10 Things to Know Before Buying an Engagement Ring

Buying an engagement ring is exciting! You've finally found the one, and now you're on the hunt for the perfect ring to pop the question with. While engagement ring shopping is a lot of fun, it can also be a little confusing, especially if you've never gone shopping for a ring before. To help you understand the ins and outs of jewelry, we’ve made a list of 10 things to know before buying an engagement ring.

1. Settings and Diamonds are Often Sold Separately

Let's start with something simple but many people don't know: settings and center stones are often sold separately. So when you shop for an engagement ring, you're often shopping for two things: your center stone and your setting.

But what is a setting? A setting is everything but the main stone, the center stone! It is the band, the shoulder, prongs, and any accent stones that might be adorning the engagement ring. Put simply, it’s the “ring” part of the engagement ring.

The center stone is fairly self-explanatory. The center stone is the focal point of the entire ring, located front and center when you look at it. While most often the stone is a white diamond, it is becoming more and more popular to use colored gemstones (like sapphire, ruby, or emerald) in place of diamonds.

Some rings do come pre-set with a center stone. For example, most antique engagement rings will come fully complete, and many modern jewelers make preset rings. However, it's more common today for jewelers to sell settings and center stones separately, so be aware of this when you're shopping.

 

2. Know the 4Cs

If, like most people, you're looking for a diamond engagement ring, you'll want to understand the 4Cs before you buy your diamond. The 4Cs are quality gradings given to a diamond. Here's a brief overview of the 4Cs:

• Cut: A grading of how well a diamond is cut, which affects how it captures light.

• Color: A measurement of how colorless a white diamond is.

• Clarity: A grading of how flawless a diamond is, both internally and externally.

• Carat Weight: A weight measurement that can give you an idea of how large a diamond is.

Cut

The cut of a diamond is arguably the most important if you want a diamond ring that sparkles brilliantly. A poorly cut diamond will not reflect as much light as one that is cut with precision, which will, in turn, cause it to seem more dull. The fire or brilliance varies greatly depending on how well it is cut.

Color

Diamond color is rated on a scale of D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown). The closer to D you get, the more expensive and valuable they are because their lack of color allows the most amount of light to pierce the diamond, which in turn allows it to sparkle. However, there are workarounds. If a colorless diamond is out of your budget, choosing a silver/white metal for your engagement ring band helps to brighten the diamond, while yellow gold will make it appear warmer. 

Clarity

Clarity is all about how many imperfections can be found in the diamond. Where flawless diamonds have no inclusions under a 10x microscope, included diamonds will have some that may be visible to the naked eye. Most diamonds in the market for jewelry will fall into the range of Very Slightly Included to Slightly Included. These have virtually no effect on the diamond’s brilliance, but under a microscope will have imperfections.

Carat Weight

The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. However, it is not the end-all-be-all of sizes! Depending on the shape and cut, two diamonds that have the same carat weight can look drastically different. Changing the shape of a diamond from round to marquise can have a drastic difference in how big the center stone on an engagement ring looks. 

Jewelry Experts Say to Prioritize Diamond Cut

Each of the 4Cs is important, but jewelers will recommend prioritizing cut over the others when you evaluate a diamond. If a diamond has a poor quality cut, it won't reflect light well, which will make it look dull and dim. The other Cs can be disguised with different techniques, like different metal types, shapes, and other changes to the setting, but a bad cut will mean there is no fire in the diamond. It won’t reflect light and will seem lifeless on your hand. 

Learn more about the 4Cs on our 4Cs Education Page.

3. You Don’t Need A Diamond

Your engagement ring is just that - it’s yours! Diamond engagement rings have been the standard for decades, but that doesn’t mean your ring needs to conform to the traditions that don’t fit into your style. The truth of the matter is that many engagement rings just look better with colored gemstones. Creating a ring that showcases an emerald or sapphire instead of a diamond can be a beautiful way to wear a gemstone that has significance to you. On top of that, gemstones are typically more affordable, which allows you to get a larger stone for what you would normally pay. 

Consider a white sapphire or moissanite if you still want a clear stone. Both options look similar to diamonds with only mild reflective index variances and are only slightly softer. (White sapphire comes in at a 9 on the Mohs scale, while moissanite ranks at a 9.25 against diamond’s perfect 10.) 

If you are still unsure and think your best bet is a diamond, consider lab-grown diamonds. Mined diamonds present some ethical and sustainability issues and are regularly priced higher than the lab grown diamonds. This doesn’t mean the lab grown counterparts are inferior quality, in fact, because they are created under carefully managed conditions, lab grown diamonds tend to skew towards having fewer imperfections and better clarity than mined diamonds. They are also the exact same chemically and the only variations lie in the time it took and how they were made.

4. Shape and Settings Set Style

When buying an engagement ring, two things impact the style most: the center stone's shape and the setting. Both of these are equally important when you want to establish an overall look for your engagement ring. Vintage lovers may prefer a yellow gold setting with milligrain embellishments and a pear cut center stone, while someone looking for a more modern look will probably drift towards a minimalist rose gold band with an emerald shaped center stone. 

The center stone shape refers to your diamond center stone shape (like round, oval, princess, emerald, etc.) and each shape has a different style. Fancy shaped diamonds have been a staple in jewelry since the creation of the jewelry industry. Each shape has a name and a look that it brings to the table. A cushion or emerald shape will have a larger table (the top part of your chosen stone), and appear bigger when viewed than a round shaped stone of similar carat weight. Meanwhile, elongated shapes like pear and marquise stones make the jewelry seem more dainty and require a more refined level of skill to create.

Your engagement ring's setting is also a huge factor in how it is perceived. Settings can be classic, vintage-inspired, modern, unique, and so much more. The possibilities are truly endless when you take into account all of the embellishments, engravings, types of metals that can be used to make your perfect engagement ring. It can be confusing to know exactly what it is you’re looking for when trying to create a ring to fit your personal style, which is why we recommend getting familiar with all the parts of a ring.

5. Order in Advance

When you start engagement ring shopping, the key is starting early. Even if you are buying a preset engagement ring, your jeweler will need some time to place your desired diamond in your engagement ring's setting. Engagement rings are often made only after you order, which can take weeks to complete. Order your ring well in advance to ensure you have your engagement ring by the date you want to propose. 

A good rule of thumb is to order 6 weeks in advance for a simple engagement ring and 8 weeks for one that is more intricate but to be safe; we still recommend consulting with your jeweler on the process and the exact time it may take for your ring to be completed. It is always better to be over-prepared than to scramble at the last minute.

6. There's No “Right” Amount to Spend

You may have heard you need to spend a certain dollar amount on your engagement ring. Commonly, people say that you should spend the equivalent of 3 months' salary on an engagement ring. However, there's really no “right” amount you need to spend on an engagement ring. You should only spend what you're comfortable with. 

Your budget is a personal decision, so think about your unique financial circumstances instead of following old-fashioned “rules.” Then, feel free to spend as little or as much as you want on your engagement ring. You don’t have to settle for a ring you are not excited about. We recommend browsing several stores with your partner to feel out what styles they prefer and to get a feel for what you can get for the best value.  

7. You Can Always Upgrade Later

If you can't get the engagement ring you want right now, remember that you can always upgrade down the line. It is very common to upgrade engagement rings for anniversaries, birthdays, and familial growth. As your life grows and changes so can your ring. Getting to incorporate milestones and highlights in your life makes upgrading and updating your engagement ring something deeply personal.

The engagement ring you have right now does not have to be static. Instead, think of it as an investment piece that evolves over time to continue being a reflection of you and your relationship. 

8. Know Your Precious Metals

Engagement ring settings come in many different precious metals. Often, the same setting style can be used for different precious metals. The most popular precious metals for engagement rings are platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. Your choice of precious metal will affect your own ring setting's style and how much upkeep it may need.

For instance, yellow gold is a popular engagement ring metal and has been for centuries. Its ability to maintain its value over time makes it a great investment piece, while its warm hues and purity make it the quintessential engagement ring metal. If you’re considering a non-diamond center stone, yellow gold is a great companion for most of them. 

On the other hand, white gold and platinum are two common bands for people who prefer cool tones. The iciness of the silvery bands tends to enhance the fire and sparkle of the diamond ring. White gold typically comes in different karats ranging from 12k to 18k. The higher the karat, the more gold is used, and the fewer alloys are mixed in, which has its benefits! A higher karat is typically worth more and is seen as more pure. However, the alloys give the ring band strength and make the band seem brighter. Therefore, many white gold engagement rings are in the 14k to 16k range.

Rose gold is a fairly new metal, but it has become extremely popular recently. When put on an engagement ring band, rose gold really shines. Because it is a gold base with different alloys mixed to give it a pinkish hue, the ring can pull either cold or warm tones. This makes it an extremely versatile choice of metal that looks good when you wear it.

9. Warranties are Not the Same Thing as Jewelry Insurance

People commonly mistake warranties for jewelry insurance, when these things are quite different. Both options are important for the peace of mind that comes with knowing both you and your engagement ring are well-protected in case of any issues, but it is vital to understand the difference before purchasing.

Generally, warranties protect you from manufacturing defects and everyday wear and tear on your engagement ring. A warranty means that you can get your ring fixed with little to no costs as long as it is covered in the warranty plan. Warranties are usually limited to specific issues and expire within a certain time frame, so reviewing the warranty beforehand is important. 

Jewelry insurance can protect you from things like accidental loss, theft, or severe damage. Engagement ring insurance is provided at an additional cost from property insurance providers and specialized jewelry insurance providers. To insure your jewelry, you should look into your homeowner/renter insurance policies to see what is covered. Property insurance companies sometimes specifically exclude jewelry from their policies, and you’ll need to seek other options. We recommend thoroughly reading through any engagement ring insurance policy to make sure you understand exactly what is insured and how much it is insured for so there are no issues down the line. 

10. You Can Go Custom

If you can't seem to find your dream engagement ring, you can always go the custom route. Creating a custom ring is easier and more affordable than you might think. A good jeweler will be able to work with you to help you create a unique ring that is every bit as beautiful and unique as your relationship itself all while working within your budget. Customizing your engagement ring means that you can fine-tune the ring’s style to match yours and 

Engagement Ring Experts

Buying an engagement ring should be an exciting time with as little stress as possible. With over 80 years of experience creating, customizing, and watching jewelry trends, we are experts in helping our clientele find the perfect ring every time. We help guide you through the ring process so you don’t get bogged down by superfluous verbiage and the endless options at your fingertips. Everyone on the Frank Jeweler’s team is here to help make this experience as fun and exciting as possible. If you want help picking out the perfect ring, book a free online or in-store consultation!

At the end of the day, your ring symbolizes the past, the present, and the future. It’s a commitment and a way to show the world that you’ve found someone special. We are excited to help you make your dreams a reality.