Jewelry Trends: What Will Be Hot in 2025
How To Choose An Engagement Ring? A Guide For Him And Her
Back then, selecting an engagement ring was as simple as choosing between a princess and an emerald-cut or yellow and white gold. These days, there are various things you need to consider to figure out where, when, and how to pick the best engagement ring. It’s not just about the sparkle anymore. Modern couples are looking for rings that tell a story, reflect personal styles, and stand the test of time. You might be wondering how to balance tradition with contemporary trends, and that’s exactly what this guide is here to help you navigate.
In today’s digital age, many couples are finding their perfect engagement rings online, benefiting from a vast selection, competitive prices, and the convenience of shopping from home. If you’re one of our followers in Hong Kong, for example, all you’ll do is search for 求婚戒指 – which is “Proposal Ring” in Chinese, and you’ll get endless options to choose from.
So, let’s dive into the world of engagement rings and make this process as joyous and stress-free as possible.
If you’re looking for an engagement ring and still undecided, below is a guide to help you choose wisely:
1. Know Your Preferred Gemstone
Diamond is a girl’s best friend, and it’s true that this gemstone is the most popular choice for wedding rings and engagement rings. However, while diamonds are considered the most traditional option, there are several gemstones you can choose from.
Below are some of the different gemstones you can consider:
- Moissanites – Moissanites are one of the famous diamond alternatives. Once you buy a 3-carat Moissanite ring, you can enjoy several benefits. First and foremost, it’s an excellent option if you’re searching for a gemstone similar to diamonds but available at an affordable price. This gemstone also withstands daily wear, and you don’t need to think about weathering or cracking.
- Diamonds – A diamond is the most popular gemstone for engagement rings. Aside from being priceless, the durability and hardness of diamonds are said to symbolize a long marriage and solid commitment. Due to their brilliance and rarity, diamonds tend to be expensive.
- Rubies – These are known for their durability, making them an excellent option for everyday wear. Apart from this, the rarity of a ruby engagement ring also makes them best as family heirlooms. If you’re planning to choose a ruby for your engagement ring, opt for the one that’s set in yellow gold for a vintage-like and elegant look.
- Sapphires – Sapphire engagement rings are memorable and eye-catching to everybody who will witness your special day. This gemstone isn’t only attractive, but it’s also associated with spiritual clarity and royalty. Therefore, sapphire engagement rings are a great choice if you’re searching for gemstones to make your future partner feel like royalty.
Although there’s no perfect gemstone for your desired engagement ring, weighing the pros and cons of every gemstone available in the market will help you determine which fits your partner’s preferences and style. If you’re confused with the options, never hesitate to ask for a professional’s help to know the engagement ring trends.
2. Determine Your Budget
Before choosing an engagement ring, it’s critical to determine your budget. You can make the selection process easy if you know how much you can afford. Although you can spend as much as you want for an engagement ring, it may come in handy to put some time and thought into determining your budget. With a budget in mind, you won’t only be able to shop within your budget, but you’ll also save more time.
3. Understand The 4Cs
Carat, clarity, color, and cut are the 4Cs essential considerations when looking for an engagement ring. Understanding what every C stands for will help you determine what’s most valuable to you.
While some people focus on color, others are more interested in a certain cut of the diamond. You and your partner should decide what characteristics are most essential to you. Below are the things to know about the 4Cs:
- Carat – It’s frequently misunderstood as a measurement of the diamond’s size, but it’s actually the diamond’s weight.
- Clarity – Inclusions may be found in every diamond. You choose the best to ensure that such distinctive marks aren’t visible to one’s naked eye.
- Color – Lack of color in diamonds determines purity and rarity. Pure stone is also clean and bright.
- Cut – Diamonds should be cut in perfect proportions to reveal their inner beauty.
4. Decide On Your Preferred Metal
Typically, engagement rings have been made of white gold, yellow gold, platinum, or silver. If you prefer something new, the most modern option is rose gold.
You may also choose platinum if you want something unique. Although it looks similar to silver, it’s more expensive because of its rarity and density. Several metals scratch more quickly than others, so think of your lifestyle and budget before deciding.
Choose your preferred metal. Photo by license from Adobe Stock
5. Choose The Cut
Gemstones on engagement rings may feel and look different depending on the cut. Regardless of how many carats are in diamonds, they may look cheap if they’re in a rough cut.
The most common cuts for engagement rings are:
- Square cut
- Princess cut
- Round cut
Recently, marquise and pear cut diamonds are becoming popular for their vintage appeal. If you’re unsure about the best cut, trust your guts and try working with the jeweler to understand the difference between every cut.
6. Select The Setting
The engagement ring’s setting refers to how diamonds are placed on it. Like other factors to consider when choosing an engagement ring, the setting you select depends on your partner’s preferences. You may create combinations of various settings if you like.
If you don’t know about the different kinds of settings, here are the things you must keep in mind before you visit a jewelry store to find a perfect engagement ring:
- Channel Setting – In this setting, the diamond is placed into the metal channel. Typically, jewelers may use several diamonds to emphasize the main diamond set on a prong.
- Bezel Setting – It’s like a metal rim that extends slightly above the stone and encircles its sides. The rim may stretch around the stone’s circumference or around only a part of it. One of the best things about the bezel setting is that it holds the diamond securely and is ideal for those who have an active lifestyle.
- Cathedral Setting – If you and your partner love vintage style and classic look, the Cathedral setting is a perfect choice. As its name suggests, the center gemstone is raised to a unique position with high arch mounts designed to hold it. Such arch mounts resemble the shape of the cathedral’s arches. Most princess-cut engagement rings feature a cathedral setting, a favorite for the diamond’s natural brilliance.
Bottom Line
Choosing an engagement ring is never easy. In fact, it can be a nerve-wracking experience for many people as it is the first thing that’ll happen before the wedding. However, the selection process doesn’t have to be complicated. Consider this guide to help you choose the best engagement ring in no time. It’s best to know your partner’s personal preferences and lifestyle before you start your hunt for the perfect engagement ring.
Want some more tips on how to choose your wedding ring? We love this video that makes it simple and to the point:
