Engagement Ring Buying Guide
Shopping for an engagement ring should be exciting, not stressful. We’ve created and compiled the best resources to help you choose the perfect engagement ring. With nearly two centuries of family experience, we’ve provided support for countless love stories.
Whether you’re shopping for a partner or with a partner, buying an engagement ring can feel overwhelming at times. With so many factors to consider, it’s best to educate yourself on different materials and styles. We’ll walk you through some of the most important features to be aware of. When you’re ready, visit us in-store or schedule an appointment.
Engagement Ring Glossary
Start with the basics and learn the names of different features of an engagement ring. From ring anatomy to metal choices to styles, you’ll learn to talk about engagement rings like a pro.
You can download the entire glossary here:
Choosing Your Engagement Ring
Once you have a pretty good grasp of the different styles and materials of engagement rings, it’s time to start shopping! First of all, are you shopping together as a couple, or are you shopping for your partner? Either way, your first step will be the same.
1) Define Your Budget
It’s a myth that you need at least three months’ salary to purchase a stunning engagement ring. There are ring styles available at many price points if you’re willing to be flexible on some of the details. And your budget may change as you start the process of engagement ring shopping. But it’s helpful to start with a general budget in mind to guide your decisions as you get started.
2) Learn About the 4 Cs of Diamonds
The 4 Cs of diamonds are cut, color, clarity, and carat. These characteristics describe the quality and value of a diamond. Diamond value is affected by the combination of all of these characteristics.
| FOUR CS | DEFINITION |
|---|---|
| Cut | Diamond cut is often used interchangeably with diamond shape, but the true definition is the quality of a diamond’s proportions and symmetry. Cut can significantly impacts a diamond’s brilliance. |
| Color | Diamonds typically range in color from colorless to yellow or light brown. They are also sometimes found in “fancy” colors such as red and blue. A non-fancy diamond’s value increases the more colorless it is. Diamond color is graded on a letter scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). Learn more about the color grading system here. |
| Clarity | Clarity refers to the amount of inclusions in a diamond. Inclusions are caused by other minerals becoming trapped in the diamond as it forms. The fewer inclusions a diamond has, the more valuable it is. Diamond clarity is graded on a letter and number scale from F (flawless) all the way to I3 (included level 3). Learn more about the grading system here. |
| Carat | Carat refers to the weight of a diamond. The average 1 carat diamond measures approximately 6.5mm in diameter. While many people tend to think of diamond size first when selecting an engagement ring, all of the four Cs play an important role in determining a diamond’s value and appeal. |
Bonus Reading: The Difference Between Diamond Shapes and Cuts
Diamond Cut
Too Shallow
Ideal Cut
Too Deep
Diamond Color
D
E-F
G-J
K-M
N-R
S-Z
Diamond Clarity
F-IF
VVS1-VVS2
VS1-VS2
SI1-SI2
I1
I2-I3
Diamond Carat Weight
0.25 Carat
4.1 mm
0.50 Carat
5.0 mm
0.75 Carat
5.8 mm
1.00 Carat
6.5 mm
1.50 Carat
7.4 mm
2.00 Carat
8.2 mm
Bonus Reading: Ten Fun Facts About Diamonds
Gemstone Engagement Rings
If you’re shopping for a gemstone engagement ring, keep in mind that gemstones fit just as well as diamonds in engagement ring settings. Diamonds are the hardest stone, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale; all other gemstones will be below that. Sapphire and rubies (corundum) both rank 9 and are great options for everyday wear. With sapphires available in almost every shade, you have a lot of options. If you’re set on a gemstone other than diamond, ruby, or sapphire, it’s important to understand its durability and toughness so you can make an informed choice.
3) Choose a Metal
These are the most common metals used for engagement rings due to their durability, luster, and hypoallergenic properties.
- Yellow Gold – One of the most popular options. Give your ring a classic look.
- Rose Gold – Less common than yellow or white gold. Gives your ring a distinctive and romantic appearance.
- White Gold – One of the most popular options. Pairs well with diamonds.
- Platinum – Platinum is more durable than gold and has a beautiful luster. It’s also more expensive than gold.
- Palladium – This is a great alternative to platinum. It has a lot of the same properties but is typically less expensive.
- Mixed Metal – Mixing metals can be a great way to add a unique touch to your ring.
4) Consider the Ring Wearer's Style
- Lifestyle: For a person with an active lifestyle or someone who works with their hands frequently, certain styles will minimize the risk of damage. For example, bezel settings and low-profile settings are safer than many other types.
- Style Preferences: What overall design aesthetic does the ring wearer prefer? Even if you don’t have a specific ring style in mind, an experienced jeweler will be able to translate your aesthetic preferences into ring style options. From modern and minimalist designs to vintage-inspired and intricate styles, there’s a vast selection of styles available.
- Sentimental Touches: Do you want to add a personal touch to the engagement ring, like an engraving, customized detail, or specific gemstone? Customization can range from designing the entire ring from scratch to adding a simple personalization.
5) Choose a Center Stone
We’ve already briefly discussed choosing a diamond versus choosing a gemstone for an engagement ring. Diamonds are the classic choice, partially because they have the highest hardness rating and are ideal for everyday wear.
Rubies and sapphires also have a high durability rating and work well for engagement rings. Whatever you choose, it’s important to understand its unique durability and the best ways to care for it.
If you love the look of diamonds, but not the price tag, diamond alternatives are abundant in a range of affordable price points. From lab-grown diamonds and moissanite, to white sapphire and cubic zirconia, we’ve got an entire blog devoted to diamond alternatives.
For a truly unique diamond, we can be your personal shopper in the diamond capital of the world. Once a year, we travel to Antwerp, Belgium to hand-select diamonds for our clients. Get in touch now to get the process started.
Choose a Diamond Shape
Once you know what kind of center stone you want, you can start think about what kind of shape you want. Different shapes will have a different aesthetic quality, different levels of brilliance, and many other characteristics that a gemologist or experienced jeweler will be able to explain in detail.
Bonus Reading: What are the Different Diamond Shapes?
| DIAMOND SHAPE | CHARACTERISTICS |
|---|---|
| Round | The round brilliant is the classic favorite for engagement rings, loved for its incredible sparkle and balanced symmetry. It reflects light from every angle and will always feel timeless, whether set in a simple solitaire or a modern halo. |
| Princess | The princess cut has a clean, square shape with crisp edges that give it a contemporary edge. Its sharp brilliance and geometric lines make it a popular choice for those who love modern design with a touch of bold elegance. |
| Oval | The oval diamond has a graceful, elongated silhouette that flatters the hand beautifully. It offers nearly the same brilliance as a round cut but with a softer, more romantic feel that feels both classic and fresh. |
| Emerald | The emerald cut stands out with long, step-cut facets that create a sleek, mirror-like shimmer. It’s less about sparkle and more about sophistication, giving the ring an elegant, confident presence that feels timeless. |
| Cushion | The cushion cut combines vintage charm with modern appeal, featuring rounded corners and soft edges that create a warm, romantic glow. It’s loved for its balance of brilliance and character, offering a look that feels effortlessly elegant. |
| Radiant | The radiant cut blends the sparkle of a round diamond with the bold shape of an emerald cut. Its cropped corners and brilliant facets give it incredible fire, making it perfect for anyone who loves a mix of glamour and edge. |
| Pear | The pear-shaped diamond, also called a teardrop, feels graceful and distinctive. It elongates the finger while adding a touch of individuality—ideal for someone who wants a ring that feels both feminine and unexpected. |
| Marquise | With its pointed ends and regal shape, the marquise cut is made for drama. It creates the illusion of a longer, slender finger and has a vintage-inspired flair that feels bold, elegant, and completely unforgettable. |
| Asscher | The Asscher cut channels pure Art Deco sophistication. Its square, step-cut facets create a hall-of-mirrors effect, reflecting light in a subtle, mesmerizing way that feels refined and timeless. |
| Trilliant | The trilliant, or trillion, cut offers a sharp, triangular shape that’s full of brilliance and personality. It’s less common for engagement rings, which makes it an eye-catching choice for someone who loves a daring, modern look. |
| Heart | The heart-shaped diamond is romantic, playful, and symbolic all at once. It’s a distinctive choice for anyone drawn to sentimental pieces that still sparkle with meaning and individuality. |
6) Choose a Setting
The setting is how the center diamond or gemstone is held in place and is important to consider for aesthetic reasons and whether it’s compatible with your lifestyle. Some settings are also considered a style, with the bezel setting being a good example. The terms setting and style are often used interchangeably when discussing engagement rings.
Common Settings and Styles
Prong Setting
Prong settings are very common in engagement rings. They delicately hold the diamond in place, allowing light to pass through all facets of the diamond. In this image, the diamond is held in a white gold four-prong setting with a yellow gold band. Six-prong settings are also popular in engagement ring settings.
Bezel Setting
A bezel setting is a strip of metal that completely encircles the diamond. This is the most secure setting and is ideal for people with active lifestyles. It’s often seen in solitaire settings but can also be paired with accent stones. The ring in the image has a white gold bezel on a yellow gold shank.
Pave Setting
Pave (pronounced pah-vay) setting refers to the accent stones, not the center stone. It is a technique of setting melee stones very closely together that creates a continuous sparkle, somewhat like a paved street. Melee stones typically weigh less than 0.02 carats. In the image, the engagement ring features an oval blue sapphire with pave-set melee diamonds on the shoulders and shank.
Solitaire
The solitaire engagement ring is one of the most classic-style rings available. It has a center stone and no accent stones. There is still a lot of variation in solitaire rings, including stone setting, metal color(s), and the option for shank adornments such as engraving, filigree, and a knife-edge.
Halo
Halo engagement rings have a halo around the center stone. Halos can work with center stones of any shape. They accentuate the sparkle of the center stone, making it look even larger. There are also hidden-halo engagement rings, where the halo is hidden from the top view and situated in the gallery area.
Three Stone
Three-stone rings are popular for the symbolic meanings associated with them: the first side stone represents the past, the center stone represents the present, and the second side stone represents the future. The engagement ring in this image is a halo three-stone ring with abundant sparkle. Learn more about the meanings of three-stone rings.
There are a variety of other settings and styles available, as well as a variety of ways to combine settings. You can have a three-stone halo ring with pave-set accent diamonds. You can have a bezel-set center diamond in a bypass setting with tension-set accent diamonds. Or what about a four-prong set center diamond with a hidden halo and pave-set diamonds in a split-shank band? Once you have a general idea of the styles you prefer, your jeweler can help you fine-tune every single detail so your engagement ring is something you’re excited to wear everyday. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with engagement ring lingo, remember you can always refer to your engagement ring glossary.
7) Add Customizations
This step is entirely optional but can provide a way to add a personal touch to your engagement ring. A customization can be as simple as an engraving inside the band to as complex as designing a completely bespoke engagement ring. A common misconception is that custom-designed jewelry is not an affordable option, but an experienced designer can help you create something you love that’s in your budget. Read more about designing a custom engagement ring and what affects the cost of custom jewelry.
Custom Engagement Rings from Jewelry By Designs
These custom engagement ring examples include some completely bespoke pieces to give you an idea of how creative you can be with your design.
Danielle & Brian
The solitaire setting features a musical score along the band. Music was important to Danielle & Brian, which was why Danielle chose to honor it in her engagement ring.
Elise & Sarah
Elise & Sarah each created their own engagement ring. Elise opted to use a Martin Flyer three stone setting with a center teal blue topaz and London blue topaz side stones. Sarah chose a double-band setting with a rose quartz center and gray sapphire accent stones.
Rebecca & Themar
This three-stone setting features side stones set in custom coffee cup designs. Rebecca and Themar met when Rebecca frequented his coffee shop, so she chose to commemorate that in her engagement ring.
Learn more about custom jewelry design at Jewelry By Designs.
8) Protect Your Engagement Ring
Once you’ve purchased an engagement ring, it’s a good idea to make sure it’s protected. Plan to get a professional appraisal at the time you buy the ring, if possible. In terms of protection, there are a few options for how you can do this, including homeowner’s insurance, renter’s insurance, and jewelry insurance. These typically cover loss, theft, and damage.
At Jewelry By Designs, we offer the Montage Jewelry Care Plan, which keeps your ring looking its best long after the proposal. Instead of focusing on loss or replacement, this plan covers routine repairs and maintenance, like resizing, prong tightening, polishing, rhodium plating, and more, so your ring stays as beautiful as the day you received it.
An Engagement Ring is Special
Hopefully, this guide has left you feeling more in control of your choices when it comes to choosing an engagement ring. There are a lot of options available, but as long as you have some of your preferences in mind, a skilled jeweler can guide you as you explore your options. Choose a jeweler who is patient with you and doesn’t rush the process of selecting the perfect ring.
We recommend looking for jewelers who are JA store members, as well as looking for stores that employ staff with credentials from any of the following: Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society (AGS), or National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA). JA member stores hold themselves to the highest industry standards of transparency and quality and credentialed jewelers signal expertise and dedication.
Now comes the fun part where you get to choose all the details from metal color to diamond shape to customization. Your engagement ring is a unique signature of your love story and is something you’ll be wearing every day for the rest of your life, so it’s no wonder it’s such a big decision for most people.
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