You also want to avoid a diamond that’s cut too deep. Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to add sentimental value to your engagement ring. It can be square or moderately rectangular and looks equally dramatic in a contemporary or antique styled setting. by Alison Caporimo. Measure her ring finger with dental floss or paper while she is sleeping! You’ll have time to look for the right vendor, narrow down your options, order any custom pieces, and have the jewelry made and shipped. Worn on red carpets the world over, you’ll need to think carefully before choosing an emerald engagement ring because typically it will have internal flaws or inclusions, making it fragile for everyday use. Not all diamond certificates are equally reliable. Buying an engagement ring isn’t as simple a task as going to a store and picking out something. Then, there’s the type of metal you choose for the setting. Below, we’ve drawn on our decades of diamond industry experience to share exactly how you should choose and buy an engagement ring. The Emerald Cut and Marquise Cut, for instance, showcase size better than other diamonds with the same carat weight. Although this is an exciting time, try not to let your search to buy an engagement ring turn your life into an utter nightmare. By purchasing an engagement ring you can afford, rather than following old, outdated “rules,” you’ll reduce your financial stress and anxiety. Of all the tips for buying an engagement ring, this one might be the most important. Instead, you should determine your budget by looking at your financial situation along with any specific desires of your fiance-to-bé. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring. You’ll also find engagement ring calculators online, which calculate how much to spend based on your income, lifestyle and debt-to-asset ratio, which is a common sense (though some may consider unromantic) way to begin your life together. Our first piece of advice? Outside of buying your home or car, an engagement ring is one of the biggest purchases of your life. Any ring is … Let’s take a closer look at your options: By far the most popular of all diamond cuts, the round brilliant accounts for about 75% of all engagement rings sold in the U.S. We wish you a long and happy life together. Let’s look at each factor in more detail…. 16 Things Everyone Should Know Before Buying An Engagement Ring. Styles, settings, precious metals and cuts, three-stone engagement ring from James Allen, Platinum round sapphire and diamond classic halo from James Allen, 3-Stone Cushion Cut Ruby & Half-Moon Diamond Halo Ring from Blue Nile, 14K White Gold Cushion Cut Swiss Blue Topaz Diamond Halo Ring from Blue Nile, 14k White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Floating Halo Ring from James Allen, 18K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring from Blue Nile, 14k Rose Gold Triple Round Diamond and Oval Morganite Ring from James Allen, The 5 Best Gold Necklaces for Men (2020 Review), The Ultimate Guide to Diamond Ratings and the 4 Cs, The 11 Best Passport Wallets for Men in 2021, The Best Men’s Bracelets: 16 Options for Guys, The 10 Best Fall Shoes for Men (2020 Guide). How much should you spend? Throughout our many years of experience, we’ve found time and again that online vendors offer the best selection and value in the industry. Topaz gives you a lot of carat for the money. Now that you know a little more about the different engagement ring styles available, we’ll tell about the 4Cs. It’s a great way to buy your wedding ring in advance, and as a package deal. From choosing the right diamond or colored gemstone, to the setting, design, cut of the stone or stones to the sizing – they make it easy and much more affordable than your typical high street jeweler. You can learn more about this in our guide to diamond certification. Your budget should be what you feel comfortable with. We’ll also explain how you can get the best price when buying an engagement ring without affecting its quality. Guide to Buying An Engagement Ring. Buying an engagement ring can be an overwhelming task. The average diamond engagement ring tends to be around 1 carat weight. But when it comes to buying engagement rings online (or any fine jewelry for that matter), the rules of shopping get a bit more particular than simply scrolling, adding to your cart and going through the motions of entering your credit card info at checkout. Both are mixed with other metals in order to be durable enough for jewelry. Don’t rush things. The final ordering can take from 1-4 weeks, and sizing can take from 1 day to 1 week or more if you are looking to adapt a setting to a chosen stone. Selecting an engagement ring style may be the hardest part of buying an engagement ring. When there’s extra sentiment behind your ring, it adds more of a story to your proposal and engagement. Your email address will not be published. Getting married and starting your life together can be a costly process. Yes, this means that some weren’t as accurately cut by … Custom settings are available from many jewelers, including Brian Gavin Diamonds and James Allen. The 4C’s represent the cut, color, clarity and carat weight of a diamond. Keep in mind, pear cut diamonds can be prone to chipping since the tapered end is sort of pointy. (Save 25% now during Cyber Monday Sale) Blue Nile – Along with James Allen, the best out there (Pick Up a Blue Nile Coupon Here for %15 off any setting). For example, a .97 carat diamond appears identical to a 1.0 carat diamond, but it costs a lot less. You can even ask a friend to look through ring styles with you. It’s not a good way to start a marriage and in the long run, she won’t appreciate it when you both have to skimp on something else. It has a distinctive antique or vintage look. Plus, it doesn’t help that your fiance will be showing off the ring to her friends and family. The main consideration for shape is personal preference. Side-stone engagement rings are composed of a larger central diamond. This is a sturdy setting as it is less likely to snag on her clothing than a solitaire or other ring style. You can also slide it down one of your fingers and draw a line where it stops. You might want to read this one next: How to Dress Well: 9 Basic Style Tips for Men in 2020. Wegman suggests starting your search at least two months prior to the date you’d like to have the ring in hand. It is flanked by two or more smaller sized diamonds, which add to the overall dimension and brilliance of the ring. Ranging in color from pretty blush pink to orange pink, Morganite looks great against cool or warm skin tones. They could be modern stones or European cuts. The flaws or inclusions in a diamond may be almost impossible to see with the naked eye, so one with a lower clarity rating can be a good option if you are looking to stick to your budget. Diamond dealers like James Allen, Blue Nile and Brian Gavin Diamonds are not only trustworthy and reliable, but they offer some of the best inventory in the world. It is what she will remember and cherish all her life, and it’s also a great way for you to show off your creative, romantic side and how smart you are to find a ring she adores. It is a classic shape, consisting of 58 facets, developed early in the 20th century to accentuate a diamond’s inherent light and brilliance. You can also consider purchasing a ring set with multiple smaller stones, such as a pavé ring, rather than a big, single solitaire. Buying an engagement ring can be a stressful experience, to say the least. An online retailer can customize the stone, the setting and the style of ring you want, so that it can be totally unique to you and your fiancée. Get her another “promise ring” in a larger size, take it to a jeweler to be re-sized. Remember, a large, overly intricate ring will be more susceptible to damage or lost stones. A reputable online retailer will be happy to oblige with third party accreditation for your diamond or other gemstone(s). You’ll want to consider the carat weight of the stones in the ring, the choice of metals such as yellow or rose gold, platinum or silver – as this will determine the final cost of the ring. There’s the shape, cut quality, color and clarity of diamond to consider. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. Want help in finding the perfect engagement ring that’s within your budget? Originally known as the “old mine” cut, the Cushion cut has been around for centuries. Regardless of what kind of stone, setting or cut you choose, you need a metal ring to hold the stones and, well, rest on your better half’s finger. Christie's specialists will always be on hand to explain the differences between various stones and designs and to point out the considerations to be weighed. Look at reputable online jewelers such as Brilliant Earth, Blue Nile or James Allen. Consider family heirlooms, especially if there’s a special ring that can be resized or a diamond that can be reset, such as one from a grandmother. Doing some studying ahead of time will help you avoid being ripped off by a seller. A well-cut diamond will look larger to the naked eye than one with a lesser quality cut, so opt for the best cut you can afford. Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download). Accessories Filed Under:buying guides, diamond, engagement ring, jewelry leave a comment. We also recommend shopping online. We are a big fan of online retailer James Allen. Does he or she prefer vintage pieces or modern designs? We hope you find the ring that brings … You can also use our 1 carat diamond ring buying guide to help with your engagement ring purchase. Buying an engagement ring can feel overwhelming, but there are a few important things to keep in mind. Tension set rings are contemporary in style and feature a diamond that is held in place by the tension of the ring, so that it appears to be floating in air. Perhaps. If you’ve done your homework and you know her style, getting down on one knee with the perfect engagement ring in hand will blow her mind, even if she’s been suspicious. Your email address will not be published. You may have heard the one, two or even three-month salary rule which “suggests” how much you “should” spend. If you’re nervous about buying a ring online, keep in mind that James Allen and Blue Nile have exceptional return policies and allow you to view every diamond up close before purchase. No spam. Other options include symbolizing that your partner is both your best friend and lover by designing an Ever Us ring—or by choosing a gemstone ring designed with their birthstone. An anniversary, birthday or a day that has special meaning for you both, perhaps? Commissioned by King Louis X1V of France for the Marquise de Pompadour, the Marquise is a football shaped, elongated diamond which was allegedly created to echo the shape of her perfect mouth. Whether you already have ideas or are starting totally from scratch, these expert tips will help you select the right diamond, jewelry style, and setting for your engagement ring. You can read our full guides for more information on each area. Diamonds come in different colors such as champagne, gray and salt-and-pepper. Make sure you account for knuckle size. According to most surveys on when to buy an engagement ring, December is the most popular month to pop the question. The squared-off look with its elegant, clean angles looks both classic and fresh. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Others prefer something more unique like a pear shaped ring. She’ll either love or hate this one, so tread carefully! can figure out the correct size. Ask a friend or family member to find out her size for you. The shape of your diamond or other precious gemstone, and it will carry the overall look of your ring, so it makes sense to consider the different types of cuts. You might have also read engagement ring price guides that provide very high estimates for how … It comes in a wide range of colors including blue, light green and even colorless. From choosing the right diamond or colored gemstone, to the setting, design, cut of the stone or stones to the sizing – they make it easy and much more affordable than your typical high street jeweler. We think buying an engagement ring online is a good way to go, especially if you buy from James Allen, because you can design a ring to your (and her) exact taste and specifications. Learn More. Where is the Best Place to Buy an Engagement Ring in 2020? Its unique look features a flat surface and chiseled step cut sides, giving it a larger appearance than other diamonds of the same carat weight. Armed with your fiancée's preferences and a little information about the different components of engagement rings, you can easily make the right choice. You might already have had direct conversations about this very topic, in which case you will be on the right track already. There are alternatives to buying an engagement ring from a jeweller. You can also check out our average engagement ring size article if you aren’t sure what size to get. If you have a local, family jeweler you’ve supported all your life, by all means check out what they’re offering, but there are several highly reputable online diamond engagement ring retailers you should consider. Please enter your email address to receive your personal code: Hey I'm Ringo! Do you like this halo setting from James Allen? We'll help you get the best diamond for the money. Learn to budget, beat debt, & build a legacy. With all this to consider Jewellery Monthly decided to try and make this a little more simple for you. Your jeweler or online retailer (check out James Allen’s online ring sizer quiz!) Halo engagement rings can come in a variety of shapes; some have round center diamonds, some are Asscher-cut, pear shaped or oval. Learn How to Calculate Diamond Prices So You Don't Get Ripped Off & Overpay. Christie’s is an excellent place to find the right engagement ring. It may take longer than you anticipate, but it’s worth taking your time to make the right choice. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. We believe you shouldn’t follow certain “rules,” as most rules regarding engagement rings and prices are gimmicks created by diamond marketers and sellers. 14K gold is 58.3% gold and 18K gold is 75% gold. Because this cut has a wide, flat table, flaws and color clarity tend to be more visible, so you’ll want to opt for a high-grade stone. These essentials will help guide you to the right choice. Incidentally, there’s no rule that says you have to choose a white diamond. Flickr/John Jones Although the thought of shopping for an engagement ring can feel as overwhelming as popping the question, finding the perfect ring doesn't have to be an overly stressful event. What about the setting? Color: you must have seen some spectrum of shades in diamonds. Many solitaire rings are made with a ring guard or ring wrap framing the central stone, making it appear bigger. Buying an engagement ring for your loved one can seem rather confusing these days, especially with all the choice and technical details that come with such a purchase. If you’re buying an engagement ring, but don’t know your beloved’s ring size, here are a few tips on how to (subtly) get it. Bespoke vs. Made-to-Measure vs. Off the Rack: What’s the Difference? You’ve got this! It’s a symbol of your love for your girlfriend, and it’s a token of your willingness to take the relationship to the next level. If size appearance is a consideration, opt for a shape that appears larger, like the stone in this Emerald Cut diamond ring. It’s also important to request certification on any diamond you buy, such as its GIA (Gemological Institute of America) report. There are four main choices when it comes to your setting metal: platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. The run-up to Christmas and before Valentine’s Day are their busiest periods, so if you’re planning to pop the question around those dates it’s a good idea to leave yourself plenty of time. Second, when deciding between 14K and 18K gold, keep in mind that the main difference is in their alloy composition. This yellow colored diamond ring, for example, is stunning and unique—and this sapphire halo engagement ring certainly stands out from the crowd. It will give the impression of a larger ring yet will cost less. Deciding which of the 4C’s is most important to you will be key. This was introduced as a marketing ploy after the Second World War to encourage diamond sales. The ring should fit snuggly around the finger but slide on smoothly. Unless your significant other specifically mentions this cut, it’s probably not your best choice. Shannon Delaney, Director of Communications for online diamond retailer, James Allen recommends you set a budget and stick to it. Colored diamonds range in price and intensity from blues, reds, greens, chocolate and even black. In fact, with the right approach, you can amaze your partner with a ring they’ll adore for years to come, all without the headaches many people associate with ring shopping. Ranges from deep to lighter red. Buying a second hand ring means that your engagement ring is a lot closer to becoming an investment. Check out her jewelry box when she’s not around. The second step in creating a ring your partner will love is taking into account her individual style. First of all, congratulations from all of us at The Modest Man! Despite how it looks, this is a very secure setting, often more so than a prong setting. Then, there’s the diamond’s carat weight. Pro Tip: Wedding Sets include a matching engagement ring and wedding ring that complement each other stylistically. Halo rings, which have a multi-stone setting encircling a center gemstone, are very popular right now and they make even a small center diamond look huge. Here are the top places to buy an engagement ring you need to know about: James Allen – Along with Blue Nile, they are the best. We’re here to guide you through the process from start to finish so that you find the perfect ring to fit both your budget and her expectations. Can you negotiate the cost of an engagement ring? A final word of advice; don’t go broke buying a ring you can’t afford. Here are a few factors to take into consideration. You’ll discover there seem to be so many decisions to make. At Anna Sheffield, we aim to make the process of looking for the perfect ring inspiring, educational and yes, even fun! The cut reflects the symmetry, polish and proportion of the diamond and affects its visual brilliance. Buying an engagement ring doesn't have to be scary. One free resizing within 60 days of purchase, Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock. For assistance in selecting a diamond that’s exceptionally cut, reach out to our experts for complimentary advice. There’s no need to be intimated by the myriad of choices you’ll encounter on your search to buy an engagement ring. Vintage-style engagement ring designs are inspired by the past yet contain modern cut diamonds. 25 Great Watches For Small Wrists (Updated for 2020), The Complete Guide to Business Casual Style for Men [2020], A Beginner’s Guide to Cutting Your Own Hair at Home. The quality and beauty of each diamond can differ dramatically. If she tends to wear silver jewelry, choose white gold, like this round brilliant halo ring. He has been recognized as a diamond industry expert by. A re-set stone, such as a family heirloom can usually be done in a few days, depending on the complexity of the ring’s design. DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. The following list of tips is here to help you buy an engagement ring with confidence and a great result: #1: Set the budget. If your fiancée is a fan of Victorian, vintage or antique styles, there are plenty of engagement ring options to match her tastes. Well, this is a diamond grading that guides you on how to buy an engagement ring or other jewelry for your partner. You can also peek through her clothing and accessories to gain insight. Ultimately, though, the decision is a personal choice. You’ve come to the right place. Do you have a specific proposal date in mind? Here is our general recommendation for each of the four C’s. Polls consistently show that most women want a surprise proposal. Period. Other certificates, such as EGL or IGI, aren’t as reliable. Home • Blog • Resources • Contact • Advertise, Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosure • Terms & Conditions, Copyright © 2020 The Modest Man (Registered Trademark). Ask the online customer service representative for help with this. Which vendor offers the most beauty for your budget? November 14, 2019 . Here area few of the best-selling engagement ring styles right now, courtesy of Brilliant Earth. 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