There are times when you will be in the store, and all of a sudden, the perfect ring nearly jumps right out of the showcase and on to your finger. However, there are other times when you are searching for the ideal ring that flatters your hands and fingers and are unable to find exactly what you are looking for. Why it is easy some days and nearly impossible on others remains a mystery.

While I can't lead you to the exact ring that will be perfect for you, I can help you with your buying decisions. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

?Have you set a budget for your ring purchase?

?Are you shopping for your ring online or in person?

?What is the occasion you're buying this ring for?

?Do you want this ring to be worn everyday, or just for special occasions?

?Is this ring something you intend to pass on to future generations?

?Do you want something plain or ornate?

?Are you looking for gemstone jewelry, or a ring with gemstone beads?

?Are you looking for a diamond ring? If so, is there a particular cut or style you desire?

?Do you prefer gold, white gold, silver, or platinum?

I don't necessarily have a problem with shopping for rings online, but it is difficult to determine if the ring is going to fit well and if it is ideal for your hands and fingers. It's one thing to see a beautiful ring in a picture, but it is quite another issue if the ring is too dainty or too gaudy for your hand or fingers. My recommendation is to choose styles online and get a feel for what you are looking for, but to make your final buying decision in person with a reputable sales associate. When you become comfortable with a retailer, and there is an element of trust, you can always go back to the online store to make more purchases.

Try on many rings, too, before making your final decision. Choosing the ideal ring is not an impulse decision, but rather one that takes time and consideration. You may find it necessary to visit many retailers and jewelers before finding what is perfect for you. Be sure to ask if the ring's appearance and styling will undergo a lot of changes if the ring needs to be sized to fit your finger. Sometimes rings are not quite the same as when you first saw them, so keep that in mind.

Do not be afraid to ask the retailers or the jewelers to hold a piece for you for twenty-four hours. This will give you time to look at other rings in other locations (or perform more online searches for good quality pictures of rings), and make a good buying decision. This will also ensure that the ring is not purchased while you are trying to figure out if you want to purchase it or not. If the retailer or jeweler will not hold it for you, perhaps you might want to consider doing your business elsewhere.

Oftentimes, some retailers and jewelers are more interested in securing a sale than making the customer happy, so buyer beware!