Shopping for wedding rings isn’t like shopping for anything else, so if you’re one of those people who can’t stand shopping, you need to take a deep breath, focus, and prepare to do it right. This is not the same type of scenario, as going to the mall is where you just go as fast as you can, so it’s not too painful and hopefully you get what you’re looking for. This is the one time in your life when close enough isn’t good enough, but don’t let that bother you. You can overcome this easier than you thought if you just follow a few simple steps.

The first step is to do your research and find a local independent professional jeweler. You’ll like this step because it will most likely keep you from having to go near the mall. The jewelry stores there though offer a seemingly wonderful selection of mass produced items affordable wedding rings, they will source from vendors and not from jewelers. You have questions to ask, and most of these people won’t know how to answer them.

The second step that you must take and that I just told you about: ask questions. Ask lots of questions. Ask them specifically about diamonds. When looking at diamond engagement rings, ask what all the different cuts mean. Ask them why two diamonds that appear to be the same size have different prices. Ask exactly what he meant by color and clarity. Ask again to make sure you understand what you are saying. Ask about the setting and the metals the ring is made of. Do not be shy. This is a great investment you are making, both monetarily and emotionally. Make sure you are comfortable with what you are buying.

Step three is much like step two, except it happens after you’ve chosen your ring. Many jewelry stores now offer additional programs such as jewelry cleaning services and annual jewelry insurance appraisals. I didn’t call it an inversion in the previous paragraph just because I wanted a word that started with the letter “I”. Wedding rings are one of two things you’ll buy in your lifetime that will increase in value as long as you own it (the other is your house, hopefully). You need to make sure you protect that investment, so ask how they can help you do that once you have the rings. If you follow these three steps, your shopping experience will be so easy that you will even find it pleasant.