All About Engagement Rings – Ultimate Guide

Every person’s journey in finding the person they want to spend the rest of their lives with is unique. The same holds true when finding the right engagement ring. Choosing an engagement ring to present to the love of your life entails a lot of considerations. Your budget, the style of the ring, and the meaning it holds are just among the many factors one must think about.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or in need of just a little more direction in selecting the metal type or diamond carat, this comprehensive guide is bound to help. Read on and equip yourself with the correct information from industry experts so you can confidently shop for that perfect symbol of love and commitment.

What does an engagement ring symbolize?

The sparkling jewel you offer on one knee stands for the promise of marriage. An engagement ring is an official symbol of your love and devotion to your beloved. It speaks of your desire to make her the one you’ll spend the rest of your life with. The circular profile of the ring denotes love and commitment that never ends.

What are popular engagement ring settings and styles?

Solitaire engagement ring is the most popular engagement ring setting. It features a single stone set atop a plain and polished band. The halo engagement ring is another popular choice, appealing to those who look for more sparkle. The three-stone setting is popular among couples who wish to tell their love story – their past, present, and future – through their ring. Other popular engagement ring styles include those with colored gemstones in unique cuts, vintage-style engagement rings with intricate filigree or scrollwork, and minimalist diamond engagement rings to hat are easy to wear daily.

How much should you spend on an engagement ring?

There is no hard and fast rule on how much one should spend on an engagement ring. No one number or price range will define an “acceptable” budget. The cost of an engagement ring can be affected by several factors, including the current price of precious metals and the price of diamonds and their quality. So how much one must spend for an engagement ring will ultimately depend on the budget that works for you.

How To Choose an Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is an important purchase. It’s a considerable expense, and it is a symbolic piece of diamond jewelry. You would want to get a ring that will stand the test of time, be reflective of the message you wish to send, make you and your partner happy, and, most importantly, not put you in debt.

As such, the criteria for selecting an engagement ring will cover your budget, your partner’s preference in jewelry, and the symbolism you wish the ring to hold.

How to Choose Metal for an Engagement Ring

If you or your beloved is drawn to cooler hues, you have white gold, sterling silver and platinum as metal options. Consider yellow gold, rose gold, or bronze if you or your significant other prefers a softer or warmer tone. However, it isn’t just the personal style, taste, or preference that must be considered when selecting a metal for an engagement ring.

The metal’s malleability is to be considered, too, for it will affect the ring’s shape or design. The lifestyle of the wearer is another factor to take into account.

Gold is the most common choice for engagement rings. You can opt for yellow gold,white gold, or rose goldin 18 Karat, 14 Karat, or 10 Karat. Karat measures the gold content. 18K gold is soft and easier to shape while 10K gold is strong, durable, and ideal for jewelry to be worn daily. 14K gold has a good mix of purity, durability, and affordability.

The white metal platinum is another option. This hard, durable, and elegant metal perfectly accentuates the brilliance of diamonds. Platinum is heavier and more expensive than gold but is the perfect metal choice for those who live an active lifestyle.

The metal alloy sterling silver, also known as 925 sterling silver, is the most inexpensive option. This high-quality material is hypoallergenic, versatile, lightweight, and malleable. Sterling silver can be easily molded into whatever shape, design, or silhouette and can be plated periodically to restore its luster.

How to Choose the Right Diamond for an Engagement Ring

It would be prudent to have at least a basic understanding of what cut, color, clarity, and carat means in diamonds. The cut pertains to a diamond's angle, facets, symmetry and reflective qualities. The color pertains to the “absence of color” in a diamond discerned more accurately by a trained eye. The clarity measures the imperfections within and on the surface of a diamond. The carat is the measure of a diamond’s weight.

Usually, the first consideration when selecting a diamond is the shape. It is a diamond's geometric appearance or exterior outline and is related to the stone’s cut or symmetry/proportion. A round diamond with over 56 facets is a popular choice. The princess-cut diamond that boasts chevron-shaped facets is loved for its modified square shape and exceptional sparkle. The emerald-cut diamond is an octagonal step-cut with rectangular facets reminiscent of Art Deco style. The cushion-cut or pillow-cut diamond has rounded edges and is an interesting alternative to classic round diamonds. The oval-cut diamond is known for creating the illusion of longer fingers. Other diamond shapes include pear, heart, and marquise.

After selecting the shape, the size is then considered. The size is not synonymous with a diamond’s weight or carat but is closely related. The carat is a unit of weight but can be used to approximate a diamond’s size. A high-carat diamond will have a larger size and value.

When it comes to the color and clarity of the diamond, it is best to refer to the gemstone’s grading certificate. From there, you can see if the diamond’s value is proportional to its quality.

There are diamond shapes and sizes that will suit specific ring designs and look better on specific metal colors. Deciding on which diamond is “right” for your engagement ring will largely depend on the style of the ring and, of course, your budget.

The Difference Between an Engagement Ring and a Wedding Ring

An engagement ring is given during a marriage proposal, while a wedding ring is given during a wedding ceremony. While there is no definite “look” or standard to differentiate an engagement ring from a wedding ring, certain ring styles are more commonly used for engagement rings and wedding rings.

The solitaire ring is typically regarded as the customary engagement ring style while the eternity band is a common wedding ring style.

How to Find the Perfect Engagement Ring Size

You can go the DIY route and wrap a string around the finger's base. Mark the point where the ends meet, then measure the string with a ruler (use a millimeter). Divide the string’s measurement by 3.14 to get the ring’s diameter. Look at a ring size chart and pick the size closest to the DIY-measured ring diameter.

Plenty of printable ring size guides can be found online and are easy to use. A better alternative for more accurate sizing is to use a ring sizer that you can get from your chosen jeweler or online stores.

How to Clean and Store an Engagement Ring

Ideally, you should have your diamond engagement ring (and any expensive ring) cleaned four times every year and professionally checked for stability twice a year. There’s no point in having a beautiful stone on your finger when it’s not living up to its potential and you can’t show it off because it’s dirty.

Cleaning your ring is relatively easy. Let the ring sit for 10 minutes in a bowl or mug of warm water with one drop of mild dishwashing liquid. Then use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush to gently scrub the sides and edges of the ring, rinse under running water, and pat dry using a lint-free cloth. Remember to cover the drain, avoid chlorine-based cleaners, and avoid air drying to prevent water stains.

When storing your precious engagement ring, it’s best to keep it in a fabric-lined jewelry box with dividers so it won’t rub against other jewelry pieces.