25 Essential Questions to Ask When Buying an Engagement Ring

Before buying an engagement ring, ask about cut, certification, return policies, upgrade options, and lab vs. mined diamonds. This guide walks you through 25 smart, stress-reducing questions to ask any jeweler, plus insights most blogs miss. Be confident, not confused.

Buying an engagement ring isn’t something you do every day. It’s a big decision, emotionally and financially. And yet, most people walk into the process unprepared.

So we’ve put together a clear, step-by-step guide to help you ask better questions, avoid common mistakes, and walk away with a ring you’re genuinely proud to give.

At Mikado Diamonds we help you get clarity. Our free virtual consults are a chance to speak one-on-one with an expert, ask every question on your mind, and actually see the diamonds, not just read a certificate.

Start With Trust: Is This a Jeweler You Want to Work With?

If you’re going to spend thousands of dollars, and trust someone with one of the most meaningful purchases of your life, you need to know who you’re dealing with.

Ask:

• How long have you been in business?
• Can I read reviews from past clients?
• Will I work with the same person from start to finish?
• What’s your policy on pressure-free consultations?

At Mikado, we don’t just say “no pressure”, we live it.

Know the Diamond, Not Just the Grade

A diamond’s GIA or IGI certification is important, it confirms the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat), but it doesn't tell the full story. Two diamonds with identical grades can look completely different in real life.

Ask:

• Can I see the actual diamond or a 360° video?
• Is this stone eye-clean, or are the inclusions visible?
• What’s the fluorescence, and will it affect how the diamond looks?
• How does this cut impact sparkle?

Cut quality is everything. A flawless diamond with a mediocre cut won’t sparkle the way a slightly flawed but brilliantly cut one will.

Ask About the Setting (And If It Fits Real Life)

A beautiful center stone deserves a setting that works with your partner’s lifestyle, not just their Pinterest board.

Ask:

• Is this setting durable enough for daily wear?
• Will it snag on clothing or need frequent maintenance?
• Does it allow for resizing down the road?
• Will it sit flush with a wedding band?

We walk through those trade-offs with you, because no one wants a ring that ends up in a drawer.

Clarify What’s Actually Custom

“Custom” gets thrown around a lot in this industry. But in reality, many so-called custom rings are just pre-made parts snapped together. 

That’s fine if that’s what you want. But if you're looking for a ring that feels personal, maybe with a specific profile, band thickness, or halo style, you need to ask the right things.

Ask:

• Will I see CAD renderings before it’s made?
• Can I make changes during the design process?
• Are there design fees?
• How long does the full design-to-delivery process take?

Here, we’ll let you know upfront if your timeline is doable, no vague promises or last-minute delays.

Talk Budget Without Getting Burned

Your budget should reflect what feels right, not what someone else tells you is “normal.”

Ask:

• What does the price include, just the stone, or the whole ring?
• Are there payment plans or financing options?
• Will I get a formal appraisal for insurance?
• What’s your return or exchange policy?

We’re not here to squeeze your budget. We’re here to help you get the best-looking ring for the money you’re comfortable spending. And because we specialize in lab-grown diamonds, we can often show you larger or more unique stones that wouldn’t be remotely possible at a traditional jeweler.

Don’t Ignore the Details That Make or Break the Experience

This is where most jewelers get vague, or where buyers forget to dig deeper. But asking a few specific questions now can save you time, stress, and cost later.

Ask:

• Can the ring be resized later? How many times?
• What’s included in the warranty, cleaning, prong checks, repairs?
• Is the ring insured during shipping?
• Who actually sets the diamond, and how experienced are they?

Some online jewelers drop-ship loose diamonds and outsource setting. We don’t. 

Think About the Long Term, Not Just the Proposal

An engagement ring should feel just as good on year five as it does on day one. So the smart move is to ask about how flexible your purchase is over time.

Ask:

• Will this ring design accommodate a future diamond upgrade?
• Will this design still fit a future wedding band or anniversary upgrade?

We’ve seen clients return five or ten years later, wanting a carat boost or a change in diamond shape. If this is a possibility, let your jeweler know so you can consider designs that will allow for a future diamond upgrade. 

Ask About Lab-Grown vs. Mined Diamonds

We hear it all the time: “Are lab-grown diamonds real?” Yes, they’re real, chemically, optically, and structurally identical to mined stones. The only difference is origin (and often, price).

Ask:

• Do you carry lab-grown and mined? What are the trade-offs?
• Is there a quality difference?
• Will lab-grown still be valuable in 10 years?
• Do lab diamonds show more color or tint?

Lab-grown diamonds aren’t a downgrade, they’re a smarter choice for many couples. You get better quality, more carat, and ethical sourcing. But you also need to work with someone who knows how to spot the occasional color issues or tint shifts. That’s where we come in.

Match the Ring to Real Life, Not Just the Box

This one gets overlooked often. The ring has to live on a hand, not in a photo shoot. And what looks delicate and dainty on Instagram might not hold up to the realities of daily wear.

Ask:

• Is this setting durable enough for my partner’s lifestyle?
• Will it need maintenance or repairs more often?
• Are there safer styles for active or hands-on jobs?
• How do we make it personal without sacrificing strength?

We’ve helped nurses, teachers, mechanics, and artists design rings that are both stunning and strong. Because beauty fades fast if the ring can’t keep up.

Clarify the Timeline (Especially If You’re Planning a Surprise)

Proposal planning anxiety is real, and it usually starts with unclear production times. A vague “3 to 6 weeks” window doesn’t help you book a photographer or plan a getaway.

Ask:

• What’s the estimated turnaround, and is that guaranteed?
• Do you offer rush options or expedited production?
• Will I get progress updates along the way?
• What happens if we need a last-minute change?

Simple custom designs can be ready in 3–4 weeks; more complex builds might take 5+. We’ll be honest from the start, and if something changes, you’ll be the first to know.

Be Clear on What You’re Paying For

One of the biggest sources of frustration we hear from clients who’ve shopped elsewhere? Confusion over pricing. Was the quote just for the diamond? Did it include the setting, CAD work, or resizing?

Ask:

• Is this the total cost, including diamond, setting, and labor?
• Are there design or CAD fees I should know about?
• What’s included in the warranty or aftercare?
• Will I receive a proper appraisal for insurance purposes?

We itemize everything from day one. No vague bundles, no mystery fees. And if we can save you money by swapping a setting style or opting for a diamond with better light performance (not just a higher grade), we’ll tell you that, too.

Comparison Is Smart, But It Has Limits

It’s normal to compare diamonds online, but specs alone don’t tell the full story. 

Ask:

• Can I compare this diamond to others in the same range?
• What makes this stone better, or worse, than a cheaper option?
• How do you evaluate things like symmetry, polish, or inclusions?

We’ll walk you through the differences that matter. That’s why our clients trust us, to find the best-performing diamond for their budget, not just the best grade on paper.

Don’t Skip These Final Checks Before Saying Yes

You’re getting close. You’ve done the research, asked the right questions, maybe even gone through a few CAD drafts. Before you place your order, take a beat to confirm the last few essentials.

Ask:

• Do I understand the resizing policy?
• Is this ring right for my partner’s daily life?
• Am I confident I’ve chosen based on facts, not pressure or jargon?

If you feel unsure, that’s a sign to pause. We always say: it’s better to delay a proposal than to rush into the wrong ring.

A Better Way to Buy an Engagement Ring

You don’t have to be a gemologist. You don’t need to memorize specs. You just need someone who listens, explains things clearly, and helps you make a smart, heartfelt choice.

That’s what we do at Mikado Diamonds.

Whether you're just starting out or already deep in diamond comparisons, we’re here to answer the tough questions, without pressure or pretense. We believe the best rings aren’t the most expensive. They’re the ones that make your partner’s eyes light up, and your decision feel solid.

Want help? Start with a consult. We’ll walk you through your options, show you actual stones, and give you advice that’s honest, clear, and grounded in 15+ years of experience. 

We’d be honored to help you create something unforgettable.