At Camelot Jewelers, we receive many questions about engagement rings, bridal jewelry and weddings as a whole. To help make your journey to the altar as smooth and special as possible, we’ve compiled 10 of the questions couples ask us most—along with expert answers to guide you from the proposal to “I do.”
1. Does the wedding band or engagement ring go on my finger first?
Traditionally, the wedding band goes on the finger first, followed by the engagement ring. My dad, Rodney Williams, always said, “The band goes closest to your heart.”
Some brides choose two matching bands—one on each side of the engagement ring—while others prefer stacking or geometric bands that can be mixed and matched. Ultimately, it’s about your personal style and what makes you feel beautiful.
2. Where are some good places to propose?
The best proposals often happen in places that are meaningful to the couple. It might be where you had your first date, a favorite park or even a local mural your partner has always admired—like the one at Camelot Jewelers!
Incorporating local landmarks or businesses can make the occasion even more memorable. As a local business, we love helping with proposals. Whether we’re helping you select the perfect ring or snapping photos of the big moment, we’re honored to become part of your love story.
3. Should I have my rings soldered together before or after the wedding?
That decision is entirely up to the bride, but there are two popular options.
Option A: Drop off your rings before having your nails done. We’ll clean, inspect and solder them together. Once they’re ready, you can try them on to ensure a perfect fit. The best man can then keep them safe until the ceremony. With this option, the bride doesn’t wear the rings again until the groom places them on her finger at the altar.
Option B: Bring in only your engagement ring for a professional cleaning and polishing. White-gold rings can also be rhodium plated to restore their bright finish. You can walk down the aisle wearing your engagement ring, receive the wedding band during the ceremony and switch their positions afterward so the wedding band rests closest to your heart.
After the wedding, you can bring both rings back to be soldered together—either before or after the honeymoon. Many couples also purchase a QALO silicone ring from us to wear while traveling, helping keep their new rings safe.
4. When should I avoid wearing my engagement ring?
Jewelry should never be worn in a swimming pool. Chlorine can damage certain metals, weaken prongs and increase the risk of cracking or losing a stone.
We recommend wearing a QALO silicone ring during activities such as swimming, boating, sports or mudding—anywhere your ring could become dirty, damaged or lost. If you accidentally wear your jewelry during one of these activities, stop by Camelot Jewelers for a professional cleaning and inspection. We’ll help make it look beautiful again while checking that everything remains secure.
5. How much should I spend on an engagement ring?
This is one of my favorite questions. You may have heard outdated rules such as spending three months’ salary, but I’m not an advocate of that approach.
Your budget should reflect your financial comfort as well as your bride’s style and preferences. If she values high-quality diamonds and hopes to keep the same ring forever, you may choose to invest in a larger stone or a more detailed setting. If she prefers minimal jewelry or may want to upgrade in the future, a smaller, more modest piece could be the perfect choice.
Camelot offers free in-store layaway and two years of same-as-cash financing to help make your dream ring more accessible, regardless of your budget.
6. Why choose a diamond—and what if I want a different center stone?
Diamonds are not only beautiful but also exceptionally durable, making them well suited for everyday wear. A diamond rates 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, the highest possible rating.
However, a diamond isn’t the only beautiful option. Sapphires, rubies and moissanite are also popular center stones that offer their own distinctive colors, characteristics and styles. The right stone is the one that fits your taste, lifestyle and love story.
7. When should we choose our wedding bands?
The sooner, the better! If your ring needs to be custom-made, the process can take up to four weeks. Specially ordered rings may take two to three weeks, and some can take longer if they are backordered.
Giving yourself plenty of time helps ensure that you receive exactly what you want without the stress of a last-minute deadline. We also offer free in-store layaway, allowing you to pay over time while we keep your rings safe until the big day.
8. What is the difference between a warranty and an appraisal?
A warranty provides ongoing coverage or services related to your ring. At Camelot, every ring purchase includes a complimentary warranty covering side diamonds, lifetime sizing, rhodium plating for white gold, soldering and even a discount on future bands.
An appraisal is a formal document generally used for insurance purposes. It describes your ring’s specifications and establishes its value. We provide appraisals and insurance replacement forms so you have the documentation needed in case your jewelry is lost or damaged.
9. What if I don’t know what kind of ring my partner wants—or what size they wear?
Start by checking whether your partner has a Pinterest board, talking discreetly with close friends or family members, or paying attention to the jewelry they already wear.
If you can bring us a ring they currently wear on the correct finger, we may be able to determine the size. If none of those options is possible, don’t worry. We carry many rings in standard sizes that fit a wide range of people. After the proposal, bring the ring back to Camelot and we can resize it—often the same day.
10. A family member is giving me an heirloom ring, but it isn’t my fiancé’s style. What should I do?
We love helping families repurpose heirloom jewelry. You may be able to trade in the original ring toward a new one or use its stones to create a custom piece that better reflects your fiancé’s style.
We have also melted down original gold to create pendants and other keepsake gifts. Whether it becomes something for the bride to wear down the aisle or a surprise gift from the groom, we specialize in transforming sentimental jewelry into meaningful pieces that can be cherished for generations.
Every couple—and every love story—is different. Whether you’re choosing an engagement ring, designing a one-of-a-kind piece, selecting wedding bands or giving new life to a family heirloom, the Camelot Jewelers team is here to help make the experience personal, memorable and stress-free.
To explore your options or learn more, visit www.shopcamelotjewelers.com.
Camelot Jewelers | Newburgh, Indiana
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
