Nationwide Engagement Ring Trends Reflect Varying Tastes

 Posted on November 03, 2016 in Family Law

A wedding proposal can take many forms. Some are elaborate, carefully planned, and full of romantic surprises; countless examples exist online on various social media sites. Others are relatively quiet, simple, and reflective. There is, however, a unifying element to most proposals: the engagement ring. It is nearly unheard of to pop the question without first spending a significant amount of time—and usually a substantial amount of money—finding the right symbol of your love for your soon-to-be spouse.

While there is obviously much more to preparing for a marriage than simply choosing the right ring—discussing finances, plans for children, and, in many cases, a prenuptial agreement—the choice of ring can show how well a person knows his or her partner. According to a new report from an international jewelry company, engagement ring tastes vary greatly throughout the country and provide an interesting snapshot of what soon-to-be newlyweds find important.

Ethical, Sustainable Jewelry

Brilliant Earth is a jewelry company that sells diamond engagement rings around the world, with four showroom locations in the United States, including one on East Oak Street in Chicago. The company is committed to buying and selling stones that have been mined in a manner that is ethical and conflict-free. In an attempt to analyze the aspects of engagement rings that attract buyers, the company sampled thousands of custom orders and compiled the results.

Size and Price Matters

The study found that people in certain states preferred much larger stones on their engagement rings, with residents of California purchasing the largest diamonds. Washington, D.C., was second, Massachusetts third, and New York was fourth. However, size does not necessarily equate to value, as other states tend to spend more engagement rings, even if they have lower total carat weight.

Couples in Nevada spend the most on rings, despite ranking only fifth in terms of the size of the rings being purchased. Minnesotans spend the second-most, New Yorkers third-most, and Californians spend the fourth-most, even though their rings are larger on average.

Where Does Illinois Rank?

Interestingly, the state of Illinois did not crack the top 10 in terms of ring size or value, but that does not mean the state was left out of Brilliant Earth’s analysis. Instead, Illinois ranked ninth in a somewhat less flattering category. Only eight other states, including California, had a higher rate of returned engagement rings. (Alaska and Tennessee claimed the top two spots.) While it is impossible to know exactly why Illinoisans return their rings more than those in other states, canceled engagements and broken relationships are certainly causes for concern.

Preparing for Marriage?

If you are thinking about getting married, it is important to work closely with an experienced Naperville family law attorney so that you understand all of the legal implications of your decision. From prenuptial agreements to property acquired in contemplation of marriage, we can provide the assistance you need as you look to create a lifetime of happiness. Call 630-352-2240 for a free consultation at Pesce Law Group, P.C., today.

Source:

http://www.brilliantearth.com/news/engagement-ring-purchasing-trends/