Congratulations, you're getting engaged! Shopping for an engagement ring is one of the most exciting times in your life, and it's also one of the most meaningful purchases that you may ever make.
Whether you are just starting to look into engagement rings or are ready to make a purchase, we've got you covered! From which stores to shop, diamond basics to engraving to sizing, we have all the details and information you need right here to make the right choice for you and one you're going to be walking down the aisle with.
Settings and Metals
Your engagement ring can be as timeless as a single solitaire, as classic as a more vintage design, or as unique as you are. There are several different setting styles and different kinds of precious metals to choose from. You can even select gemstones instead of diamonds for your perfect engagement ring and even combine them for a personalized look. You can also choose between a stand-alone engagement ring or a set that melds two into one once you have tied the knot; how romantic is that?
Here's a list of some different settings, cuts, and materials you can select from when selecting the perfect engagement ring.
Settings
Depending on your style, your budget, and even your occupation, there's a perfect setting for you.
- Solitaire: The classic single stone setting; elegant, timeless, and impactful.
- Pave: Enables you to use smaller stones beautifully and enjoy a more interesting band.
- Antique: Has a classic, intriguing appearance that flirts with history.
- Single Row: Frames your center stone with classic dimensions.
- Multiple Row: Lowers the profile of your center stone and encourages more light to hit the stone.
- Halo: If you are looking for sparkle and affordability, the halo setting is a great choice.
- Side Stone: Frames your center stone with beautiful Baguette or square cut stones.
- Bypass: The most unique setting -- it can reflect your personality or highlight your stones in a personal way.
Metals
From classic to cutting-edge, you have options when it comes to what type of precious metal will be holding your stones tight, and they each have their own attributes.
- Yellow Gold: The classic warm glow of yellow gold is hard to beat. The higher the karat count, the higher the gold content.
- White Gold: Pale or even creamy in color, this gold alloy can be more affordable than platinum.
- Rose Gold: Its warm pinkish glow is on-trend right now and pairs well with any colored stones in your setting.
- Platinum: Platinum is an incredibly durable metal, and due to its finish, it will not cast any color on any stones it's paired with.
- Palladium: Another alternative to white metals and is resistant to tarnishing.
- Silver: Silver is a classic alternative to white gold, platinum, or palladium and may be an affordable option as well.
The 4-Cs
You know what you like when you see it, but what exactly do you see when you spot that perfect diamond? It's all about the 4 C's, and here they are:
Carat
This is a numerical representation of the weight of the diamond. The greater the carat weight, the rarer and more valuable the diamond is.
Cut
The ideal cut for a diamond is the cut that enables the most light to return to the very top of the diamond and considers the unique features and parameters of the particular stone.
Color
The less color a diamond has, the rarer it is (unless we are speaking of yellow diamonds, which are even rarer).
Clarity
Diamonds range from flawless to what diamond graders call "included," which means there could be some elements or blemishes.
Engraving and Sizing
Engraving your engagement ring can be an enduring and memorable way to personalize your promise or sentiments, and the metal you choose and the setting style have a big role to play in this. Also, a reputable jeweler can help you understand your accurate sizing (just because you can slide it onto your finger doesn't mean it's the right size!) Also, keep in mind that life's changes can place you in a position where you may need to change the size of your ring, and some bands and metals will respond differently to resizing.
For the perfect engraving and sizing that will please you for a lifetime, communication with your jeweler is key.
Where Can I Learn More When I am Ready to Buy?
No matter what style, shape, or kind of engagement ring you are planning on falling in love with, we have 3 locations to serve you, and we look forward to being a big part of your happily ever after!
Find the Grogan Jeweler location closest to you!
The perfect engagement ring should ideally bring you joy and be entrancing for life, so where you purchase your ring matters. We have many resources available to help you learn more about selecting the perfect engagement ring and understanding how to make sure you are pleased with your selection for life.