What are the essential things to know before buying an engagement ring?

Buying an engagement ring is about more than choosing a beautiful design. Before purchasing, consider your budget, the gemstone, gemstone durability, treatment, cut and color, ring setting, metal, ring size, certification and the jeweler's after-sales service. If you're considering a colored gemstone rather than a traditional diamond, you should also understand the differences between gemstones and treatments.

And perhaps the biggest question of all: What are the essential things to know before buying an engagement ring?

These are questions we hear all the time at Shiraz Jewelry, and there’s really no such thing as a silly question when it comes to something as meaningful as an engagement ring.

In this guide, we’ll answer some of the most common questions we receive and share a few practical tips to help make the process easier, more enjoyable, and hopefully a little less stressful.

Q: What should I look for when buying an engagement ring?
A: Start with the person, rather than the price or the trend. Think about their personal style, the jewelry they already wear, and whether they prefer something classic, modern, minimalist, or unusual. From there, consider the gemstone, color, cut, metal, and ring design. A beautiful engagement ring doesn't have to be the biggest or most expensive—it should feel like something chosen specifically for them.

Q: How much should I spend on an engagement ring?
A: There’s no fixed amount you should spend on an engagement ring. You may have heard the old “three months’ salary” rule, but honestly, your budget should be based on what feels comfortable for you. A beautiful engagement ring can be created at many different price points, especially when you consider gemstones such as sapphires, spinels, or rubies instead of choosing a traditional diamond. What matters most is finding a ring that reflects your partner and fits comfortably within your budget.

Whether you're looking for a classic blue sapphire engagement ring, an unusual unheated green sapphire, or a completely custom design, the best place to start is simply by asking questions. There is no need to rush—the right gemstone and the right ring should be something you'll be happy to wear for many years to come.

Q: Should I choose a diamond or a sapphire?
A: This really comes down to personal taste. Diamonds are colourless and typical, while sapphires offer something a little more individual. Sapphires come in many colors—including blue, green, teal, pink, and yellow—and each natural stone has its own character. If you want an engagement ring that feels personal and less conventional, a sapphire can be a wonderful choice.

Q: What does “unheated sapphire” mean?
A: An unheated sapphire is a natural sapphire that has not undergone heat treatment to alter its color or clarity. Because unheated stones are less common, they can be particularly appealing to people who value natural characteristics and rarity. However, “unheated” doesn't automatically mean that a sapphire is better—the color, clarity, cut, origin, and overall beauty of the individual stone are all important.

Q: Is a sapphire durable enough for an engagement ring?
A: Yes. Sapphire is a very durable gemstone and is well suited to everyday jewelry. It ranks 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it one of the hardest natural gemstones after diamond. That said, no gemstone is completely indestructible, so an engagement ring should still be treated with reasonable care.

Q: How long does it take to make an engagement ring?
A: The time depends on the design, gemstone, metal, and how much handwork is involved. A straightforward design may take less time, while a completely handcrafted or custom ring can require additional time for designing, setting, polishing, and finishing. At Shiraz Jewelry in Chiang Mai typically we can make a jewelry piece within 4 to 10 working days. If you have a specific proposal or travel date in mind, it's always best to speak with your jeweler early.

Q: Should I buy the gemstone before designing the engagement ring?
A: In many cases, yes—especially when choosing a natural sapphire. Since every sapphire has its own shape, proportions, color, and character, selecting the gemstone first allows the ring design to be developed around the stone.

This can result in a more harmonious design and allows the setting to highlight what makes that particular gemstone special.

Q: Where can I buy a sapphire engagement ring in Chiang Mai?
A: f you're looking for a natural sapphire engagement ring in Chiang Mai, it's worth taking the time to visit a jeweler where you can see gemstones in person and discuss the differences between them.

At Shiraz Jewelry, we've been working with gemstones and handcrafted jewelry in Chiang Mai since 1983. We specialize in natural gemstones, including Thai sapphires, blue sapphires, green sapphires, teal sapphires, and rubies, and create handmade engagement rings designed around the individual gemstone.

Whether you're looking for a classic blue sapphire engagement ring, an unusual unheated green sapphire, or a completely custom design, the best place to start is simply by asking questions. There is no need to rush—the right gemstone and the right ring should be something you'll be happy to wear for many years to come.