Your Guide to Choosing an Engagement Ring

Photo provided by: Lindsey Scoggins Studio

Shopping for an engagement ring is one of the most exciting experiences, but it can also be a bit overwhelming with so many options to consider and the high price point. To help you make an informed decision, here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for an engagement ring, focusing on diamond quality, materials, settings, and design trends.

1. Prioritize Diamond Quality:

It’s important to familiarize yourself with diamonds and educate yourself on the grading system. You should understand the Four Cs of diamond quality – Cut, Carat, Clarity, and Color. These factors influence the diamond's appearance and value. Consider which aspects are most important to you and your partner. The cut of a diamond is arguably the most critical factor. A well cut diamond reflects light beautifully, giving it sparkle. Look for diamonds with an Excellent or Very Good cut grade in the shape of your choice. While it's tempting to go for the biggest diamond, consider what carat weight works best within your budget. Balance the carat weight with other factors to find your ideal diamond. In terms of clarity and color, unless you have a preference for flawless diamonds, consider slightly lower clarity grades, like VS1-VS2, which offer excellent value. Similarly, diamonds in the G-H color range appear nearly colorless to the naked eye and are a great choice.

Photo provided by: Lindsey Scoggins Studio

2. Choose the Right Material:

When choosing your preferred metal for the setting, it’s important to think about the metal colors that you or your partner most frequently wear. Choices include yellow gold, rose gold, platinum and white gold to name a few. It is also important to consider rings made from ethically sourced metals and diamonds. Look for jewelers who adhere to ethical and sustainable practices, ensuring that your purchase is responsible and guilt-free.

Photo provided by: Lindsey Scoggins Studio

3. Explore Different Settings:

There are countless setting styles to choose from. This is a highly personal decision so it is important to make sure you know what style your partner wants if you are planning to surprise them. The most common setting is the classic solitaire. It is a timeless choice and features a single diamond as the centerpiece, allowing it to shine on its own. There are unique bands that can pair with a solitaire to personalize the design. A halo setting adds smaller diamonds around the center stone, adding extra sparkle and creating a larger appearance. A three stone setting symbolizes the past, present, and future. This setting features a center stone flanked by two smaller diamonds. Vintage and Art Deco Styles are another option if your partner appreciates vintage aesthetics. Consider intricate and ornate settings from the Art Deco era or other vintage design trends. Bezel settings are a modern style that provides a sleek and minimalist look while securely holding the diamond in place. There are infinite possibilities when it comes to the setting so this is the best way to make your engagement ring unique to be a symbol of your relationship.

Photo provided by: Lindsey Scoggins Studio

4. Keep Up with Design Trends: 

There are so many engagement ring design trends to explore, these are just a few to discover to help you in your engagement ring search. Toi et moi engagement rings are two stone styles. These often combine two different diamond shapes. Toi et moi means “you and me”. East west settings are another trending style. These are often seen with emerald cut diamonds and look modern yet timeless. Bezel settings are also trending. These can be added to any diamond shape and add a sleek appearance to your ring. For a non-traditional engagement ring, many brides are opting for gemstone engagement rings. Choose from sapphire, emerald, ruby, pink sapphire or your preferred gem. Entirely custom rings are another popular option. This is a great choice for couples who want a ring that is uniquely theirs and symbolic of their style and relationship.   

Left: Bezel Setting, Right: East West Setting (Photos provided by: Lindsey Scoggins Studio)

Left: Toi et Moi, Right: Gemstones (Photos provided by: Lindsey Scoggins Studio)

The perfect engagement ring should reflect your partner's tastes and preferences. Take the time to explore your options, ask for recommendations from trusted sources, and consult with knowledgeable jewelers who can guide you in finding the ideal ring. With these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared to choose a stunning and meaningful engagement ring that your partner will cherish for a lifetime.

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