HOW TO CHOOSE A RING
When buying an engagement ring, whether you are choosing together or planning to surprise your sweetheart, you will need to consider ring style, ring settings, gemstone, and precious metal such as yellow gold, rose gold or white gold.
Set a Budget
Start your search by establishing a realistic budget. Over the past few decades, diamond companies have marketed the idea that an engagement ring should cost the equivalent of one, two, or even three month’s salary. These “rules” should be ignored in favor of what feels right for your partner and you. An engagement ring can cost anywhere between three to six figures. How much you spend is a completely personal choice. With more online jewelry stores, it’s easier to find value for money than shopping at a traditional offline jewelry store.
Choose a Style
It best to choose a style compatible with her lifestyle and personal style. Is there a ring she’s always dreamed of or pointed out to you previously? Pay close attention to any hints she may be giving you. Study the jewelry she already owns. The ring selection process can begin with a style, a gemstone shape, or a gemstone type, depending on the information you have available.
Classic Ring
If she is drawn towards the traditional, look for designs that are timeless. No ring style is more classic than a solitaire in an elegant four or six-prong setting. For a touch more glamour, consider a ring with a delicate diamond band or halo.
Fuss-Free & Natural Ring
Does she prefer to keep her style fuss-free? Maybe she doesn’t wear jewelry at all. In that case, a low-set solitaire or bezel-set ring might be the right choice. A secure bezel setting is particularly suitable for women with hands-on jobs or active lifestyles. If she’s a nature lover, consider a nature-inspired design.
Glamourous Ring
If she loves a touch of glamour, her preference might be a halo or accent stone ring. Embellished with gemstone accents, these styles will give you maximum sparkle. A halo will also make the center stone appear larger than it actually is.
Romantic Ring
Is she more of a dreamy romantic? A woman drawn to other eras might love a ring with the antique look of milgrain or filigree. Rings that combine diamond and colored gemstones also have a very vintage feel. Classic pairings include diamond and ruby, blue sapphire, or emerald.
Unique Ring
If you have a dream ring in mind or are looking for something that is absolutely one of a kind, we can help. Our Custom Design Service can help turn your vision into reality with unique ring designs.
Vintage Ring
Traditional, antique and old-world designs are for vintage ring lovers. These different ring styles include art deco, estate pieces, Victorian and Edwardian eras. Vintage collections have unique ring shapes and settings that are instantly recognizable by the discerning viewer.
For a complete guide to ring styles, see our Engagement Ring or Wedding Ring Guides
Choose a Gemstone
Whether you select a diamond, precious gemstone, or semiprecious gemstone for your ring, it will depend on both personal preference and budget.
Today, white diamond is without a doubt the most popular choice for engagement rings. Diamonds offer incredible brilliance and unmatched durability, both highly desirable qualities for jewelry.
However, the popularity of colored gemstones rings is growing. For example, the stunning blue sapphire ring is worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, and has inspired thousands of brides to be to choose sapphire too.
Colored gemstones offer a wide variety of hues, from the deep blood red of ruby to the vibrant sky blue of blue topaz. Couples often choose colored stones because it has personal significance, whether it’s her birthstone, favorite color, or representative of something meaningful.
If you are shopping on a budget, colored gemstones can also be a more affordable option. Just remember to keep durability in mind, as hardness varies significantly from gemstone to gemstone.
For a complete guide to gemstones, visit Gemstone Education.
Choose a Metal
Most engagement rings are made from platinum, white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold. Each has its own pros and cons, such as cost, durability, and required upkeep. For a comparison of metal properties, visit Precious Metals Education.
However, the best place to start is color. Identifying which precious metal color she prefers may be as simple as noticing the jewelry she wears. If all her jewelry is white metal, she is likely to prefer ring metals in platinum or white gold.
Another factor to consider when is your chosen gemstone color. Some gemstones look better paired with certain color metals. Blue sapphire, for instance, looks most radiant set in white metal. Whereas, green gemstones like emerald, can look beautiful in a white or yellow setting.
Know the Ring Size
The last step before ordering your ring is to confirm the ring size. Visiting a jeweler for a professional ring sizing is undoubtedly the most accurate method for determining the finger size. But if that’s not possible, don’t worry! There are easier methods you can try at home. Visit the size guide page for tips on how to use our printable ring sizer.
If you want to determine your fiancé or partner’s ring size without ruining the surprise, you can try measuring a ring band she already wears on the same finger or asking someone close to her.
What if the ring you order turns out to be the wrong size? We offer a 7 day return policy, so you can exchange your ring for the correct size.