Are you planning on popping the question this fall or winter? 

With a little planning now, you can plan the perfect proposal to end 2020 with a moment to remember! At Affinity & Co. Jewelers, it's our passion to help California-area couples find their perfect engagement ring and tie the knot. In this post, we are sharing our top proposal tips to help you take this next step with ease. 

Like most big decisions in life, communication is key, and picking out an engagement ring is no exception. Even if the proposal will be a surprise, it's a good idea to discuss a few key factors as a couple.

Your engagement ring will likely be your most-used, most-treasured piece of jewelry. It will be worn for years to come, through all seasons and all life events, so now is the time to explore, discuss, and try on different shapes, styles, and sizes to find a ring that feels just right for you.

While you can visit our showroom today and purchase an engagement ring, there is a lot of value in a little preparation. Start with the questions below and visit us when you are ready to find your dream engagement ring.

Chat about it early. 

Even if you plan on making the proposal a surprise, now is a great time to casually bring it up in conversation— fish out little details to see if your partner would want their ideal proposal private or public, indoors or outdoors, and other important details. By bringing it up now, they are less likely to suspect anything when you pop the question later on! 

Start with budget.

It might not be the first thing you want to talk about when considering a proposal, but getting an idea of budget is healthy and helps set expectations for both partners. There are a lot of engagement rings out there, and getting an idea of budget early helps narrow the choices and keep you on track.

Colorless or color? 

Many couples are opting for engagement rings featuring a center or accent colored gemstones. Consider if you want only white diamonds, or if you'd like to include some color as a nod to your favorite color, birthstone, or the month you plan to marry. Consider sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or fancy-colored diamonds.

What about style? 

It's a good idea to get a basic understanding of different engagement ring styles to start off with. Consider a simple solitaire, a bold halo, or a pretty vintage design to get started. You can explore different engagement ring styles here.

How about shape? 

There are a number of different diamond shapes or ‘cuts’ available, and having an idea of which you prefer (round, pear, heart, and more!) will make it much easier to find the perfect gem for your engagement ring. The diamond shape might be the most visually significant choice you make, so be sure to consider shapes that reflect your personal style.

Explore different diamond shapes and sizes here.

About that ring size...

There are three common ways you can measure your ring size right at home so you can finally get your ring measurement right, for good. https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/how-to-measure-ring-size Be sure to measure both at the beginning of the day and at the end, as your fingers are prone to change size slightly throughout the day. Find out how to measure easily at home here. 

Stop by for a visit!

While it's easy to fall in love with engagement rings on Pinterest or Instagram, it's also a good idea to try on different styles in person. You’ll want to know how the ring really feels and fits on your hand until you actually see it up close.

Don’t forget the important stuff.

We'll make sure you are set during and after purchasing your engagement ring. We are happy to provide services to make sure your engagement ring stays as stunning as the day you said "yes!" Learn more about our master craftsmen and graduate gemologists here. 

Explore our full collection of engagement rings at our Huntington Beach showroom, or browse a selection online here. 

"Usually you only hear about customer's loyalty to a business, but never the other way around. This all changed with Affinity where for the first time, I experienced loyalty from a business I have patroned. 

Per my previous review, my husband and I had a great experience buying both of our wedding bands here. Fast forward 4 years later and my husband's wedding ring slipped off his finger while surfing. I called them asking to re-order it, and they offered a discount due to the circumstances of the situation. I had no expectation of that, and was completely taken back at their thoughtfulness. 

They had everything in our records, so re-ordering the ring was a breeze and completely stress free. I'm almost grateful for the experience of needing to re-order because I saw even more of their integrity and love for their customers and it blessed me so. It doesn't get any better than this folks!" — Grace B. on Yelp