The moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. Your significant other stood on one knee and asked the question you’ve wanted to hear for as long as you can remember. Of course, you say, “I do!” However, what happens if you don’t like your engagement ring?
Don’t start panicking just yet; let’s first explore the various options to mitigate this unfortunate situation.
What to Do If You Don’t Like Your Engagement Ring
Unless you picked out the engagement ring yourself, it’s up to your significant other to choose and buy the engagement ring of your dreams. This can go in one of two ways: you will either fall in love with it immediately, or it just won’t feel like it’s the right engagement ring for you.
It might be a small detail that doesn’t appeal to you, like the accent stones or how the diamond sits on your finger. Or, you might not like the diamond’s cut, the color of the band, or the carat weight, which can all be deal breakers. Before you know it, you’re getting anxious whenever someone asks to see your engagement ring.
If the second outcome has already happened, don’t worry. It’s not the end of the world. After all, your engagement should be a happy occasion, not a stressful one.
Here are a few things you can do if you don’t like your engagement ring:
1. Wait a Week (If the Return Policy Allows It)
Don’t throw in the towel just yet. You may not like how your engagement ring looks when you first see it in the box or on your finger. But you may change your mind after wearing it for a few days to a week.
Give the engagement ring a chance if you don’t want to hurt your fiancé’s feelings. Wear the ring with your other jewelry, put it on your finger when leaving the house, and wear it on a few different occasions. It might grow on you.
You may change your opinion about the ring if you find out there’s a reason your partner chose it for you. It could have reminded them of you, or it could be a family heirloom. If the ring has a special meaning, you might learn to love it.
However, don’t forget about the return policy.
A lot of jewelry stores let you return or exchange the ring, which usually extends to 30 days after the purchase. They do this in case the potential bride says “No,” but they also let you return the ring if it’s just not the right choice for you.
Keep in mind that the jewelry store that sold the engagement ring might have a different return policy, so be sure to get informed beforehand. Some jewelry stores let you return the ring after 60 days, and some even have 90-day policies. However, it must be in the same condition it was purchased to return the ring.
I’ll talk about how to return an engagement ring in more detail later in the article.
2. Modify the Ring or Diamond
If you don’t want to return the ring because it’s precious to you (even though you don’t like it), you always have the option to modify it.
Depending on the engagement ring type, you can customize the ring, the diamond, or both. For example, if you like the diamond but don’t like the ring’s settings, you can set the diamond on a different ring.
If the engagement ring in question is a family heirloom, however, then you will need to be extra careful so as not to damage the settings. It would be best to take the ring to a jeweler specializing in vintage and antique jewelry.
3. Find a Wedding Band That Will Spruce It Up
If you don’t like your engagement ring but don’t want to return or exchange it, you can buy a wedding band that will make it look better.
Many brides-to-be like to wear a matching engagement ring and a wedding ring. But they don’t need to be matching. They can have a complementary style or color, or you can create a contrast. You can buy a simple wedding band if your engagement ring has a big diamond and shiny accents. On the other hand, if you feel like your engagement ring is too small, you can add some details to your wedding band to make it stand out.
How to Return a Ring
If you simply don’t like your engagement ring and are not interested in customizing it, you can always return it. As I mentioned, jewelry stores have different return policies, and in most cases, your decision is time sensitive.
The ring has to be in good condition for you to return it. So, if you have already been wearing it for a few months, and it has some visible signs of wear, the jewelry store might not let you return it. In addition, some stores might require a restocking fee.
If the ring has been personalized or repaired in another jewelry store, the store where you bought it won’t take it back.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you will need the sales receipt, the GIA report certificate, and the additional paperwork you received when you bought the ring. If you don’t have those documents with you, you won’t be able to prove where you bought the ring and how long ago.
Ask for the Return Policy Before Purchasing the Ring
An engagement ring is a serious purchase, especially if you want a diamond. That’s why you should take some time to do your research.
More importantly, before making the purchase, you should always ask about the return policy, no matter who is reading this article, the bride or groom-to-be. That way, you can avoid a situation where your significant other doesn’t like the ring. Or worse, if they say no to your question.
Knowing the return policy upfront will give you more options if you don’t like your engagement ring. Talk to your partner about your feelings and make a decision together. Even though you may feel guilty about not liking the ring, you’ll regret not saying anything sooner. I understand the last thing you want to do is hurt your fiancé’s feelings. But if you’re upfront about it, they will understand.
If all goes well, you and your partner can return to the jewelry store, return the ring, or exchange it for a new one.
But what should you do if you can’t return or exchange the ring?
Well, there are a few options. You can try selling it in a pawn shop or through online ads or auction websites. You can always donate it or give it to someone else. But if the ring’s valuable, you can get a good return on your investment.
Talk to an Expert
Even if your partner has good intentions, they might not know your taste in jewelry. If they get you an engagement ring you don’t like, don’t worry. You have plenty of options, and if you really don’t like your engagement ring, you can always return it and exchange it for a better one.
Whatever you choose, I advise you to be honest with your partner.
If you’re still not sure about what to do when you don’t like your engagement ring, fill out the form below, and I’ll respond as soon as possible.
