Everything You Need to Know Before Choosing Your Engagement Ring
'Tis the season for engagement ring shopping and if you're on the hunt for "the one" to call your own (yay!), we're here to help. Think a little ring shopping 101 with breakdowns on the 4 C's, the perfect setting, selecting the right metal and more. Find out how to choose the right sparkler below.
THE 4 C'S
Cut, color, clarity and carat. If you've been ring shopping, then you've heard these four words time and time again. Because when it comes to finding the perfect diamond sparkler, choosing a diamond with the least color (A is awesome, Z not so great) and flaws (aka, clarity) is key. And since we all want our diamonds to dazzle, we'll let you in on a little secret: the cut is THE most important. Why? Well, if the cut isn't amazing, it really doesn't matter if the ring is colorless or flawless... it still won't shine the way you want. And what we want is a diamond that sends off signals the minute we step into the sun, amiright? And, don't forget - bigger isn't always better when it comes to selecting the right diamond. If your gem grades higher in the other areas (especially the aforementioned cut), it will shine brighter than a larger diamond that isn't.
THE "OTHER" GEMSTONES
We're talking a lot about diamonds, but if you're one of those ladies that loves to think outside the box, we hear you. We're big fans of mixing it up when it comes to your engagement ring - and that definitely includes looking into those "other" gemstones - from sapphires to rubies to emeralds and more. Yes, you can definitely show off your chic + sophisticated side with a choice that goes a little against the norm, like your birthstone, a gem that represents the month you were engaged or even something from your great-grandmother's collection. Our tip? Don't get caught up in what you "think" you should have - go with your heart and select the stone that best represents you and your love. (Like a champagne sapphire. We LOVE those.)
THE SETTING
Choosing your setting, diamond shape and style is truly where your personality will shine through, and it all starts with the setting. Whether you want your gem to sparkle as much as possible with a prong setting, love the look of a cathedral setting with the slopes on both sides, want to protect your stone at all times with a bezel setting or lean towards a more modern tension look (where the stone seems to hover), choose your setting first and the rest will fall into place. Because once you decide where your gem will rest, it's easier to pick which of the NINE diamond shapes will look the best (round, cushion, princess, asscher, pear, emerald, radiant, oval and marquise) and which style will make that gem stand out - whether that's three-stone, halo or something else entirely.
THE CROWN
So now that you have your gem, style and setting, it's time to focus on the crown. Because you can't spend all of the time in the world piecing together your perfect engagement ring and not make sure it's safe. (Seriously.) But what is a crown exactly? Well, put simply: it's the setting, plus the prongs. And we know you have a lot of options when it comes to metals, but honestly, we're 100% platinum lovers for more than one reason. First, it's stronger - which means better protection. Second, it requires less maintenance - which means zero trips to the jeweler to get your ring re-dipped. Third, it grows stronger over time - which means less worry on your part. And lastly, it's brighter than white gold - which means a shinier, brighter diamond. You can't argue with that.
Need even more tips on choosing the perfect engagement ring? Platinum Guild International is your place to go. They even have a handy ring buying guide that will have you walking into the jewelry store like a total pro. Do yourselves a favor and check them out before you go.