All of Your Engagement Ring Questions Answered

Engagement Ring

Finding the perfect engagement ring is a time-honored tradition, but it’s also an incredibly difficult undertaking. From the fit to the style to the budget, there are a seemingly endless array of obstacles to overcome. To assist you with this enormous task, we’ve compiled a list of the most common engagement ring questions that we hear from nervous partners.

When Should I Give an Engagement Ring?

Traditionally, an engagement ring is given during the marriage proposal, but modern couples do not necessarily follow these conventions. Some partners go engagement ring shopping together, while others make these purchases after proposals if finances are tight. However, those who do the asking typically purchase an engagement ring before popping the question.

There is no correct way to plan an engagement, but we recommend taking your time to ensure that everything goes according to plan.

How Much Should an Engagement Ring Cost?

Dollars - Engagement Ring Price

The De Beers company has convinced decades of grooms that two months of their salary should go towards diamond engagement rings for women. In 2017, this would mean that a ring would cost around $4,000.

Each couple, however, has different requirements and limitations. Choosing something meaningful and stunning doesn’t mean that you need to go over your budget. In fact, a little research can go a long way in your quest for affordability.

How Do I Choose the Right Diamond?

While you may not have heard of the 4 C’s of a diamond, they play a crucial role in determining the cost. Many people consider this to be one of the most nerve-wracking parts of choosing a ring, but once you understand the significance of cut, carat, clarity, and color, you’ll be able to find a quality diamond for a great value. Be sure to shop around before taking out your credit card as no two diamonds are equally made.

The modern bride overwhelmingly supports the purchase of fairtrade gold and sustainable diamonds. That means you should purchase from an ethical jewelry company, like Jaume Labro, which strictly follows fair trade regulations.

What Is the Most Popular Engagement Ring Setting?

Over the last century, the most popular engagement ring setting has been the brilliant, round-cut solitaire. It’s a diamond that’s cut into 58 facets, which emphasizes its sparkle.

Should I Choose a Round-Cut or Princess-Cut Diamond?

Engagement Ring Round-Cut, Princess-Cut

Round-cut diamonds are easily the most favored gemstone shape and account for upwards of 75% of the cut diamond market. Brilliant cuts showcase an enormous amount of a diamond’s fire and sparkle, which make them showstoppers as solitaires and multi-stone bands.

You’ll typically see pronged settings enclosing a round-cut diamond, though you may also encounter cathedral and bezel settings as well. They look best on women with longer fingers.

Princess-cut diamonds are the second most in-demand engagement ring settings, and generally a better value than their round-cut counterparts. These shapes fit into modern – as well as classic styles – and offer a wider range of engagement ring settings such as channel, filigree, and cushion. Always ensure that the chosen setting protects the four corners of the stone.

What Are Other Fashionable but Unique Diamond Shapes?

While an oval cut diamond has a classic shape, it is more unique than a round stone. The cut is also one of the oldest traditional gemstone shapes, dating as far back to the Koh-i-Noor diamond in the 1300s. Fingers naturally appear longer and slimmer with these cuts.

The special shape of a marquise makes each stone appear larger than it really is. They must be perfectly-cut, however, as even the smallest flaw will distort the gemstone’s brilliance. The same goes for pear-shaped stones, which are a beautiful asymmetrical choice. Not only do they optically elongate short fingers, but wider fingers will also look fantastic with multi-stone styles.

For the lovers of classic jewelry, rectangle-cut stones are a winning favorite. Cushion, barion, and Asscher cuts are timeless choices that have held popularity for over a century and are showing no signs of slowing down.

Do Engagement Rings Even Need a Diamond?

Diamond Engagement Ring Questions

Before the DeBeers company introduced their “diamond is forever” campaign in the 1940s, engagement rings were typically simple designs (although wealthier brides-to-be would often receive more elaborate styles).

While diamond engagement rings are probably the most common, many couples are bucking that tradition. Whether due to economic or personal preferences, a variety of precious and semi-precious gemstones have become prized for their singularity. Sapphires, citrines, and amethysts are among the uncommon and in-demand options for unique engagement rings.

Are Custom Jewelry Rings More Expensive?

Many people believe that custom made engagement rings are too expensive to consider. However, this may not always be the case. If you already have the band or loose gemstone(s), a custom jeweler will be happy to help you craft the perfect engagement ring around your parameters.

How Do I Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring Style?

When it comes to engagement ring FAQs, this is probably the most often asked and is – understandably –the most stress-inducing one. Though this is ultimately your purchase, your partner will wear this engagement ring for rest of her life. It’s crucial that you take her tastes into consideration, and there are a few simple ways to make your decision.

What Are the Best Ways to Find the Perfect Ring?

By paying attention to details over the course of your relationship, you’ll be able to pick something that fits her personality and style. If she prefers yellow gold jewelry, don’t choose white gold. If she complains about snagging her ring on knit sweaters, consider avoiding prong settings.

Consider consulting her closest friends or family members. Since they’ve known her for most of her life, they’ll likely know her tastes. Be sure to trust only a handful of people, in order to keep the enormous secret.

Should Engagement and Wedding Rings Match?

Engagement and Wedding Rings Match

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Many custom engagement rings can be crafted in tandem or after the proposal. At Jaume Labro, all of our Mokume Gane jewelry is made-to-order, ensuring that you receive a one-of-a-kind piece. We are happy to craft your partner’s engagement and wedding rings from the same metal billet.

Visit our blog for more tips on choosing the perfect ring for your partner. If you’d like to build your own engagement ring for her or you still have engagement ring questions, contact us today to get started.

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