Buying an Engagement Ring – Helpful Hints

A typical engagement ring features a single diamond set atop a white gold, yellow gold, or platinum ring. (show picture of engagement ring) The ring may have smaller diamonds set into its sides, be a unique style or 3-stone ring, or it may simply feature the center diamond with no accompanying stones.

Diamond Shape

Has she talked about engagement rings? What has she said? It's helpful to know what shape of stone she prefers. Your options are: round, square, pear, marquise, rectangle, or she might have used a more specific diamond shape term such as princess, radiant, Asscher, emerald, etc. Many diamonds today have particular brand names, this can get confusing, just try to remember what she's said or you've looked at together and we'll help you figure out what it is she wants. If you have no idea, we can help you decide the shape of stone by showing you various cuts and seeing what you like, plus talking with you about her style and choosing a shape that matches her personality.

Ring Style

Choosing a ring she'll love may feel like a daunting decision, but if you pay attention to her tastes and lifestyle, you'll definitely pick the right ring. Try asking her friends or female family members what style of ring she'd like, they can usually point you in the right direction. Or look at her current jewelry, what color metal is it? Also, consider whether she has an active lifestyle. Women who play a lot of sports or have young children, usually prefer a setting that protects the center diamond.

Know Your Budget

What is your budget? Knowing a general figure of how much you want to spend on your engagement ring will help us determine the weight, clarity and color that will fit your needs. She may have a certain carat weight in mind, if so, we'll work with you to find the stone that will meet her expectations, but match your budget requirements.

Know Her Finger Size

You want the ring to fit when you give it to her. Here are a couple of approaches to getting her finger size without giving away your plans: Does she wear a ring on her “ring” finger? Maybe you can sneak one of her rings away and bring it in to be sized. If not, many women love to browse through jewelry stores, go to one with her, have her try on some different types of rings, then see what size fits her. Just pretend your thinking about an upcoming birthday or Christmas present, and steer her away from the engagement rings. She might catch on, but the romance and mystery will make her smile. After your proposal she can bring her ring to us and we'll size it properly to her finger.