While some couples want the engagement ring to be a complete surprise, it is becoming very common to discuss ring styles or to pick out an engagement ring together as a shared experience. Whatever role you want to play in buying the engagement ring, this guide will help you understand engagement ring terms, popular styles, designers, and where to buy to guide you in your engagement ring shopping experience.
Defining Your Budget
The first thing to consider when purchasing an engagement ring is your budget. Decide on how much you can reasonably afford to spend and start looking at your options in that price bracket. Remember the diamond center stone is usually sold separately from the ring setting so take into account how much you would like to spend on each.
Picking Your Ideal Diamond
Most people focus on the size of a diamond thinking bigger is better, but a beautiful diamond has four characteristics that need to be considered. The 4 c’s of diamonds are the cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.
Cut
The cut of a diamond is graded on how well the stone is cut for maximum brilliance and fire, which is the way light is refracted within and on the surface of the diamond. In the simplest terms, the cut is all about how the diamond will sparkle. An ideal, excellent, or very good cut is preferred.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the level of inclusions or imperfections in a diamond. The scale ranges from flawless to included. Any diamond graded at VS1 or VS2 is a great option and nearly flawless to the naked eye.
Color
Color is graded on how colorless the diamond appears. Diamonds graded D, E, and F are the most sought after and truly colorless. These tend to be extremely high in price so picking a diamond from G, H, I, and J can still be a great option for a near-colorless diamond. Any further on the scale and you might start to see a slightly yellow tint.
Carat
Finally, carat weight is related to the size of the diamond, but instead of measuring the surface area, diamonds are defined in terms of weight. The average engagement ring in the US is 1.08 and 1.2 carats. However, finding a stunning diamond is all about the right mix of cut, clarity, and color to truly make your ring shine.
Choose Your Stone Shape and Setting
Now that you know how to pick your ideal diamond, the next step is deciding on a stone shape and setting. If your partner has brought up a stone shape or style they might prefer always go with their preference. But if you have no idea where to start, here are a few tips.
Stone Shapes Explained
The stone shape is the shape the diamond is cut into. The round cut stone is the most popular choice making up 75% of all engagement ring purchases, because of its classic shape and remarkable brilliance. If your partner has a unique style, a fancy cut ring like a pear shape or oval cut can add a unique dimension to the ring and give it a vintage feel.
How to Choose a Ring Setting
Think about your bride-to-be, have you noticed a tendency for them to where silver/white gold jewelry or gold jewelry? Since an engagement ring will be worn every day, matching your partner’s current jewelry style is important. For a timeless, minimalist look a solitaire setting puts the diamond on display with clean lines. If the sparkle is the most important aspect consider a diamond halo ring or a pave setting to add maximum shimmer.
Where to Buy an Engagement Ring
If you’re looking for a quality diamond engagement ring in Southern California, Morgan’s Jewelers is the premier choice to help you find the perfect cut and style that will blow your partner away. With a GIA-trained staff and three generations of family jewelers, Morgan’s jewelers will answer any questions you might have about your engagement ring purchase and walk you through the buying process. Browse their engagement rings, wedding bands, and loose cut diamonds at morgansjewelers.com or call the Torrance showroom at (310) 375-4471 to book an appointment today.
