Buying an Engagement Ring 101

best engagement rings custom made by jaume labro

Getting a ring shouldn’t put you into debt or cause you to wait on proposing just because you can’t afford an ‘enormous diamond.’ There are plenty of engagement ring hacks that cut costs while cutting corners.

But when you follow our guide, you’ll learn how to buy an engagement ring without compromising on quality.

Give Yourself Enough Time

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Inspiration can strike at any time. You might fall in love with a unique bezel setting and your grandmother’s diamond may be a perfect match. On the other hand, you could already have an heirloom setting that needs an upgraded gemstone.

An experienced jeweler will work with you to fashion your dream proposal ring. Because “life happens,” we recommend planning for at least two months to finish a custom engagement band.

1. Gather All of the Necessary Information

You’ll need your partner’s preferred metal, gemstone, preferred band size, and the size of their ring finger. If you’re keeping this a surprise, ask subtle questions, look at the jewelry pieces they wear regularly (if any), and consult with their close friends and family.

2. Do Market Research

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If your future spouse loves a specific jewelry brand, go there first to see what they’re offering. You can also check out nearby jewelry stores, reputable antique shops, and websites like Etsy. Any time you see an engagement ring sale, discover what the average market rates might be.

3. Choose a Manufactured or Handcrafted Ring

Obviously, a manufactured ring will be the fastest option. But if you can’t find the “right design” in a store, an experienced goldsmith should be able to take your images, details, and even loose gemstones to create a bespoke engagement ring.

Select the Right Metals

The biggest indicator of an engagement ring’s cost is related to its materials. Before you start looking, take note of any jewelry your partner has purchased recently and wears regularly. Consider their hobbies and profession, too (certain metals hold up better under stress).

Platinum

Platinum may be expensive, but it’s exceptionally durable, maintains its distinct shine for years, rarely requires repair work, and is hypoallergenic. Compared to gold, however, you’ll need more platinum to create a jewelry piece.

Gold

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Whichever color of gold you choose, 14k and 18k gold are where affordability and longevity meet (higher-karat counterparts are much easier to damage).

Yellow gold jewelry is a classic material, but professional polishing and buffing may be needed more regularly. White gold is the most popular option for engagement rings in the US. While it looks similar to platinum, rhodium plating requires replacement every decade or so.

The retro allure of rose gold has steadily increased in popularity. Copper strengthens each jewelry piece and doesn’t require replating (like white gold). While it’s a cheaper gold option, people with copper allergies should avoid this material.

Palladium

Palladium has a lower price than platinum and gold, is hypoallergenic, and wears extremely well. It’s harder to find, but market research dictates that we believe this will change over the coming years.

Mixed Metalwork

10 mokume gane diamond engagement rings stacked horizontally

It’s not uncommon for engagement bands to feature multiple types of metals in fine jewelry designs. Mokume Gane is an excellent example, with sturdy, intricately-patterned jewelry pieces that are as unique as the bond between partners.

Choosing the Right Ring Width

There are two main reasons to consider the width of an engagement ring. Firstly, a wider band uses more materials and may cost considerably more money. Secondly, select a band that flatters the wearer’s hand. For durability, we always recommend a minimum width of 3.5mm.

Tips for Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring

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Renowned for withstanding breakage and remaining constantly brilliant, nearly 90% of engagement rings contain diamonds. In fact, the most popular version is a solitaire (i.e., single-stone) setting.

Understanding the 4 Cs of diamonds will help you to find the best value. Don’t dive into an immediate purchase of an engagement band with diamonds: Investigate market prices first. Also, don’t be afraid to negotiate if you see something extraordinary in a shop.

A respectable jeweler should point out the benefits and flaws of any gemstone (and recommend a setting that will showcase or minimize them). Diamonds larger than ¼ carat should also come with a report from a respected gemological group that outlines any details that affect their value.

A Note About Ethical Diamonds

We believe that an engagement ring should only have positive connections associated with it. If sustainability and human rights are important to your partner, ensure that you’re purchasing ethical diamonds from credible sources.

Colored Diamonds Are an Affordable Option

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Since diamonds come in every shade of the rainbow, why not choose a yellow diamond engagement ring or even a fancy diamond in an earthy hue? They’re popular with celebrities for a great reason: Colored diamonds on an engagement band can be just as beautiful (and you can usually get a better deal on higher-quality stones).

Pro tip: If you have a diamond with a warmer hue, consider a yellow gold setting to emphasize the color.

Make Small Diamonds Look Bigger

There are plenty of ways to make smaller diamonds look bigger. For instance, when set correctly, engagement bands with diamonds in a cluster setting can present the illusion of a single enormous stone. You can also enhance the sparkle of colorless diamonds with a platinum or white gold setting.

Think About the Diamond Shape

Even though round-cut diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings, they’re the most expensive shape! Round diamonds require more facets and greater precision work. Instead, look at pear, marquise, emerald, and Asscher-cut diamonds: They’re just as gorgeous and you’ll get more bang for your buck.

Choose Diamond Alternative Engagement Rings

While white solitaire diamonds are the most popular option for proposal rings, they’re also expensive. You may be able to purchase larger alternative gemstones (like sapphire, emerald, and amethyst) for fairer prices. For a unique style, why not purchase your partner’s birthstone or a gemstone in their favorite color?

Consider Purchasing a Bridal Set

While you’re creating a custom engagement ring, remove later guesswork by creating a wedding ring that fits perfectly together with it. Our bridal sets are forged from the same metal billet, resulting in one-of-a-kind rings that can never be replicated.

Jaume Labro Rings: Handcrafted to Last a Lifetime

Fashioned with the finest materials and attention to detail, we ensure that our handmade engagement rings fit every wearer’s unique style and specific requests.

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