Whether you’re selecting an engagement ring with your sweetheart or buying the diamond ring as a surprise, we want to say congratulations! You’re about to embark on one of life’s most memorable experiences, and we’re happy to be along for the ride. We know better than anyone just how easy it is to get swept up in the excitement and overwhelm of searching through diamond shapes and ring styles—that’s why we’re here to help!
Before you begin your search for one of the most important purchases of your life, we’d love to share our extensive knowledge to help guide you through the process. Our trusted diamond ring experts have gathered all the best tips, tricks, and facts to ensure you can invest in a high-quality diamond that meets all your wants and needs. Let’s get started!
- The History of the Diamond Engagement Ring
- The First Steps to Finding Your Perfect Diamond Engagement Ring
- How Durable Are Diamonds?
- How to Find the Diamond Engagement Ring Your Partner Truly Wants
- Look Into the 7 Most Popular Diamond Shapes
- Find the Right Style Engagement Ring Setting
- Creating a Custom Engagement Ring
- Engagement Rings vs. Wedding Bands
- Questions to Ask When Purchasing Your Wedding Jewelry
- How to Care for Your Diamond Engagement Ring
- Consider Getting Insurance for Your Engagement Ring
- Fink's has a 5th C of Diamonds for Superior Quality
The History of the Diamond Engagement Ring
Rings have been worn as a symbol of devotion and commitment for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The very first diamond engagement ring on record was commissioned in 1477 by the Archduke Maximillian of Austria for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy. This quickly sparked a trend among European nobility, which then trickled down to the rest of the world—and it’s remained the most popular choice for engagement jewelry ever since!
Nowadays, many brides are taking a more contemporary approach to wedding bands and engagement rings, forgoing diamonds entirely for more colorful gemstones and crystal alternatives. If your bride has expressed interest in a more modern engagement ring, there are plenty of options to explore. But know this—you can never go wrong with diamonds.
The First Steps to Finding Your Perfect Diamond Engagement Ring
If you and your partner are looking for a traditional engagement ring, you’ll want to decide on a diamond ring design. But not all diamonds can be treated (or valued) equally! Learn a bit about the diamond grading process to make sure you get the best stone for your buck:
What Are the 4Cs of a Diamond?
You may have heard experts throw around the term “4Cs” when it comes to diamond wedding band shopping—but what does that really mean? The 4Cs (carat, cut, color, and clarity) refer to the qualifications and considerations used to grade and value a diamond within the jewelry industry. Each stone is put through rigorous evaluation and given a final grade according to the strict standards set in place. It’s a reliable way to evaluate diamonds.
The center stone of your engagement ring should always be the showstopper, and the 4C method lets designers choose the very best cut for every piece! Still confused? Let’s walk through the 4Cs together to help you know exactly what diamond you’re purchasing and why it’s valued the way it is.
What Does Diamond Carat Mean?
What many don’t realize is a diamond’s carat weight does not refer to its size. It’s a common misconception and one worth understanding before you venture out to select your diamond engagement ring.
The appearance of a stone’s size is more closely related to its cut, while carat weight is how much the stone weighs. One metric carat is defined as 200 milligrams. Each carat can then be subdivided into 100 points, allowing jewelers to precisely measure each diamond down to the hundredth decimal. Larger stones are rarer and more sought after. Typically, as the carat size of a stone increases, so does its price.
What is Diamond Color?
When we discuss diamond color, we’re actually referring to its lack of color. Even the slightest color variations between two stones may significantly impact a diamond’s quality and price. To the naked eye, slight color variations generally go unnoticed. That’s why we highly recommend asking the jeweler to allow you to view the stones of each diamond engagement ring you are considering.
While it’s not uncommon to view and try on women’s engagement rings, loose stones are the most ideal for examining. Color can sometimes be skewed by the stone’s position in men’s wedding bands or by reflections in the setting of our favorite engagement rings.
Top Tricks for Examining Diamond Color
If you’re able to view the stones you’re considering, here are some helpful tips and factors that may affect the diamond’s color:
- Examine all stones under the same lighting for the most accurate comparisons.
- Use the same background color when you are assessing the stones.
- Cut and clarity may also play a factor in the diamond’s color when viewed with the naked eye—ask your jeweler for more specifics on the stone.
What is Diamond Clarity?
Virtually all diamonds have inclusions or tiny imperfections. Some stones even have subtle blemishes or imperfections on the stone’s surface. The intense heat and pressure a diamond sustains during formation may cause these inclusions.
The GIA Clarity Scale
The GIA Clarity Scale was designed to grade and categorize diamonds according to their imperfections. Grading a stone’s clarity factors in the size, locations, and number of imperfections seen while examined under 10x magnification. The Clarity Scale creates a precise method for assigning each stone to one of six clarity categories:
- Flawless
- Internally flawless
- Very very slightly included
- Very slightly included
- Slightly included
- Included
Identifying Imperfections in Diamond Engagement Rings
When it comes to selecting the perfect diamond for an engagement ring, the clarity is determined by specific identifying marks, which may include:
- Knots: crystal inclusion found on the stone’s surface and viewable with the naked eye
- Large feathers: breaks or cracks in a stone that may appear whitish to translucent when viewed by the naked eye
- Dark inclusions: small, black specks within the diamond, which are carbon spots that did not crystalize appropriately
- Reflectors: mirrored images of the stone’s inclusions created during the stone’s polishing process
What is Diamond Cut?
Many factors go into grading a diamond's cut, including symmetry, dimensions, and light reflection. Specific standards were created for evaluating a diamond's cut, and ideal proportions were developed to help classify stones into five categories.
Through state-of-the-art technology, including computer modeling and observation, grading systems underwent many revisions to ensure proper evaluation. This universal diamond cut grading system for engagement rings and other designs includes five levels: excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor.
Why Does Diamond Cut Matter?
The cut of a diamond is truly a remarkable work of art. It requires years of skill and experience to ensure each stone is capable of optimal performance. A well-cut stone will capture and reflect light brilliantly, whereas poorly cut stones will appear dull. When evaluating a diamond's cut, wedding band and engagement ring designers are looking for symmetry and a radiant sparkle as it dances in the light.
The cut of a diamond will make all the difference when selecting your engagement ring. What experts refer to as the flash (a scattered formation of light), the brightness (internal and external reflection of white light), and scintillation (the stone’s overall sparkle pattern produced by internal reflections) can all be affected.
How is Diamond Cut Measured?
To properly evaluate whether a diamond performs well, three essential factors are evaluated:
- Proportions: specific measurements within a stone, including angles and facet lengths
- Symmetry: how well facets of the stone are aligned, as it dramatically affects interaction with light
- Polish: the finished, glass-like look of the stone after it has been cut
Understanding Symmetry Grading
The symmetry of a diamond plays a vital role in its brilliance. It is based on the presence and visibility of deviations at 10x magnification. The GIA symmetry grade is influenced by elements such as missing facets, extra facets, an off-center table, and misalignment. The stones used in wedding bands and engagement rings are graded on a scale of:
- Excellent: Stones have very few, if any, deviations, no missing or extra facets, and tables are centered.
- Very Good: Diamonds tend to have one or two slight deviations, including slight misalignments or misshapen facets.
- Good: Diamonds may have a few deviations that affect the stone’s brilliance, including a missing facet or variations in pavilion angles.
- Fair: Fair diamonds contain several deviations, resulting in a decrease in brilliance due to variations, misshapen features, and misalignments.
- Poor: Poor symmetry is given when several apparent deviations are found. This stone grade is given to a stone that may be dull, has variations and misshapen facets, or has an off-center table or missing facets.
Diamond Cut vs. Diamond Shape
The shape of your diamond ring’s center stone is often the most enjoyable part of shopping for women’s engagement rings. Some ladies have been dreaming of a princess shaped diamond years, while others have just begun comparing the look of various diamond shapes on their fingers. One thing is for sure: while diamond shape and cut are often used interchangeably, it's undoubtedly worth educating yourself on the real differences between the cut and shape of a diamond before you shop.
Diamond shape refers to the outline of your stone. For many, choosing the diamond shape is the beginning of the engagement ring adventure. Once the stone’s shape is decided upon, you can apply your knowledge of the 4Cs to select the best quality diamond ring within your price range.
How Durable Are Diamonds?
Many of us have heard that diamonds are indestructible. Unfortunately, this is not the case. While they’re undoubtedly tough, diamonds are still susceptible to chips, cracks, and fractures. Your engagement ring, in general, could get scratched or bent if you’re not careful with it. If you’re embarking on an adventure or project that may endanger your diamond, be cautious and remove it first.
How to Find the Diamond Engagement Ring Your Partner Truly Wants
Engagement ring shopping isn’t for the faint of heart. Getting down on one knee and popping the question is only half the adventure—taking the time to find the right ring for your partner is the other.
But you don’t have to go through it alone! Follow our expert guidance, and you’ll be shopping for wedding bands together in no time.
Look Into the 7 Most Popular Diamond Shapes
When it comes to engagement ring shopping, the shape of a diamond is one of the most important aesthetic details to look for. But, if you have no idea what stone shape your fiancé-to-be has their heart set on, there’s no need to worry. Our diamond ring experts have compiled a list of the seven most popular diamond shape options to guide you through your search:
- Round: a circular shape and is the most popular choice for classic engagement rings
- Princess: a modern square diamond with a highly faceted surface, making it extra sparkly
- Oval: an oval shape that is elongated and rounded at both ends to maximize brilliance
- Pear: Sometimes called a teardrop cut, the pear shape features a rounded end that tapers into a point
- Emerald: a rectangular cut that features step-cut facets for a “hall of mirrors” affect
- Marquise: an elegant shape with points at both ends, known for giving the wearer’s finger a slimmer appearance
- Cushion: either a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners for a soft look
Browse Different Engagement Ring Styles
Keep in mind that this is an accessory that, along with your wedding band, will be worn day after day. The last thing you want is to choose a style that doesn’t complement your partner’s everyday style.
Determining their ideal style can involve considering various factors. Is your partner someone who loves the maximalist, bejeweled look? Do they prefer something smaller and more minimalist? Are they into traditional or modern designs? Is the size and setting of the ring realistic to their daily lifestyle, workplace, and routines? These are all helpful questions to ask yourself or discuss with your partner before shopping for wedding jewelry.
Choose the Right Engagement Ring Metal
It’s important to remember that an engagement ring will grace their finger for many years to come. Selecting the right metal is only one element of a ring’s style, and it’s usually a matter of personal preference.
Before you invest in a design, it’s time to determine if she prefers yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, sterling silver, or platinum. Ask yourself or your fiancé-to-be a few simple questions to spark inspiration:
- When you envision the perfect engagement ring on your finger, do you prefer it to match the jewelry you currently wear?
- Are you drawn to the look of a particular metal?
- Would you consider mixing metals?
- Does one jewelry metal complement your skin tone better than the others?
- Would you be interested in a two-tone design?
Find the Right Style Engagement Ring Setting
There are numerous engagement ring styles to choose from, and it can be quite overwhelming. While we truly believe you’ll know exactly which design is “the one” the moment you lay eyes on it, it’s important to understand all your options. We’ve put together a few of our favorite diamond ring styles to help you narrow down the perfect setting for your diamond ring:
Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring Style
Solitaires are a timeless ring style and are magnificent on any ring finger. The solitaire diamond engagement ring setting displays a single center stone upon a band for maximum exposure. It’s a classic ring style with room for endless wedding band pairing possibilities.
Halo Diamond Engagement Ring Style
The halo engagement ring style features one center stone outlined in smaller accent diamonds, creating a halo effect. An extremely popular setting, women gravitate towards halo designs for their ability to make their diamond appear larger and incredibly brilliant.
3-Stone Engagement Ring Style
If you’re searching for a meaningful engagement ring setting, look into the three-stone engagement ring style. Also known as the trinity ring, the three diamonds represent your past, present, and future as a couple. This gorgeous ring style allows the center stone to be placed slightly higher than each side stone for more appeal.
Creating a Custom Engagement Ring
One option you may want to consider is having your engagement ring custom-made. This option allows you the freedom to create a unique, sentimental style for her diamond ring. Whether you have a vision of your ideal ring or have not found the style that speaks to you, designing your own wedding jewelry is a great option!
Questions to Ask Your Custom Wedding Jewelry Designers
Finding a skilled jeweler and design team that will help bring your ideas to life is essential—so don’t be afraid to ask every nitty gritty question! When you first find a jeweler, talk with them to find out what their custom process entails.
Will they work with you from start to finish? Do they have images of previous pieces they have custom-made so you may see various engagement ring styles? Are they willing to incorporate an heirloom diamond you already have? Get a feel for what your jeweler can offer you, from selecting a high-quality diamond to guiding you through the entire process.
Engagement Rings vs. Wedding Bands
Discovering your dream engagement ring is one thing—choosing wedding bands for yourself and your partner is another! Before you say I Do, it’s important to understand the official differences to help set your expectations for price and style.
Traditionally, an engagement ring is presented to the bride-to-be as part of the proposal to signify the beginning of your engagement period. Often, it involves a more lavish ring style and larger gemstone than a typical wedding ring. Wedding bands are the rings that are exchanged during the ceremony as you recite your vows; they’re worn by both parties.
Wedding rings tend to be significantly less expensive than engagement rings. They may be as simple as a yellow gold band or as extravagant as a diamond eternity band. You may even find engagement and wedding bands that come paired together in a cohesive bridal set.
When Should You Purchase Your Wedding Bands?
Once your partner says “yes” (and we’re certain they will), it’s time to add wedding band shopping to your nuptials to-do list! Our experts recommend that you purchase your wedding rings anywhere from 2-6 months before the big day to allow proper time for browsing, sizing, and any desired customizations. This timeframe helps if obstacles arise, including:
- Difficulty finding your desired wedding band style
- Last-minute decision to have custom bands made
- Re-sizing of your wedding bands
- Time for engravement
The Benefits of Buying an Engagement and Wedding Band Set
Buying an existing wedding band and engagement ring as a set streamlines the jewelry shopping experience and ensures a cohesive look and perfect alignment. If you have a short engagement period, purchasing a matching set will help you save time and reduce the stress of finding a complementary design.
If you do opt to purchase a standalone diamond engagement ring design, your options for wedding bands are limitless! If you have a longer engagement scheduled after planning the perfect proposal, as many couples do, shopping together for bands is part of the fun. Not to mention that some brides-to-be simply need time to search for the perfect wedding band to pair with her engagement ring.
Bonus Tips for Purchasing Wedding Bands
As you spend time shopping for your ideal wedding bands, keep a few of these helpful tips in mind:
- Tip #1: You’ll wear your wedding band every day and should select a band with a comfortable and practical fit and design.
- Tip #2: Try on each band with your diamond engagement ring to test how they fit together. Make sure they don’t cause pinching or restrict free movement.
- Tip #3: Do you love the look of your engagement and wedding bands paired together? Does the center stone sit high enough above the wedding band to avoid unnecessary wear and tear? There’s nothing worse than buyer’s remorse.
Inquire About Wedding Band Durability
Consider your daily activities when purchasing your wedding band. If you live a busy or active lifestyle that may introduce your rings to unforeseen bumps and wear, this may deter you from individual wedding band styles.
Pavé diamond bands, for example, can sometimes lose stones or chip during strenuous or rugged activity. If you spend a lot of time rock climbing, gardening, playing sports, or working with your hands, the durability of a classic solid wedding band may be better suited to your needs.
A Look Into Popular Wedding Band Styles
If you have not yet given thought to wedding band styles, we’re more than happy to share a few of our favorites. Whether your taste is classic or ornate, there are plenty of options to choose from:
Eternity Wedding Bands
The diamond eternity ring style offers several breathtaking choices. You’ll find styles with diamonds covering half the band while others adorn the full band. Some women love the look of accent gemstones or a specific diamond shape, while others choose between pavé, channel, or prong settings.
Classic Metal Wedding Bands
You will never go wrong with the elegance and simplicity of the solid metal wedding band style. There is no engagement ring this timeless design won’t pair well with. You may also want to consider matching his and her solid bands.
Multi-Stone Wedding Bands
The multi-stone ring style adds a dazzling touch to enhance the sparkle on her ring finger. Designs like our Multi-Row Diamond Prong Band are a fantastic way to enjoy accent diamonds or gemstones in your set.
Questions to Ask When Purchasing Your Wedding Jewelry
It's helpful to have a list of questions prepared before your exciting day of diamond ring shopping. Besides setting a budget for your investment, questions help you stay focused on finding the right diamond ring for the best value. Here are the most commonly asked questions and tips you should keep in mind:
Do You Offer Repair Services?
Finding your dream ring doesn’t end when you walk out the door. A reputable, high-quality jeweler will offer you peace of mind for your diamond purchase.
Putting your trust in an experienced, knowledgeable jeweler is critical. As you shop for the perfect diamond ring, ask about the quality of their repair services and turnaround times for ring repairs. It never hurts to read their location’s online reviews, as well!
Are your Jewelers and Technicians Bench Certified?
It can be a bit unnerving to hand over your treasured engagement rings for repairs. National standards have been set in place to help customers feel confident and secure in their fine jewelry repairs and who they entrust with their diamonds. Bench Professional Certification Programs nationally recognize skilled, trustworthy jewelers, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Do You Offer Diamond Upgrades or a Lifetime Warranty?
It’s always wise to look ahead and protect your investment with a lifetime guarantee. Asking the right questions is imperative to feeling good about your fine jewelry investment for years to come. Don’t forget to plan for the future and inquire about your jeweler’s diamond upgrade program and policies.
How to Care for Your Diamond Engagement Ring
Providing the proper care and routine maintenance for your engagement ring and wedding bands will help extend the life and condition of your prized possession. By following strict cleaning and care guidelines, you can ensure your dazzling ring continues to give off brilliant sparkle and shine for years to come.
While you should keep your ring free from dirt and grime buildup, it's vital to refrain from using harsh chemicals to do so. These chemicals can cause harm to your stones and leave your metal with a dull finish.
Invest in a jewelry cleaner specifically made for your diamond and precious metal. It’s also a great idea to take it to your jeweler for regular professional cleanings.
Insider tip: Get into the habit of removing your wedding and engagement rings by the band rather than grasping the center stone and bottom portion. Avoiding extra dirt and oils will keep your diamond brilliant and free from extra wear and tear.
Remember to Check Your Prongs and Accent Diamonds Periodically
While it’s advised to have your diamond engagement ring inspected and cleaned by your jeweler regularly, you can still be proactive at home. Gently test the integrity of your center stone’s prongs periodically. Examine your accent stones on your diamond engagement and wedding bands as well.
When in doubt, make a quick trip to your jeweler for further inspection. If your engagement ring came with a lifetime warranty, review your mandatory maintenance schedule and adhere to it.
Consider Getting Insurance for Your Engagement Ring
Diamond rings are a significant investment, so it only makes sense that your partner will want to protect theirs with jewelry insurance. Regardless of if you’re wearing it out of the store, proposing in a few days, or not taking it from the box until months from now, life happens. Talk to an insurance agent and your jeweler to get a good idea of next steps.
Fink’s has a 5th C of Diamonds for Superior Quality
At Fink’s Jewelers, we have a special secret weapon known as our 5th C of diamonds. His name is Clif. For more than two decades, each diamond that has graced our store has been hand-selected by Clif. While your typical jewelers purchase diamonds in groups within a specified grading range, Clif’s standards go above and beyond.
Clif puts every stone under rigorous inspection, ensuring the highest quality for your engagement rings and wedding bands. Diamonds that exceed his meticulous system offer optimal brilliance, light performance, and cut. Clif then takes it a step further by examining each stone’s durability. Only after exceeding his high standards will a stone be chosen as a Fink’s diamond, regardless of its excellent grading report.
Each year, Clif rejects roughly 99% of the diamonds he inspects. While some may question this method, Clif firmly believes your forever diamond is more than what is noted in its grading report. As he scrutinizes each stone, he asks himself one vital question: "Would I put this on my wife's finger? If his answer is no, it does not become a Fink’s diamond.
We’re confident you are now well-prepared for this exciting and memorable purchase! Review this guide to engagement ring types as often as you need, and don’t forget to ask questions.
