How To Buy An Engagement Ring - What To Choose And Why, When Selecting Your Options

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article and contains links that may generate commissions for the author.

When you try to pick an engagement ring, it's important to make the right choice. This ring will symbolize your love and commitment for years to come.

Essentially, which engagement ring to get should be based on it's ability to tell the story of your relationship.

In this guide, we'll show you how to buy an engagement ring by taking a look at the different factors involved in your ultimate decision.

Once you have an idea of exactly what you want to express with your purchase, you can design your own engagement ring to make sure it gets said right.

What to Consider When Buying an Engagement Ring

The important thing to note is that everyone is different.

The engagement ring you get will depend on some key things - style/preferences, values and your relationship itself.

Every situation will be unique, regardless of what others may push you towards. So spend some time thinking about exactly what you're trying to say about your love and your relationship before looking at rings or even choosing where to buy an engagement ring .

Personal Style and Preference

The engagement ring is a symbol of love and commitment, and it is important for the ring to reflect the individual's personal taste and style. Some people may prefer a traditional and classic design, while others may opt for a more modern and unique style.

Additionally, personal preference also extends to the choice of gemstone and metal. Some individuals may prefer a diamond, while others may prefer a different gemstone such as sapphire or emerald.

Ultimately, the engagement ring is a personal and sentimental piece of jewelry that should align with the individual's personal style and preference.

So spend some time paying attention to your partner's style of dress and aesthetic choices in life. What types of clothes and accessories do they wear? What kinds of art do they like? What's their "style" of living in daily life?

Try to match your choice of engagement ring as closely as you can to your partner's personal style and preferences.

Personal Values

An engagement ring should reflect the values and beliefs of the couple.

For some, the value of sustainability and ethics may guide them towards selecting a ring that is ethically sourced and made from sustainable materials. Others may prioritize the sentimental value of a family heirloom or a ring that holds special meaning.

Personal values also influence the budget one is willing to allocate for an engagement ring, as some may prioritize financial responsibility and opt for a more affordable option.

If your partner is a more modest or humble person then a massive ring that draws attention would make less sense than something more subtle. If your values place importance on material shows of affection then you may want to choose a lavish and expensive ring.

Your choice of engagement ring should align with you and, importantly, your partner's values. This ensures that it holds significant meaning and represents your shared values and commitment to each other.

Symbolism and Meaning

When choosing an engagement ring, it is important to factor in symbolism and meaning to make the moment even more special.

Symbolism can vary depending on personal preferences and cultural traditions but one way to incorporate symbolism is by selecting a gemstone that holds some personal significance to you or your partner. Additionally, considering the metal used can add symbolism, as certain metals may hold cultural or personal significance.

Another way is to choose a ring design that represents something meaningful, like a specific shape or pattern, that reflects the journey of your relationship. If certain metals or gemstones help to describe your love or feelings (or relationship in general) that can factor into your choices.

Ultimately, the key is to choose a ring that resonates with the couple and represents their unique bond and commitment.

What Choices Can You Make When Selecting an Engagement Ring?

Engagement Ring

Now that you have a foundation of what kind of engagement ring to buy, let's talk briefly about the various choices you can make that impact all of the factors above.

Choosing the Metal Setting

Aside from the gemstone, the metal that you choose for the setting of the engagement ring will help tell it's story. You have a few different options.

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is a popular choice for engagement ring settings because of its timeless and classic appeal.

It has been used for centuries in jewelry making and is known for its warm and luxurious appearance. Yellow gold also complements a wide range of gemstones, allowing for versatility in design options.

Because of it's ease in working with, it's a good choice if you plan on having an intricate and detailed ring design.

White Gold

White gold is a popular choice for engagement ring settings due to its uniqueness from yellow gold, along with it's inherently elegant and timeless appearance.

It is a mixture of pure gold and other white metals such as silver, nickel, or palladium, which give it a beautiful white color. White gold is also more affordable than something like platinum, making it a more accessible option for many couples.

Overall, white gold offers a stunning and luxurious look for engagement rings, making it a popular choice among couples.

Rose Gold

Rose gold is a popular choice for engagement ring settings because of its unique and romantic appearance.

The warm, pinkish hue of rose gold adds a touch of femininity and elegance to the overall design of the ring. It also complements a wide range of skin tones, making it a very versatile choice.

The metal's popularity in engagement ring settings can be attributed to its unique aesthetic appeal that is unlike traditional jewelry metals.

Platinum

Platinum has a sophisticated beauty to it and though it isn't as popular as gold for settings, it does get used often. It has a very luxurious appeal, but for some can seem "colder" than yellow or rose gold.

Platinum is a very strong and dense metal, making it resistant to scratches and damage. It has a naturally white color that does not fade or tarnish over time, unlike white gold which has less durability.

It is an ideal choice for showcasing the brilliance and sparkle of diamonds or other gemstones. If you're hoping for a luxury look, it may be a good choice for engagement ring setting.

Other Metals

Other metals that are commonly used for engagement ring settings include silver, titanium, and palladium. Silver is a popular choice for those on a budget as it is more affordable compared to other metals.

Titanium is known for its durability and strength, making it a practical option for those with an active lifestyle.

Palladium is a rare and lustrous metal that is similar in appearance to platinum but at a lower cost.

Naturally, these metals are much less popular than the others mentioned and get used much less frequently.

Choosing the Gemstone

Although the most popular (by far) choice for gemstone in an engagement ring is a diamond, it isn't the only choice.

There are many other gemstones you can use, especially if those stones carry a personal significance to you or your partner.

One popular option is the sapphire, known for its deep blue color and durability. Sapphires symbolize loyalty and trust, making them a meaningful choice for an engagement ring. Another common choice is the ruby, which is known for its vibrant red color and represents love and passion. Emeralds, with their rich green color, are also a beautiful and emblematic option.

Other gemstones that are sometimes used in engagement rings include amethyst, aquamarine, and morganite, each offering their own unique story and beautiful appearance.

Ultimately, the choice of gemstone for an engagement ring is a personal one, allowing couples to select a stone that reflects their journey and their individual/combined styles and preferences.

But of course, the most popular choice is...

Diamonds

Diamonds are a timeless choice for gemstones in an engagement ring. They can feel both traditional and modern at the same time, are always luxurious and remain a staple in jewelry design.

There are so many things too look at when choosing a diamond - not all diamonds are created (or lab-grown) equal.

It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the 4 C's of diamonds - cut, color, clarity and carat weight. They are the factors that often determine, not only the price of a rock, but how the diamond will interact with light (i.e. how it will sparkly and shine).

Diamond Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight

Here's a rough look at what the 4 C's of diamonds encompass. You can learn more about it here.

Carat weight refers to the size or weight of the diamond, with larger diamonds being more valuable. Color refers to the presence of any color (usually a yellowish hue) in a diamond, with the most valuable and sought after diamonds being completely colorless.

Clarity refers to the presence of any internal or external flaws such as marks, scratches and imperfections.

Finally, cut refers to how well a diamond has been cut and shaped. This is essential because it directly impacts the sparkle factor - a diamond's cut affects how it interacts with light.

The most expensive stones are flawless in their clarity, colorless, large and cut to maximize it's brilliance and sparkle.

The diamond you choose will depend mostly on your budget and values. Get as close to "perfect" of a stone as you can while staying within your budget and adhering your your values.

Natural vs. Lab Grown Diamonds

The debate between natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds revolves around several factors. Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's crust over millions of years, making them rare and valuable. They carry a sense of tradition and are often associated with luxury and romance.

On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment, mimicking the natural process of diamond formation. They have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds but are produced in a shorter time frame and at a lower cost.

Lab-grown diamonds are often considered more sustainable and ethical , as they do not involve mining or human rights concerns. However, some argue that the emotional and sentimental value attached to natural diamonds cannot be replicated by their lab-grown counterparts.

Choosing between natural and lab-grown diamonds depends on preferences, values, and budget - like everything else when it comes to choices for your engagement ring.

Popular Types of Engagement Rings

To close things out, let's briefly talk about the various styles of engagement rings that are popular with jewellers and buyers.

Solitaire and Halo Engagement Rings

Solitaire rings are classic and timeless, featuring a single diamond or gemstone as the centerpiece. They are elegant and understated, allowing the focus to be solely on the main stone.

On the other hand, halo engagement rings are more glamorous and eye-catching. They feature a center stone surrounded by smaller diamonds or gemstones, creating a halo effect. This design adds extra sparkle and gives the illusion of a larger center stone.

Channel Set and Pave Engagement Rings

Channel set engagement rings feature small diamonds or gemstones set into a channel within the band, creating a sleek and modern look. This setting offers excellent durability and protection for the stones, as they are securely held in place.

Pave engagement rings feature small diamonds or gemstones that are set close together, creating a continuous sparkle on the band. This setting offers a more delicate and intricate look, but may require more maintenance over time to ensure the stones remain secure.

Vintage and Tension Engagement Rings

Vintage engagement rings offer a sense of timeless elegance and charm, often featuring intricate designs and unique details that evoke a sense of nostalgia. These rings can be passed down through generations, adding sentimental value. They are often very "one-of-one" in their look.

Tension engagement rings are modern and contemporary, featuring a unique setting that holds the gemstone securely in place. This creates a tension between the metal bands, creating a striking and eye-catching effect. These rings are often seen as more minimalist and sleek but as unique-looking as vintage rings.

Side-Stone and 3-Stone Engagement Rings

If you're looking for something with a little more dazzle to it, these might be good choices for you.

Side-stone engagement rings feature a large center stone with smaller stones on either side, creating a more traditional and classic look while emphasizing the stones.

3-stone engagement rings feature three equally-sized stones (or one slightly larger stone), symbolizing the past, present, and future of a relationship. This style can be seen as more symbolic and meaningful.

Conclusion on What Engagement Ring to Get

Choosing an engagement ring can be pretty tough, especially when you consider all the options you have available to you. But just slow things down and take it one step at a time. Try not to overwhelm yourself with decisions.

The first step is to just sit back and reflect on your relationship and your partner. Try to put it into a story. Once you have a story for your relationship, start making choices - what metal to go with, what gemstone to go with, etc.

You can easily design your ideal engagement ring for free by clicking here.

Thanks for reading this guide on how to buy an engagement ring. I hope you learned something that will help you figure out what engagement ring to choose for your partner.

Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.