A Guide to Engagement Rings: Making Shopping Simple

Shopping for an engagement ring should be exciting, not overwhelming! With so many styles, settings, and stones to choose from, it’s easy to feel a little lost. But don’t worry—our Jewelry Consultants will walk you through everything you need to know, step by step. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your search, this engagement ring buying guide will help you find the perfect ring with confidence.

The Four C’s: Understanding Diamond Quality

If you’ve started researching engagement rings, you’ve probably heard about the Four C’s—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. These factors determine a diamond’s beauty and value. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Cut: The most important factor in a diamond’s sparkle. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, making it appear brighter and more brilliant. Cuts range from ideal to poor, and investing in a high-quality cut ensures maximum brilliance.

• Color: Diamonds range from colorless to light yellow. The less color a diamond has, the rarer and more valuable it is. The standard grading scale runs from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown), with D-F being the most desirable.

• Clarity: Measures the presence of natural imperfections (called inclusions). Most imperfections are microscopic and don’t affect a diamond’s beauty. The clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), with VS (Very Slightly Included) being a great balance between quality and value.

• Carat Weight: Refers to the diamond’s size. Bigger isn’t always better—cut quality can make a smaller diamond appear larger and more brilliant. A well-cut 1-carat diamond can outshine a poorly cut 1.5-carat diamond.

Expert Tip: Prioritize Cut

If you’re balancing budget and beauty, invest in cut quality. A well-cut diamond will shine brighter, even at a smaller carat weight.

Different Types of Engagement Rings: Stone Shapes

The diamond shape is one of the most noticeable features of an engagement ring. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Round: Classic, timeless, and the most brilliant cut.

• Princess: Square-shaped with sharp corners, offering a modern feel.

• Oval: Elegant and elongating on the finger.

• Emerald: A rectangular shape with a hall-of-mirrors effect.

• Cushion: Soft, rounded corners with a vintage appeal.

• Pear: A teardrop shape that’s both unique and feminine.

• Marquise: A football-shaped stone that maximizes carat weight and creates a bold look.

• Asscher: A square-cut diamond with step-cut facets for an art deco look.

• Radiant: A mix between emerald and round cuts, offering brilliance with a unique shape.

Choosing the Right Shape for Your Partner

Some shapes, like round or oval, are timeless and versatile. Others, like emerald or marquise, have a more distinct style. If your partner has a Pinterest board full of engagement rings, take note of recurring shapes!

Engagement Ring Settings: Choosing the Right One

The setting of an engagement ring affects its overall style and security. Here are some of the most popular choices:

• Solitaire: A single diamond on a plain or decorative band. Timeless and elegant.

• Halo: A center diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds, adding sparkle and the illusion of a larger stone.

• Pavé: Tiny diamonds set into the band for extra brilliance.

• Three-Stone: A center stone flanked by two smaller stones, symbolizing past, present, and future.

• Bezel: A metal rim encircles the stone, offering a sleek and modern look.

• Vintage: Intricate details like filigree and milgrain for an old-world charm.

• Hidden Halo: A halo setting beneath the center stone for a subtle, extra sparkle.

• Tension: A modern design where the diamond appears to float between the band.

Which Setting is Best?

Choosing the right style comes down to your partner’s preferences and lifestyle. If they have an active lifestyle, a low-profile setting like a bezel or flush setting offers durability and security. If they love extra sparkle, a halo or pavé band adds brilliant shine.

Our Jewelry Professionals will guide you through the options, asking the right questions to help you find the perfect setting for your partner and their everyday life!

Ring Metals: Finding the Perfect Band

The metal of an engagement ring affects its durability and style. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

• Platinum: Extremely durable and naturally white, making diamonds appear extra bright.

• White Gold: A classic, budget-friendly alternative to platinum with a similar look.

• Yellow Gold: A warm, traditional choice that’s making a comeback.

• Rose Gold: Romantic and trendy with a soft pink hue.

• Mixed Metals: A unique combination of two or more metals for a distinctive look.

Maintenance 

White gold requires periodic rhodium plating to maintain its bright white finish, while platinum develops a patina over time. Yellow and rose gold require regular cleaning but are lower maintenance overall.

Finding Your Partner’s Style & Preferences

Choosing the perfect ring is easier when you know what your partner loves. Here are a few ways to gather clues:

• Check their jewelry: Do they prefer classic, modern, vintage, or minimal styles?

• Peek at their Pinterest boards: Many people save their dream rings online.

• Ask their friends or family: They might already know what your partner loves.

• Consider lifestyle: If they have an active lifestyle, a lower-profile setting might be best.

• Pay attention to details: Do they wear more silver or gold? Do they like bold statement pieces or subtle jewelry?

Custom Ring Design

Some couples love the idea of a custom engagement ring, while others prefer selecting a pre-designed style. Here’s how to decide:

• Custom Ring: Perfect for those who want something one-of-a-kind. You can design a ring from scratch with our expert jewelers.

• Ready-Made Ring: Ideal if you find a design your partner loves. We have a stunning selection of pre-designed rings ready to go.

The Benefits of Customization

Sometimes, the perfect ring is waiting for you in our case. Other times, a bit more customization is needed. If you want something truly one-of-a-kind, our expert jewelers can help you design a custom ring from scratch or personalize an existing style. If you find a design your partner loves, you can choose from our stunning selection of rings, ready to take home—no waiting required.

Visit Koser Jewelers for Expert Guidance

Ready to take the next step in finding a ring they'll love? That’s what we’re here for! At Koser Jewelers, we make engagement ring shopping simple and stress-free. Whether you want to browse different styles of engagement rings, find the perfect setting, or design a custom piece, our expert team is ready to help.

You know your partner, we know jewelry. Let our Jewelry Professionals guide you every step of the way to the perfect ring.

Visit us in-store or book a consultation today, and let’s find (or create) the ring that tells your love story.