Shopping for an engagement ring ranks among life's most exciting purchases. It's also one that can feel overwhelming when you're faced with endless options, unfamiliar terminology, and the pressure of getting it exactly right. You want a ring that captures your partner's style, fits comfortably within your budget, and represents the life you're building together.
At Wimmer's Diamonds, we've guided couples through this process for over 105 years. We've seen what works, what doesn't, and how to make the experience enjoyable instead of stressful. Here's everything you need to know about engagement ring shopping in Fargo-Moorhead.
Before You Walk Through Our Doors
The first decision you'll make has nothing to do with diamonds or settings. It's about how you want this experience to unfold. Some people prefer complete surprise proposals. Others want their partner involved from the beginning. Many couples land somewhere in the middle, browsing together initially and finalizing details separately.
Our team of certified jewelry experts works with all three approaches. We can help you shop alone, guide you both together, or work with the future ring-wearer and their friends to narrow down preferences. There's no single right way to do this.
Before your visit, take some time to think about what you already know. Have you noticed your partner admiring certain ring styles on social media? Do they prefer gold, white gold, or rose gold? Have they mentioned loving oval diamonds or preferring something more classic? These details help us point you in the right direction immediately.
If you're planning a surprise, try to gather information about their general ring style, preferred metal colors, diamond shape preferences, and your comfortable budget range. Save photos they've sent you or shown you from Instagram or Pinterest. These visual references speak volumes and help us understand what resonates with them.
What Happens When You Visit Wimmer's
Your appointment starts with a beverage and a conversation. We're not here to sell you the most expensive ring in the case. We're here to understand what you're looking for and what matters most to you both.
We'll talk about preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Someone who works with their hands every day needs a different ring than someone who spends most of their time in an office. A person who loves bold jewelry wants something different from someone who prefers subtle elegance.
Then we'll pull pieces for you to try on. This hands-on experience changes everything. Rings that look stunning in photos might not feel right in person. A setting you never considered might end up being the perfect choice. Trying on different styles builds confidence in your decision.
We have a large selection of engagement rings in our showroom, and we can modify almost any ring to match your vision. Different stone sizes and shapes, various gold colors, adjusted band widths—these customizations help you get exactly what you want.
The Custom Design Option
Maybe you've looked at hundreds of rings and nothing feels quite right. That's when custom design becomes your best option. At Wimmer's, we have over 105 years of experience creating custom jewelry. If you can dream it, we can make it.
Our team of designers will work with you to incorporate every detail into the final design. The process starts with understanding your vision, sketches and digital renderings come next, and we walk you through each step until the ring is exactly what you imagined. The possibilities are nearly endless, and our jewelry experts help you navigate your options.
Custom rings typically need six to eight weeks from design to completion. Planning ahead ensures your ring arrives in time for your proposal date. We can accommodate faster timelines in some cases, especially if you're working with modifications to existing styles rather than creating something entirely from scratch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We've watched people make the same missteps over the years. Here's what to avoid:
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Ignoring your partner's preferences. Just because you're a couple doesn't mean you share the same taste in rings. Pay attention to what they actually like, not what you think they should like. The engagement ring is a lifelong symbol of your relationship, so choose what feels right for both of you, regardless of current trends.
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Waiting until the last minute. Quality craftsmanship takes time. Meet with us about six to eight weeks before your planned proposal date. Rushed decisions lead to compromises you'll regret later.
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Not discussing the budget up front. Start thinking about what you can comfortably afford in advance, including whether you'll need financing options. We work with all budgets to create beautiful rings. Being honest about your financial situation helps us guide you toward the perfect ring while keeping you financially at ease.
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Getting overwhelmed by options. The engagement ring-buying process should be easy and enjoyable. When working with Wimmer's, you're simply finding a ring your partner will love within a comfortable budget. We handle the complicated parts so you can focus on the excitement.
Understanding Ring Size
Ring size matters more than people realize. With over 70 combined years of experience, our in-house goldsmiths are highly skilled at resizing rings. However, resizing has its limits, and we prioritize maintaining the quality and integrity of each piece.
In some cases, we might reorder a ring in the correct size rather than resize it. This preserves the craftsmanship and ensures the ring maintains its structural integrity. That's why knowing your partner's ring size beforehand makes the process smoother.
Have a friend or family member take them ring shopping and casually find out their size. Encourage your partner to visit our store to try on styles and get their size measured. They can even create a Wimmer's wishlist with all their favorite styles marked on file, making your job infinitely easier.
What to Spend on an Engagement Ring
The simple answer? Spend what you can afford and feel comfortable with. Forget the outdated rules about spending two or three months' salary. Those guidelines were created by diamond companies decades ago and have nothing to do with your actual financial situation.
Wimmer's works with all budgets to create the ring of your partner's dreams. We offer financing and layaway options for those who need them. What matters is choosing a ring that represents your commitment and fits your financial reality.
Current Trends and Timeless Choices
Trends come and go, but your personal style should be reflected in your ring. Right now, we're seeing lots of interest in elongated diamonds as center stones set in timeless solitaire settings. These provide a classic look with a modern twist.
When it's time to add a wedding band, you'll have another opportunity to showcase personality and style without overshadowing the engagement ring itself. We offer an extensive selection of wedding bands in-store and can customize a band to complement any engagement ring.
Tip: If you're unsure about what ring style they'll love, stick to something simple and classic. These styles never go out of fashion and appeal to the widest range of tastes.
Beyond Traditional Diamonds
Not everyone wants a diamond center stone, and that's perfectly fine. Although diamonds are recommended for their durability and hardness, plenty of alternatives exist. Sapphires offer excellent durability and come in various colors. Princess Diana's iconic engagement ring featured a sapphire and remains one of the most famous engagement rings in history.
Our jewelry experts can help you identify center stone options based on your preferences and lifestyle. We'll discuss the durability of different gemstones and help you understand the pros and cons of each choice. The goal is finding a ring you love that will also withstand daily wear for decades.
Why Choose a Local Jeweler
Buying from Wimmer's Diamonds means working with actual people who care about your experience. We provide hands-on service where you can touch, try on, and see rings in person before making this significant purchase.
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When you need your ring serviced or cleaned, you simply stop by our showroom. There's no shipping your precious jewelry to some distant location and hoping it arrives safely. You talk directly to our jewelry experts and goldsmiths, who can explain the issue and fix it quickly.
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You'll never be directed to an automated phone system with long wait times. You speak with real humans who know your story and remember you. Online companies typically can't provide the care and personal attention that a local jeweler offers.
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Wimmer's Diamonds treats you like family regardless of how much you spend. We offer free inspections and cleanings on all jewelry, transparent pricing, and honest advice. Our team has extensive knowledge built over 100 years of serving the Fargo-Moorhead area. Plus, you might get to meet our beloved furry friend Rosie during your visit.
Ready to Start Your Forever
Engagement ring shopping should be memorable for all the right reasons. At Wimmer's Diamonds, we handle the complicated details so you can focus on the excitement of this moment.
Visit our showroom at 4582 32nd Ave S in Fargo, or explore more at wimmersdiamonds.com. No question is too small, no budget is too modest, and no vision is too ambitious. We're here to help you find the perfect ring that starts your forever.
Let's create something beautiful together.
