Popping the question is a huge step, and it can involve a whole heap of stress if you are hoping to make it as special as possible for your fiancée-to-be.

One of the best ways to clear up pre-proposal nerves is to know that the engagement ring you’ve purchased is perfect. Getting this right is tricky and winging it is a bad idea, so here are some questions to ask the jeweler before buying her an engagement ring.

Check the source

This might not be an obvious starting point, but it is increasingly important to find out where the stone is sourced from before making a commitment. There are all sorts of challenges associated with finding diamonds, sapphires and other precious stones that are sourced in an ethically sound way, and this could be a major consideration for your partner. This might not be an obvious starting point, but it is increasingly important to find out where the stone is sourced from before making a commitment. There are all sorts of challenges associated with precious stones that are sourced in an ethically sound way.  This could be a major consideration for your partner when selecting gems for diamond, emerald, or sapphire rings. Check out this gold collection too, while you’re at it. Who knows, you might just find what you’re looking for there.

The best way to avoid any issues is to buy from a reputable retailer. For example, if you’re interested in sapphire rings, a company like Diamondere should be able to get all of your questions answered swiftly, whether you are wondering about the source of the stone or have any other burning queries that could determine which engagement ring you order.

Establish if the stones are natural

It is increasingly common to encounter rings with precious stones that are either entirely man-made or have been sourced naturally and subsequently put through treatments to enhance their look and feel in some way.

Again you should be looking for transparency from the vendor on this issue, as synthetic or artificially enhanced stones will be less valuable in the long term than their all-natural counterparts, as well as having differing levels of durability, depending on the work that has been done.

Check out the whiteflash review to better understand the different kinds of diamonds while deciding the best option for you.

Consider cut and color

The two things which determine how an engagement ring looks are the cut and color of the stone. You will need to balance these against one another in many contexts; for example, a diamond with a smaller carat may look more alluring than a larger counterpart if it has been cut with skill to reflect the light in a dazzling way. Alternative gems like emerald or sapphire rings, for example, can provide non-traditional and unique settings as well.

All of these questions and considerations should also be weighed up against what your partner actually wants from a ring, so remember to get their input ahead of time or even shop for rings together.

Ask about a warranty

Some jewelers will provide a warranty to cover the ring you buy over a set period, which may well be a worthwhile investment. You should not only aim to find out if a warranty is included in the price, but also establish what exactly this covers.

As a minimum it makes sense to get a warranty to protect against short term wear and tear which may occur, so that you can get this repaired without having to pay over the odds.

You could also go one step further and insure the engagement ring to protect against other issues, such as loss and theft, although this will be a separate policy and need not come from the original jewelry supplier.

Additional resources for couples: