Where to Start When Selecting Your Engagement Ring

Say “Yes” to the Perfect Ring with The Diamond Room

If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about getting engaged. First of all, congratulations! This is the first step in building a new life with your partner, which is truly such an exciting milestone in any relationship. 

Now that you’ve found your person, the next thing to do is find the ring. We at The Diamond Room know you want to purchase the perfect engagement ring for your partner, making the shopping process overwhelming at times. Luckily, we have outlined a guide to help you along the way, easing your mind as you narrow down on the ring that’s just right. 

Schedule the Day You’ll Pop the Question

First things first, you need to pick out the proposal date. This is essential as it will give you a timeline for ring shopping. It’s helpful to pick out a date at least six weeks in advance, giving you a month and a half or more to start looking if you haven’t already started. Once that date has been marked inconspicuously on your calendar, it’s time to start the purchasing process.

Determine the Budget

Maybe it’s something you’ve discussed with your partner, or perhaps you’re doing it on your own, but it’s vital to determine your budget beforehand. This way, while shopping, you won’t deviate from your plan and end up overspending. Engagement ring shopping includes many factors that can affect price, so choosing a budget you’re comfortable with helps you stay on track in search of what you’re looking for.

Choose the Center Stone

The stone is the centerpiece of the ring. This is its focal point, so selecting one that matches your partner’s personal style is vital. We have a variety of shapes to choose from, which you can find on our diamonds page. From there, you can determine whether you want a traditional diamond or a gemstone for a unique look. If you choose a gemstone, you will also have a list of colors you can choose from. If you do decide to go with the timeless diamond look, make sure to check for the 4 C’s.

The 4 C’s

The 4 C’s are cut, color, clarity, and carat. The cut is characterized by the angles that shape the diamond, which determines how much it reflects. It affects the diamond’s sparkle, so choosing the cut will have an overall effect on the ring’s shimmer. Color, or lack of color, tells you how rare the diamond is. The tones you see inside the diamond tell you its “color,” whether yellow, gray, or colorless. A diamond with less color has more value. Clarity refers to imperfections found on the diamond. At a microscopic level, you can see if there are any flaws in the diamond. The fewer flaws, the more rare. Finally, the carat tells you how much the diamond weighs. Depending on a diamond’s carat, it can appear larger or smaller on the ring finger.

Natural or Lab-Grown Diamonds

There are visually no differences between natural or lab-grown diamonds. However, their characterizations tell us where the diamonds came from. Natural diamonds are formed underground, whereas lab-grown diamonds were created by man. The only notable difference between the two is their cost. Lab-grown diamonds are the more affordable option, making them an excellent choice if you are operating on a lower budget. 

Narrow in on the Setting

There are various customizations for engagement rings. Determining the ring’s size, the metal type, and the overall style are all part of the selections needed for the ring’s setting. This is important as these elements help pull the look together and secure the diamond. Now, the staff at Diamond Room are here to offer guidance as you look at all the options, so don’t fret! Whether you have done your research on engagement rings or you are still learning, we are available to you. Below is a list of the factors that you’ll need to determine for the ring’s setting:

The Style

The all-encompassing look you’re going for is the first thing you want to determine, as it will act as a roadmap while you choose the rest of the customizations. Whether you want something sweet and simple or ornate and elegant, the elements you choose will affect the overall look. 

The Metal 

The metal sets the foundation for the rest of the ring. Traditionally, you have four types of metal to choose from— white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum. If your partner wears a lot of metal jewelry, choosing a metal type that matches the rest of their collection is an excellent place to start.

The Sizing

You want a ring that will fit your partner’s finger when you propose, but figuring out their ring size can be tricky if you’re trying to be secretive about your plans. You can always sneak one of their rings (if they wear rings regularly) and take that with you to The Diamond Room or ask one of their friends for guidance. Nonetheless, it’s the general rule of thumb to size up to ensure the ring fits your partner when you pop the question.

Make the Right Choice with The Diamond Room

Now that you know where to start when purchasing an engagement ring, it’s time to begin the shopping process! We encourage you to stop by The Diamond Room and meet with our approachable, trustworthy staff. We know you want to give your partner an engagement ring they’ll cherish forever, and we’re here to help you search for the one. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have; please contact us today to get started on forever!