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Life hacks to find the perfect engagement ring.

With so many options to choose from and so much to learn about the process of finding the perfect ring can be daunting.Not only is this one of the most expensive purchases you will make, the thought of making a mistake is just enough to make you freeze in your tracks. Let’s break it down to easy to digest, key factors

Design styleLet’s start at the most important concept, the basic question is what makes your partner unique? Do they have a bold style or are they more subtle. Are they romantic and artsy or modern and sleek ? Do they love small details or tend to look at the big picture? Your partner’s engagement ring should reflect their uniqueness and it should show what sets them apart from everyone else. All diamond rings can be gorgeous but there is few of them fit the category of perfection. Pro tip ! Check your partners social media likes on Pinterest and instagram to get detailed inspiration on their style.

LifestyleLet’s dive into what their lifestyle looks like. The design of the ring needs to match what they do daily. For instance, a nurse or doctor will need to have a low set profile for a ring, one that doesn’t sit up too high, preferably without sharp corners so it won’t tear her gloves. If they work within an office you may want to consider a diamond that would look its best in fluorescent lighting. If they swim in a pool daily you may opt for a mounting without pavè diamond work in order to maintain durability and prevent diamonds falling out of the setting due to the chlorine levels and it’s effect on gold rings.

Center size Agh this is what hits you right in the wallet, the biggest impact on the price of your ring is generally, the notorious center stone.This is a part of the 4 c’s we all know it as carat weight, remember that you’re paying for carat WEIGHT, not diamond SIZE ( we will touch on that in a different blog)Traditionally, this comes down to what your budget is. Essentially the personalized part is finding the perfect engagement ring setting. The diamond center tends to be more of a budget question. If money is no object, you have a plethora of choices and the prices vary wildly depending on the combination of 4cs you chose. You will want to see diamonds in a Range in all cuts, clarities, carat weights and colors and find out what is most important to you and what are the areas that you can compromise in.

When budget is a concern, set a budget range, keeping in mind that this is an heirloom and a forever purchase and see what $2000 gets you, what does $5000 get you and where can $8000 put you. Find your comfort level and look at how that relates visually to the engagement ring.

A good jewelry hack for the budget minded, you may opt to keep the center under .75 ct. this ensures that you don’t hit that magic number 1ct size and you can save up to 35% on your diamond center with only compromising about 1mm off of the diamond’s outline.

You may want to do an invisible setting or cluster combining a few diamonds in an arrangement to have a large outline Or you may want to look into diamond alternatives (we will talk about them in a different blog) like moissanite, morganite or even lab diamond.

Product knowledge There is a world of information about diamonds, some of it is credible and some less accurate. I would think that finding a reputable source of information, whom is local is the best way to address this. I know that is probably not the answer you want to hear but it is a bit like googling your symptoms and trying to self medicate. You really need a trained eye to guide you and ensure that you are making the best selection. There are so many loopholes and pitfalls when it comes to choosing a diamond that you can easily get lost and either overpay or get a less quality engagement ring.

The most important thing, in my opinion in the jewelry industry is trust. You have to find a jeweler that you can establish a relationship with and let them earn your trust. Just like you do with other local Professionals In Your community like your dr, lawyer, favorite local chef, your teachers and Professors, etc.

Because buying an engagement will be a lifelong purchase you will want to make sure that you have a professional to help you maintain the ring. A good jeweler will clean and inspect your jewelry for free and buff and polish it on occasion as well. They will do preventative maintenance to prevent any mishaps, you’ll have someone to talk to about concerns in the future and you can count on to take care if it. There is nothing like having a relationship with your local jeweler because chances are you will need someone to care for your engagement ring in the future and you want to reduce sending it out. When choosing the best jeweler near you, Look for a jeweler that does on site repairs, a stellar reputation and a long standing business.

These are the broad strokes of choosing the perfect engagement ring. This is such a personal item that holds so much sentiment for years to come. Pick a design that reflects your partners personality and alaign that with your budget and get guidance from a local professional. Look for a representative that understands you and asks the right questions to find the perfect engagement ring for your spouse. Look up best reviews for engagement ring purchases and find the one consultant that can help you strike the right balance between beauty and affordability.

BEST PLACES TO
PROPOSE IN
HAMPTON ROADS

15 CREATIVE WAYS TO DO IT

SEGAL & CO FINE JEWELERS

The Beach

There's something about the oceans grandeur and a beachy mist that sets our romance gears in motion. As the quintessential romantic spot, anywher on the beach would most likely be a great setting for the perfect propsal but certain points have that extra oomf of charm. 80th st has a perfect backdrop for your proposal with tall beach grass, quaint beach-side homes and no tourists - its as if it was meant for proposing. Sandbridge beach has an even more secluded vibe, especially on the off season. It may not be a bad idea to rent out a cottage for the weekend and pick the perfect moment to pull out that jewelry box.

Aquarium

The Virginia Beach aquarium is a place filled with wonder and glee. The cutest sealife in VA live here and are sure to make you swoon. After walking through the nature trails and watching the playful otters synchronized swimming, You'll be in a cheerful state of mind to pop the question - Get ready for an aquatic audience of Sharks, otters and sea turtles that will most likely always be associated with your proposal.

Adventure park

Shout it from the tree tops (or the zipline) at the Adventure Park in Virginia Beach. Climb up the obstacle course in the treetops together - You, her and the ring - just don't look down.

Waterside

Norfolk has all those city feels and the classy waterside district has a low key metro vibe blended with gorgeous waterviews and top notch restaurants. Sitting on the dock of the Elizabeth river - It's got to be a YES!

Chrysler Museum

Get your fancy pants on and hit the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk. This place is a mood all on its own with it's gorgeous architecture and vibrant gallery exhibits. The history and lively art will bring out an appreciation for your one of a kind love story, let's face it - she's a masterpiece.

Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Flowers sunshine and butterflies all rhyme with diamond, right ? We are blessed to have a breathtaking botanical gardens in Norfolk, with so many romantic points just choose a personalized activity. Pack a picnic basket full of her favorites (don't forget the engagement ring!) as you gaze onto Lake Whitehurst, pop the question and then the bubbly ! Another perfect way to propose is to take a stroll through the picturesque rose gardens that lead up to a little terrace on the hill. Maybe you want to feel the serenity at the Japanese gardens and bend down on one knee in between the pagodas and bonsai trees. Along the main garden trail there are wooden benches under a massive magnolia tree that call for romance.. A local secret is to feel the rush when the planes take off from the hill off the parking lot - the perfect time to profess your love to her.

Pungo

Take the road less traveled and head out to Pungo, the countryside of Virginia Beach. The drive itself is as laid back as the atmosphere. Begin with breakfast at the adorable Bee & the Biscuit and  head out to the secluded Back Bay nature reserve or False Cape Park or experience fruit picking in one of the many orchards as you propose in a relaxed, southern charmed type way.

Stumpy Lake

Cool evening air, an owl hooting and crickets chirping as your background vocals - its a scene out of the little mermaid and this time it's all about you and her. Virginia Beach offers canoe and kayak rentals at Stumpy Lake - try to shoot for a full moon and let romance prevail.

Hike the Dismal Swamp

Tie up those tennis shoes and head over to the Dismal Swamp in Chesapeake. Bike, Hike or Horseback ride through a beautiful riverside trail. Bring your dogs along for the trip for some extra warm and fuzzies, better yet hide the engagement ring box on the dog's collar for her to find.

Jet Ski

Virginia Beach has one of the most populated dolphin areas in the entire east coast, mix that with an adrenaline filled day on a jet ski touring our gorgeous ocean. Be sure to cue the dolphins before asking her "will you marry me ?"

Parasailing

Get a birds eye view of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront right before you whip out that engagement ring box. Just Puhlease, don't let it fall.

Heli Ride

Book a chopper to experience a romantic aerial tour of all that Hampton Roads has to offer. You'll look so cool and you'll get a birds eye view of Fort Story Lighthouses, Norfolk Navy Base, Dismal Swamp Canal, Virginia Beach Town Center and around the holidays the McDonald’s Holiday lights on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Norfolk Botanical Gardens Light Displays as well as our communities home Christmas Displays. She said YES! Over and out.

Camp Out at First Landing

Cozy up to the bonfire with comforting smores on the beach side after a long day of hiking the trails at first landing, there is a plethora of hiking trails to explore on the forest side of the park. The trails are booming with wildlife and brimming with cypress trees laced with Spanish moss. You'll see perfectly Instagramable, enchanted swamp ponds and end the day stargazing on the beach and staring at a beautiful new diamond ring on her finger.

Sail Away

Charter a sailboat from Norfolk with your true love and spend the day on the water, pack some hor d'oeuvres and set sail onto the horizon. Find the perfect moment to bend down, say her full name, and tell her how you feel. ahhh, love.

Fine DiningVirginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake and Portsmouth all offer incredible culinary experiences. It makes it hard to choose just one restaurant. Amber Lantern is a great choice, the name alone gives you the feels and the food is superb. Located at the Top Rack Marina in Portsmouth just watch the beautiful sunset off the deck as you slip the ring on her finger. Norfolk has Byrd and Baldwin, a true hidden gem that is nothing short of world class service with a high end ambiance. The iconic Cavalier hotel in Virginia Beach offers true southern charm . After an unforgettable dining experience at the Becca, take her for a drink at the posh Raleigh Room Lounge, who can say no to that ?!

 Segal & Co Fine Jewelers are happy to help you plan out your engagement proposal. We offer complimentary concierge service with your engagement ring purchase to help you make your proposal magical. Call us today and we will take care of all the rest.

Call 757 963-1800 www.segaljewelers.com Text: 757 379-8912