Choosing an engagement ring can seem daunting, after all, it’s the symbol of one of life’s biggest milestones. But when you break the process into clear steps and listen to the heart, it becomes surprisingly manageable (and even fun).
At Dunkin’s Diamonds, you’ll find a curated array of styles, settings, and stones, each vetted for quality and sparkle! That way you can focus on what really matters: matching the ring to your partner’s taste and your own budget. In the sections ahead, we’ll walk you through step by step what needs to be done to get the engagement ring of dreams!
Where do you begin?
When it comes to engagement rings, the possibilities are endless, but that can make it difficult to know where to start. With celebrities and pop culture constantly shifting trends and spotlighting new styles, finding the one can feel like chasing a moving target.
The best way to start is by setting a budget!
Having a set amount you are willing to spend on the ring can make the endless options seem a little tamer and more bearable. We recommended having this figured out before shopping for the engagement ring.
The simple solutions are sometimes the best.
If you’re shopping solo for your soon-to-be forever partner, the task of picking the right one can feel even more daunting. But sometimes, the hardest problems have the simplest solutions: just ask! Asking your partner what kinds of rings, gemstones, and metals they like can give you clear insight straight from the source.
Of course, asking directly can tip them off that something’s up. Luckily, if you're trying to keep the proposal a surprise, there are still clever ways to get the info you need.
For example, you can ask their friends for advice, or casually bring up celebrity engagement rings and gauge their reaction. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of comparison and conversation to understand what makes their dream ring.
Once you have a better idea of their style, whether through subtle hints or open conversations, it’s time to start narrowing down the actual design. That’s where the fun really begins. Before hastily picking a ring and driving to our jewelry store, let’s use this information to narrow down the perfect ring. We can do this by starting with the three key choices that shape every ring: the stone, the setting, and the metal.
Choose Your Precious Stones
Let's begin with the star of the show, the center stone!
While natural diamonds are still the traditional go-to, today’s couples are exploring a wide range of ethical and affordable engagement ring alternatives, including lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, and sapphire engagement rings.
With all these fine jewelry options at your disposal, the question remains “which gemstone is right for your lifetime partnership?”
Whether you're torn between the traditional natural diamond or a unique colored gemstone, it's important to do your research. Not just online, but in person with your significant other. Don't just research the stones' hardness and beauty, study what your partner likes!
Consider the personality that you fell in love with! Are they a blue sapphire, pink morganite, or champagne diamond kind of person, or are they more down to earth and traditional and prefer a classic diamond.
No matter how much we would like to help you, it's ultimately up to you to find the perfect gemstone. If you're still torn, head to one of our local jewelry stores across Ohio and Florida. There you can take a peek at all the different stones up close. One of our expert gemologists will help guide you to the perfect stone.
Pick Your Setting
Once you have an idea of the type of center stone and cut you want to shop around for, it's time for arguably the most important step, choosing your setting! Think of the ring setting as the foundation that showcases your center stone. It’s more than just a frame; it is the throne on which your most important gemstone will sit on with all its glory. Choosing the right setting plays a huge role in both the ring’s aesthetic appeal and its practical durability.
Are you leaning toward a classic solitaire engagement ring for that old-school endless elegance? Or is your partner drawn to vintage glamour with a halo setting or Art Deco-inspired details? Or are you looking for that maximum sparkle, like that of a pavé set diamond ring which adds shimmer across the band.
Different settings can make or break the purpose and functionality of your engagement ring, like how a bezel setting offers a clean, modern look to achieve excellent stone protection for those busy bees.
The setting also determines how high or low the center diamond sits. If your partner lives an active lifestyle or works with their hands, a low-profile setting can be both stylish and functional.
Finish it off with a Metal
The final decision? Choosing the perfect engagement ring metal to complete your custom look. From white gold engagement rings to platinum bands and warm-toned rose gold settings, the metal color has a big influence on the overall style.
White gold and platinum are great for those who prefer a modern, sleek feel. Rose gold adds a romantic, vintage touch. Yellow gold is bold, classic, and timeless. If you’re not sure, take note of what kind of jewelry your partner already wears, matching metals to their current collection is always a smart move.
You can also make the decision by matching the metal color with their wardrobe or with their skin tone. We have a wonderful article that delves deep into the interworking of metal coloring and personal vibe.
Also consider metal durability and maintenance. Platinum is hypoallergenic and highly durable, while gold (in all its shades) may require re-polishing over time to maintain its shine.
Understanding the 4Cs
When shopping for that diamond engagement ring, understanding the 4 Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat) is essential. These are the key factors jewelers use to determine a diamond's quality and value. Here is a quick explanation of the 4C’s.
- Cut refers to how well a diamond reflects light. It has the biggest impact on sparkle and brilliance. A well-cut diamond will shine brightly, even if it’s smaller or has minor flaws.
- Color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (noticeable yellow or brown tint). The closer a diamond is to being colorless, the rarer and more valuable it typically is. That said, many people can't see the difference between one or two color grades with the naked eye.
- Clarity measures the presence of internal or external imperfections, called inclusions and blemishes. While flawless diamonds exist, most have some level of imperfection. Fortunately, many inclusions are microscopic and don’t affect a diamond’s beauty in everyday wear.
- Carat refers to the diamond’s weight, which helps determine its size. A higher carat weight usually means a larger diamond. However, carat is not the only deciding factor on how big a diamond looks, cut and shape also play a huge role.
It’s also helpful to understand Total Carat Weight (TCW). TCW refers to the combined weight of all diamonds in a ring. For example, one ring might have a single 1-carat diamond, while another has several smaller stones adding up to 1 carat total. Both have the same TCW, but the look, and price, can differ significantly.
By learning the 4Cs, you’ll feel more confident and informed when engagement ring shopping. You'll be able to make smart trade-offs based on what matters most to you and your partner. For a more comprehensive article about the 4Cs of a diamond check out our 4C’s article!