-size-fits-all answer to how much any one person should pay. Beautiful, quality diamond rings can range in price dramatically. You can spend under $1,500 for a 1/2 carat, classic solitaire ring or spend over six figures for a 5 carat stunner that would fit right in on the red carpet.

Forget this outdated tradition and figure out a budget that will work for you.

Myth #2: The bigger the diamond the better

It's very common for people to think that all women want a huge diamond on their finger. In a culture where bigger is seen as better, it's not surprising that big diamond rings seem more appealing. There's also this outdated notion that the bigger the ring, the more the man loves the woman.

Believe it or not, not all women want a huge diamond ring. Some women prefer the look and appeal of a smaller, more quaint ring. And, many jobs don't allow you to wear big diamond rings. If she is a nurse, for example, she often is not allowed to wear such a large ring when working with patients. It needs to be practical based on the woman's lifestyle.

When it comes to buying diamond rings, it's really about the quality as well as the size. You can have a beautifully cut 1/2 carat diamond that radiates light and has a great sparkle for the same price as you might have a larger diamond that isn't cut as well and appears duller. If you are tight on budget but want to feel good about your purchase, you're better off going for a smaller, better cut diamond than a larger, duller one.

Myth #3: Recycled diamonds are bad luck

Diamonds hold their value very well, so it's not uncommon for people to sell back the diamonds in their old engagement rings to jewelers. The reason for the sell back could be for a number of reasons, including divorce.

Many people feel as though buying a "recycled" diamond in this circumstance would curse their future marriage. However, we know plenty of happily married couples who have bought a recycled diamond who have also had long, healthy marriages.

We promise that the previous story behind a recycled diamond has no impact on how your relationship will play out in the future. And, it's a great way to save a little extra money if you already have the stone in your possession.

Myth #4: You should never shop with your significant other

We have customers shopping all the time with their significant others for their engagement rings, and we feel that it doesn't make the process any less romantic. It's considered tradition for the man to shop for the ring and surprise the woman. But, people are much more practical today, and there are some major advantages that come along with bringing your significant with you before blindly choosing a ring.

For one, you know exactly what she wants, and you don't have to worry about disappointing her (although with Long's Get It Right Guarantee, that would never happen). There's enough stress that surrounds an engagement. The last thing you want to worry about it getting the ring of her dreams.

Shopping with your significant other not only allows her to pick out exactly what she wants, but also gives you the chance to talk about budget. An engagement ring is a major purchase. Once you propose, there are many more expenses to come with the wedding. The last thing you want to do is put yourself in debt because you overspent on the ring. By going together and discussing your finances before splurging on the ring, you can be certain that you are spending an amount that you are both comfortable with.

Also, just because the engagement ring may not be a surprise, doesn't meant the proposal can't be!

Myth #5: Yellow gold rings are outdated

Yes, yellow gold engagement rings were definitely an extremely popular metal of choice years ago. However, vintage jewelry is also very popular right now, and yellow gold jewelry is considered unique and different from the regular white metal look. Pairing a perfectly clear diamond with a yellow gold band makes the diamond really pop and gives the entire ring a classic appearance.

There are definitely advantages for choosing a platinum metal band over a gold band. But yellow gold is a very much still in style for engagement rings.