Purchasing engagement and wedding rings and selecting gemstones is not simply a choice of jewelry, but a sentimental milestone towards wedded bliss, a symbol of your love and eternal commitment. The process is dependant on many factors, such as budget, lead times, style and lifestyle, and with a plethora of cuts, diamonds, materials and designers to choose from, it's essential to do your research and know what to look for when choosing your perfect forever piece. So, here we've cut through the noise and outlined a comprehensive guide to engagement and wedding ring shopping. From evaluating diamond quality through to design formations and sprinkled with lots of exclusive expert advice throughout to help you understand all the industry's profound nuances and say yes to your dream ring!
Naveya & Sloane Jewelry , Natasha Schweitzer
Choosing the Perfect Ring
Where to Start?
We can imagine that at the very beginning of your ring selection journey, you may be overwhelmed with information and feel a little intimidated. We deeply understand this, but never fear, we're here to help!
Firstly, before you dive into the plethora of options, you need to determine your budget. Rings can vary greatly in price depending on materials, design, and brand. Setting a budget will help you narrow down your choices and also help you avoid overspending. Don't hesitate to seek advice from jewelry professionals. They can provide valuable information on the different characteristics of rings and explain the nuances of setting, stones and metal quality. A credible jeweler can help you make a considered decision that suits your tastes and budget. On why it's worth trusting a professional, Founder and Designer of AZLEE, Baylee Zwart provided her compassionate perspective, "I feel that responsibility should fall on me to educate them & help them feel confident in their decision and be a resource to them so that they don't ever feel alone in that part of the process. It shouldn't be a stressful, overwhelming process, or I feel that is a bit of a red flag. Also, at the end of the day, you should love the stone you are choosing, so regardless what a piece of paper says, if you love it, that is the most important part."
Consider Lifestyle & Preferences
If the ring is meant to be a surprise and you're worried about not making the right choice, we've put together a few tips. Pay attention to your partner's style, consider the jewelry they currently wear – do they prefer classic, vintage, modern or unique designs? You can also explore their Pinterest boards or create subtle opportunities for them to express their preferences without giving away the secret of surprise. Also think about your partner's lifestyle and daily activities. If they lead an active lifestyle or work with their hands, you may want to opt for a more durable metal and a simpler design that can withstand daily wear. On the other hand, if they prefer something more intricate, make sure it won't be too bulky for daily wear.
Josie Goodbody, author and jewelry editor, also offered an important tip on how ring sizes can change over time, something to consider when choosing, "Your hands and fingers will probably get a bit bigger – my ring size went up after having two children, despite going back to my pre-baby/ wedding weight. So you want a gemstone that is going to look the right size no matter."
Finding Your Design Style
When choosing a wedding ring, it is also wise to consider what each partner likes best. It is possible, and quite normal, that your tastes may not coincide at all, or that they may be similar, but only in part. In such a case, each of you should decide what you want - which metal will be more comfortable in everyday life, which is important for the weight of the ring and its design. "Beginning there helps you find a ring you’ll love for a lifetime" shared jewelry designer VRAI "Once you’ve found your style and the perfect center stone, make the ring uniquely yours with platinum or solid gold or pavé details."
Sarah Royce-Greensill, freelance jewelry editor, writer and consultant shared a valuable tip for choosing the perfect ring, "Forget about what you think an engagement ring 'should' look like, and instead focus on what feels right for you. It should be something that reflects your personal style, that you will adore forever because it fundamentally reflects your taste. It's easy to be swayed by engagement ring trends, but if you find the right designer, they'll be able to steer you away from passing fads and towards something with longevity, which is still distinctive. Consider working with a jewelry consultant to find a designer who can help bring your dream ring to life."
Naveya & Sloane Jewelry , Cushla Whiting
Matching the Engagement Ring & Wedding Band
When choosing a wedding ring, don't forget about the marvelous possibility of matching it with your engagement ring, but keep in mind some nuances as well. Coordinate the style of your engagement ring with your wedding band. If your engagement ring is vintage or more traditional in feel, choose a matching style band. For a more modern engagement ring, a sleek, minimalist band is ideal. Take into account the width of the rings as well. The width of the wedding band should be proportional to the engagement ring. A thin engagement ring may look better with a more elegant band, while a bold engagement ring requires more thickness for the band to achieve balance.
Pay attention to the height and style of the prongs, as well as the overall design. A flat fit may require a curved ring, while a straight ring may go better with a more traditional setting. Choosing a wedding band made from the same metal as the engagement ring will also create a unified look. Mixing materials can be stylish too, but can go in and out of trend, so make sure they complement each other.
Mirta de Gisbert, Jewelry Consultant and Gemologist, guided us through this type of customer service, "I ask my clients about their wedding bands as soon as we start working on the engagement ring because if they want their engagement ring and wedding band to sit flush, we need to accommodate that in the engagement ring design. Do they want matching wedding bands? Sometimes couples want two wedding bands to allow for the matching wedding band and a diamond eternity band. Are they avid travelers? If so, and they’re often traveling to areas where it might not be prudent to wear a diamond ring, a plain platinum or gold band might work best. Do they use their hands a lot? If they want a diamond band but know they might be tough on their jewelry then perhaps we don’t do a full eternity band but rather one that is 60-70%. If they know they won’t necessarily be wearing their engagement ring a lot then perhaps we consider a beautiful eternity band with bigger diamonds."
What About Custom?
Many couples opt for pre-designed pieces, but bespoke rings offer the opportunity to create something truly unique, reflecting individual tastes, shared values and personal stories. When creating a customized ring, the possibilities are almost endless – you can choose the type of metal, stone cut, setting style and overall design. When both partners have different tastes, custom rings allow you to seamlessly combine styles without giving in to everyone's desires. Baylee Zwart of AZLEE, shared her insightful perspective on the process, "When I think about clients beginning their wedding ring shopping journey, I think what feels so important to me for them to know is that there are so many possibilities for them to get a ring that is deeply, truly reflective of their individual style, and that working with a contemporary fine jewelry brand to create a fully custom ring can often be even less expensive than purchasing a traditional ring off the shelf. With AZLEE Atelier we work with clients one-on-one to bring to life a one-of-a-kind, fully custom engagement rings that feel intimate and personal to them. The process is so collaborative and feels extremely special to me and to our clients. I want all clients to be able to have that kind of experience, one that they will remember for a lifetime."
The 4 Cs
In order to choose a quality diamond, its paramount to pay attention to the 4 Cs - carat, color, clarity and cut. These commonly recognised parameters are the scale for determining the overall quality of a diamond.
Carat
A carat is the weight of a gemstone, one carat is equal to 200mg. While carat weight can often be associated with size, it is important to note that two stones with the same carat weight may appear different in size due to differences in cut and shape. The main thing to consider when choosing a carat is your preferences and budget, as larger stones tend to cost more. Keep in mind that by choosing a smaller stone, you don't always compromise on beauty, as there are many gorgeous options of different sizes on the market today.
Color
When we are talking about diamonds, the scale of the presence and absence of color is one of the most important, as it directly affects the way a diamond looks. They are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). The less color the better, with the most desirable diamonds being completely colorless (D-F) for their ability in letting the most light in, enhancing brilliance and sparkle. Totally colorless or icy white diamonds, the highest color grade ones, are usually high-end and rare.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond is related to the presence of internal flaws, known as inclusions, and external ones, which are called surface blemishes. These defects can affect the overall appearance and brilliance of the diamond, as well as its value. On the two sides of the scale there are ‘Flawless’ and ‘Included’. The former, the most expensive and valuable, are characterized by a complete absence of inclusions and other flaws visible under 10x magnification. Those marked 'Included' contain flaws that are visible under 10x magnification and can affect transparency and luster.
Cuts
The cut of a diamond, one of the most important factors in determining its overall appearance and brilliance, refers to how well a diamond is shaped and cut. This greatly affects the way light interacts with the stone and therefore its luminosity. Unlike the other indicators above, which are natural characteristics of the diamond, the cut is the result of man made skill with which the stone has been treated. The scale goes from ‘Excellent’, for stones with perfect proportions, to ‘Poor’, where diamonds that are badly cut, resulting in a significant loss of sparkle.
Types of Diamonds
When choosing the shape and color of a diamond it is integral to stay true to yourself, as highlighted by Eline Ewbank, fine jewelry consultant, "Diamonds aren’t just colorless: they exist in all hues and yellow diamonds are particularly popular these past years. It's great to get inspired by the latest trends but keep in mind that you’ll wear this ring daily and for the rest of your life."
White Diamond
White diamonds, often referred to as colorless diamonds, are the natural and most traditional type of diamond. Their appearance is defined by their lack of color, which allows them to reflect light perfectly, creating an almost halo-like glow.
Champagne Diamond
Named after the beverage for its resemblance to the color of champagne, these diamonds can have a variety of shades including yellowish brown, brown and even shades of pink or orange.
Yellow Diamond
Yellow diamonds, also known as canary diamonds, are a variety of coloured diamonds that possess yellow hues. Their vibrant color can range from a light, pale yellow to a rich, vivid yellow. The brighter the color, the rarer and more expensive the stone.
Louise Jean , Pascale Monvoisin
Pink Diamond
A very romantic version of a diamond – pink! Ranging from a light baby pink to a deep rose, the unique color of these diamonds isn't due to impurities like other colored diamonds, but is believed to be the result of a complex interaction of structural changes in the diamond's crystal lattice during formation. Pink diamonds are one of the rarest of all diamonds, making their value extremely high and sought after!
Lab-Grown
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds, are those created under controlled conditions using technology. One of the major advantages of such diamonds is their lower environmental impact compared to mined diamonds, which can lead to habitat destruction, soil erosion and water pollution.
Moissanite
Not quite a diamond, moissanite is a gemstone that was discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan in a meteorite crater. It was originally thought to be a diamond, but was later found to be silicon carbide. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, and most of the moissanite available today has been created in laboratories, making it a more budget-friendly option than most diamonds.
Diamond Shapes
Finding the perfect diamond is a very meaningful and inspiring challenge, but due to the abundance of options, it can be overwhelming and confusing. Although we always advise listening to your heart! As highlighted by Eline Ewbank, fine jewelry consultant, "It is essential that you look for THE diamond that creates a spark in you. Round brilliant diamond is the most iconic cut, however there are plenty of fancy-cuts such as oval, pear and radiant which could be more flattering depending on your finger shape."
Emerald
Rectangular shape with truncated corners and step-cut facet arrangement. Jewelry with this diamond shape is particularly elegant, usually in a vintage style.
Radiant
Usually associated with modern jewelry designs due to its versatility, radiant shape is a hybrid between the emerald and round cuts, featuring trimmed corners.
Round
A timeless silhouette perfect for engagement rings. It’s the most popular diamond shape, known for its classic round form and distinct sparkle.
Cushion
The cushion cut diamond is more often square in shape, but you can sometimes find rings with an elongated cushion. These diamonds usually have rounded corners and a soft, vintage pattern.
Princess
A square or rectangular shape with pointed corners, known for its modern look. Perfect for contemporary engagement rings.
Pear
An eclectic teardrop diamond shape that combines the characteristics of both oval and marquise cuts.
Oval
An elongated version of the round brilliant cut, offering a unique silhouette that gives a larger appearance than a round diamond of the same carat weight.
Asscher
A special hall-of-mirror effect with a sophisticated design. It’s similar to the emerald cut but square in shape, with deep step facets.
Marquise
An elongated shape with pointed ends, reminiscent of a boat or a leaf, gives the illusion of greater size and lengthens the fingers when worn.
Baguette
Baguette diamonds are rectangular-shaped diamonds that are characterized by their long, narrow facets. The term "baguette" is derived from the French word for "stick" or "rod," which aptly describes their elongated shape.
Ring Styles
Solitaire
Ideal for those who appreciate timeless elegance and want to highlight one stunning stone.The solitaire ring features a single diamond or gemstone as the centerpiece, emphasizing its beauty and brilliance.
Halo
This type of ring style features a central stone surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds or gemstones, creating a stunning effect. It beautifully enhances the appearance of the center stone, making it look larger.
Pave
Gorgeous ring style, that adds texture. Pave rings have a band set with small diamonds or gemstones that are closely set together.
Prong
Try this one if you seek a traditional yet versatile setting. Prong style uses small metal claws to hold the diamond or gemstone in place, allowing maximum light exposure.
Three Stone
A style of ring for those who wish to add symbolic significance to the wedding ring. The three stone ring features a central stone surrounded by two smaller stones.
Vintage
A trendy ring style inspired by designs from previous eras, such as Art Deco or Victorian. A sense of history and nostalgia, and can even be a family heirloom.
Modern
Modern rings often feature sleek lines, unique shapes and innovative designs. This style emphasizes minimalism and bold geometric solutions, and may incorporate unconventional materials that reflect current trends.
East-West
Beautiful trend, that features stones set horizontally rather than the traditional vertical orientation, offering a fresh perspective design-wise. Perfect for those who want a distinctive twist on traditional ring designs.
Metals
Gold
The most common is 24 carat gold, which is mixed with metals such as copper and silver. Classic yellow gold has a warm, rich color. For one thing, it suits many skin tones, and has a timeless style and almost vintage flair. There is also white gold, which is smoother in texture and has a modern shiny look. It is often chosen for contemporary designs and trendy variations. It is said to be more durable than yellow gold, but may sometimes require professional touch-ups. One of the most romantic options is rose gold, which is made from gold mixed with copper, giving it a pinkish hue. It is more similar to yellow gold in durability, but may be a little more prone to fading due to the copper component.
Platinum
Platinum is one of the most durable precious metals, so is very resistant to scratching and tarnishing, which can be a great choice for those with an active lifestyle. Unlike gold, which can wear down over time, platinum retains its weight and appearance, ensuring that the ring will remain beautiful for years to come. Platinum is usually available in 95% purity, which is often labeled as 950 standart platinum, making it one of the purest metals used in jewelry.
Sterling Silver
Silver is usually more affordable and allows for more flexibility in design and customisation. One of the disadvantages of silver is that it can darken over time when exposed to air and moisture. A modern alternative, argentium silver contains a higher percentage of pure silver and includes germanium to reduce tarnishing.
Alternative Materials
Titanium, for example, is one of the most durable metals for jewelry, it is very resistant to scratches, bending and corrosion, making it a great choice for everyday wear. Despite its strength, titanium is surprisingly lightweight, providing comfort without sacrificing durability. It is also a frequent choice for people with sensitive skin, as it is hypoallergenic.
Sourcing Ethically Made
In recent years, the concept of ethically sourced products has grown in popularity among customers who are increasingly aware of the impact their purchases have on people and the planet. This includes ensuring that workers are treated fairly, environmental damage is minimized, wastage is minimal and production is transparent. It's important to find a brand that is responsible in their manufacturing, while offering quality products and services.
Certified Gems & Jewelers
When it comes to buying gemstones and jewelry, it is essential to understand the importance of certification. It's an official document that details the characteristics of a diamond, including the 4 Cs and origin. They guarantee quality, authenticity and ethical sourcing from certified gemologists and jewelers, making them a trusted choice.
Natural vs. Lab Diamonds
With the development of technology, lab-created diamonds have become a popular alternative to natural diamonds, while also being a sustainable alternative. The choice between natural and lab-grown diamonds ultimately depends on personal preferences, values and budget.
Recycled Metals
The choice of materials for engagement rings has expanded significantly, with more and more couples opting for recycled metals. These have been recovered from old jewelry, industrial products or other sources and put to new use. The recycling process involves melting down and refining gold, silver and platinum to create a new, high quality metal suitable for jewelry making.
The Moissanite Company , Sarah & Sebastian
Preserving Your Ring
Ring Care
Proper ring care will keep their appearance intact. Store the rings separately in soft bags or jewelry boxes, in a dry place without sunshine to avoid scratches and fading. Remember to remove your ring when you do housework, exercise or swim.
Cleaning
Regular ring cleaning is the key to maintaining their beauty and quality. Mix warm water with a few drops of mild soap. Soak the ring for 15-20 minutes, then gently brush it to remove the dirt. If your ring has intricate designs or precious stones, have it professionally cleaned by a jeweler every six months to a year.
Diamond & Jewelry Warranty
Never pass up the opportunity to get a warranty for a precious ring. It is a valuable protection plan that provides peace of mind for your valuable investment. It typically covers various aspects of the care, repair and maintenance of your jewelry, ensuring that it remains in excellent condition for a long time to come.
Insurance Policies
While a warranty will cover repairs and maintenance, consider taking out insurance for additional protection against loss or theft. Jewelry insurance can offer broader coverage and is usually more suitable for high-value items.
Shopping for Rings & Diamonds
Buying a ring or diamond is a significant investment. And with so many options available, it's important to know where to shop to ensure you find the perfect piece.
Jewelry Boutiques
Offline shops often offer a personalized approach, the opportunity to see and try on rings in person, and often customized design options. In addition, be prepared for a wide selection and possible sales.
Online
With an extensive range, competitive prices, detailed images and videos of the stones, online diamond ring stores can be a good option. On the downside, it is not possible to physically inspect the item before purchase and delivery times can vary.
Vintage Market
Vintage is a big trend at the moment, as well as being a more environmentally friendly option. Vintage shops offer unique items that may have historical value, often at lower prices than new ones. However, this type of shop usually has a limited selection, so you need to act fast as things can sell out quickly.
Diamond District
A diamond district is a special area in a city where many jewelers and diamond dealers operate. These districts are often bustling places with a wide range of retailers, from wholesalers to high-end boutiques. Notable diamond districts include the Diamond District in New York City, Los Angeles, Antwerp in Belgium and Hatton Garden in London.
