It looks like you have found the love of your life, and now it’s time to encapsulate this feeling of devotion. Finding the perfect engagement ring, a time-old symbol of love, can be overwhelming. With countless designs, shapes, and settings, and not to mention the terminology surrounding this piece of jewelry, choosing the right ring can be a dizzying experience. If you’re feeling lost, don’t fret. This engagement ring guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence you need to pick out the ring of your dreams. 

Step 1: Set a Budget!

Budgeting is a huge part of the shopping process. Weddings are expensive; therefore, setting a budget will help you ensure you have enough for each part of your big day! There is a beautiful ring available for every budget.

Step 2: Learn the Language

Once you have set your budget, let’s get you the perfect ring. One of the most overwhelming parts of shopping for engagement rings is the terminology surrounding them. Only by educating yourself can you make the process a little easier for yourself. This guide will give you the confidence to choose the perfect engagement ring. After all, the ring you buy is not only a significant financial investment but also an emotional investment. So do your research, learn the language, and find the perfect keepsake.

Step 3: The 4 C’s

If you have started the hunt for the perfect engagement ring, you must have come across the 4C’s. They stand for cut, clarity, color and carat. Each of the 4C’s determines the quality and beauty of the diamond.

I. The cut might sound as if it refers to the shape of the diamond, but it, more importantly, describes the expertise used in cutting the stone from its raw form into the finished sparkly stone that will be set into your ring. Unlike the other C’s, the cut does not influence the cost as much as others, so this important facet can help you get the sparkle you desire in your budget.

II. The clarity describes the flaws within the stone. As diamonds are mined naturally, they have interior imperfections, also known as inclusions. Interior flaws can interrupt light flow into the rock and make the diamond look cloudy. The fewer inclusions a stone has, the more expensive it is. Clarity is rated on a scale, with IF being virtually flawless and I1 being apparent inclusions.

III. The colour refers to the amount of colour present in the stone. Some diamonds have a slight yellow tint to them. Although it has been said that the colourless a diamond is, the better its quality, colour is a personal preference.

IV. Finally, the carat describes the weight of the stone. While the carat is an element to consider when buying a diamond, the overall appearance and brilliance of the diamond are more important. A smaller carat diamond with an excellent cut can overshine a larger carat stone. 

Step 4: Picking the Center Stone

The center stone is the star of your engagement ring, and the shape of the stone is purely a personal choice. The stone can be either a diamond or a gemstone like an emerald, sapphire or ruby. If you decide on a diamond, you’ll be interested to know that there are two types nowadays: Lab Created Diamonds and the Traditional Natural diamond.

Lab-created diamonds have drawn much attention over the years. Natural diamonds are created by nature due to intense heat and pressure formed over billions of years. As the name suggests, lab-grown diamonds are made in a laboratory, often produced in weeks. Lab diamonds look and feel just like natural diamonds. They even have almost identical chemical structures. Lab-created diamonds are a more sustainable and budget-friendly option.
Once you have decided the type of diamond you prefer, you can move on to the shape of the diamond or stone you desire.

Some of the most popular shapes include:

i. The Round shape is a timeless classic and the most popular on the market as the body catches the light the best and offers much sparkle. This is the perfect shape for anyone who loves a traditional look.

ii. The Oval shape can be described as an elongated round diamond. Many people prefer this shape because it’s a bit more unique and lengthens the look of your fingers. The larger surface area also creates the appearance of a larger stone.

iii. The Marquise shape is classic and historical. It is also called boat-shaped or football-shaped diamonds. This whimsical and unique shape is rarely seen in engagement rings, increasing its appeal.

iv. The Emerald shape is an elegant and unique shape of a diamond. It is a step cut, unlike other shapes that are brilliant cuts. Emerald shapes have small rectangular facets that resemble steps or stairs. They are a more subdued fashion but are very appealing because of their long, elegant body. This shape looks best in higher clarities but can handle colour better.

v. The Pear shape is unique, timeless and vintage. This shape looks very similar to a teardrop and, like the round shape, is known for its high sparkle. This shape is seeing a bit of a comeback recently.

vi. The Princess shape is the second most popular shape after the round shape. This romantic cut has a square shape with pointed corners. If you turn the stone upside down, it resembles a pyramid. This shape offers intense sparkle with a subtle edge due to its sharp corners.

vii. The Cushion shape, as the name suggests, resembles a pillow. It is a cross between a round and princess cut and is popular in halo settings.

viii. The Radiant shape is a beautiful un-traditional shape. It incorporates the brilliance of a round cut and the purity of an emerald cut.

ix. The Asscher shape diamond engagement ring consists of a step cut stone like the emerald shape. If you’re looking for old Hollywood style, this is the perfect shape! 

Step 5: Pick your favorite metal

Just like the shape, the metal you choose for your engagement ring is dependent on your style. If you gravitate towards warmer hues, yellow gold or rose gold engagement rings are for you. And if you’re drawn to cooler tones and silver jewelry, platinum or white gold would be perfect. Now that you have decided on the metal for your engagement ring, we can move on to putting the pieces together.