Choosing an engagement ring doesn’t have to be complicated. Instead, you can select an engagement ring that will amaze your partner and make your moments more memorable with the right approach.
If you’re looking for valuable tips to help you choose an engagement ring, you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading to learn how to select the perfect engagement ring.
1 Know How To Differentiate Between Shapes, Cutting Style, And Cut Quality
Before shopping for an engagement ring, you should first learn about the ring shapes, cutting, and quality. It’s essential to know these things since every element comes with a price tag.
For instance, a diamond’s shape refers to its outward appearance when faced up. Mostly, diamond shapes are round—however, other fancy shapes such as pear, heart, marquise, rectangular, and oval. In addition, there are also square-shaped diamonds, such as princess cut diamonds.
On the other hand, cutting refers to the arrangement of its facets. For example, a round diamond’s most regular facet arrangement is the typical intelligent cutting style with 57 to 58 facets.
Some cuts, like emerald, are rectangular or squared, with four additional extended facets on the sides and grooved edges. Also, a radiant cut is rectangular or square, though it comes with a genius cut.
Nevertheless, cut quality means how well the facets behave under the light. It’s important to note that diamonds in similar shapes and styles can differ in table size, polish, girdle thickness, and symmetry. Such differences affect their face-up aspects, impacting their cut quality.
2 Understand The 4Cs
Understanding the 4Cs is a critical aspect of buying a diamond engagement ring. The 4Cs stand for color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the 4Cs are the standards for examining a diamond’s quality worldwide, allowing you to compare different diamonds.
Briefly, the 4Cs are:
- Color: It refers to the diamond’s color grading rate, which evaluates the stone’s color quality.
- Cut: The diamond’s cut refers to how well it releases its light.
- Clarity: It refers to the absence of blemishes and inclusions.
- Carat Weight: The carat weight determines a diamond’s size.
After understanding the 4Cs, the most crucial step is determining your most important aspect. Prioritizing what’s essential to you narrows your choice towards choosing the perfect ring.
And while understanding the 4Cs might be time-consuming, it’s worth it since the universal language to describe a diamond’s quality depends on it. Once you’re familiar with this language, you’ll have the courage and confidence required when buying a diamond ring.
3 Settle For A Metal Band
The band you choose for an engagement ring affects the ring’s overall appearance. Platinum and gold have been commonly used for decades, and they both have a modern, sleek look. They’re also perfect for diamonds since they complement the stone’s lack of color. For instance, setting a colorless diamond on a yellow prong makes the diamond appear yellowish.
For gold enthusiasts, it’s essential to keep in mind that white metal prongs or bezels combined with yellow gold bands contrast with the diamond. Currently, rose gold is trending due to its warm and soothing appearance. It was also a common choice from 1935 to the 1950s.
Here’s what you need to know about metal bands:
- Gold
Gold has been common in jewelry for many years. Maybe it’s because of its stunning color and other rare features. However, pure gold is soft, making it easy to alloy with other metals. On the other hand, karat is the word used to describe gold’s fineness, based on 24 parts. For instance, 75% pure 18K gold is made of 18 parts gold and six parts alloying metal. The most common in the United States is 14K gold, with 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloying metal. - Rose Gold
Rose gold is created when gold is alloyed with silver and copper. Unlike yellow gold, rose gold is more durable and believed to complement all skin tones. - Platinum
Platinum is a gray-white, durable, corrosion-resistant, elegant metal. Due to its softness and pure features, it’s easily alloyed with other metals such as cobalt, iridium, and ruthenium.
4 Concentrate On The Setting
The setting is responsible for holding the diamond in place. The setting also highlights the diamond’s beauty and protects it from damage. Each setting offers a different type of protection. Here are the examples:
- Prong
A diamond is secured with about six prongs. When a single metal is secured with prongs, the ring is called a solitaire. There are different types of prong settings, such as the cathedral setting. It’s characterized by slopes extending towards the band from each prong for additional protection of the diamond.
- Halo
In this setting, tiny diamonds surround the center stone. A halo adds more sparkle to a ring, making the center stone appear more significant. - Bezel
This setting is characterized by a thin metal strip hammered around the stone to secure it. The bezel setting offers unbeatable protection for the center stone.
5 Select A Ring To Suit One’s Style
An engagement ring is often worn daily. Therefore, it should suit the wearer’s style. When choosing one, put your preferences aside and concentrate on what suits your fiancé.
In addition, to know what’s suitable and what’s not, observe your fiancé’s jewelry style. How are they designed? What about the metal band’s color? You can also ask about your fiancé’s preference from friends and base your choice on the findings.
6 Know Their Ring Size
Imagine buying an expensive diamond ring, only to realize it’s too large or too small during the engagement ceremony. This situation can be disappointing. To avoid such incidents, measure the inner circle of your fiancé’s ring.
You can measure it by tracing it on paper or pressing it into a bar of soap to make an illusion. These measurements will help you choose a ring that perfectly fits your fiancé’s finger.
Conclusion
While finding a good engagement ring isn’t easy, it’s also not impossible. With the right approach and knowledge, you can see, select, and purchase a ring to make your beloved fall in love with you again. All you need is to know what to look for and how to go about it.
