All Diamond Engagement Ring Guide

A diamond engagement ring is one of the most popular types of rings for women. It is the perfect symbol of love and commitment and is available in many designs and styles. If you want expert advice, consider a guide from De Beers Forevermark. It offers expert guidance on the types and styles of engagement rings. This article will help you choose the perfect one for your significant other. To get started, browse our diamond engagement ring guide.

Choosing a ring style is an important decision. The setting will determine the type of diamond you need. It can be overwhelming to decide what style your future bride will choose. The Blue Nile has a large selection of engagement rings for you, so it may be useful to consult their gallery when selecting the ring setting. If unsure, James Allen and Blue Nile have great galleries to help you find the perfect ring.

How to Purchase Diamonds?

A stunning diamond can be chosen by limiting your form selections and choosing high-quality alternatives for the 4Cs without costing too much. The four Cs are as follows, but we’ll go into more depth about them below:

  • Cut quality
  • Color
  • Clarity
  • Carat weight

The next step is to compare each diamond to determine which has the most fire and brilliance. Budgets can vary greatly from person to person, so be sure you’re okay with the amount of money you want to spend (for instance, if your budget is roughly $4000, read our post on a $4000 diamond engagement ring after reading this 9-step approach to gathering ideas). To discover a gorgeous diamond while maintaining within your price range, refer to the detailed instructions provided below.

We suggest dependable diamond jewelers online. James Allen and Blue Nile have demonstrated to provide the best selection at the best pricing based on our years of experience (see the full list of Best Online Jewelry Retailers here).

You’ll get the best value from these two merchants because they have little overhead costs and no in-house inventory. You may compare diamonds up close before buying by using the HD and 360° imaging Blue Nile and James Allen offered.

Let’s begin with the most crucial phases in purchasing a diamond now that we have this critical information out of the way and the Christmas season is upon us.

1. Select the Diamond Shape

The design of your ring is based on the shape of your diamond. It depends on your preference (or that of your partner) whether one form is preferable to another. The most common and brilliant diamond shape for engagement rings is the round brilliant.

Others want a more distinctive form, like an oval or a cushion cut. If unsure, ask your partner’s relatives and friends for her preferences.

It’s crucial to decide on your ideal form first because this will influence the desired cut quality, color, and clarity characteristics. To focus your search and compare diamonds, choose a shape.

2. Decide on the Carat Weight

Is your future spouse hoping for a one or two-carat diamond? Are you looking for a stone that stands out but isn’t garish? Since there is no “ideal” carat weight for a diamond, this decision-making step depends entirely on your personal preferences.

Pick the carat weight range you’re willing to consider, such as a diamond weighing 0.95 to 1.08 carats. The cost rises in direct proportion to the carat weight.

3. Concentrate on Diamond Cut Grade

The cut quality of a diamond has the biggest impact on its attractiveness. Although cut ratings vary among merchants, we only suggest Excellent (if a diamond comes with a GIA certificate) and Ideal cut (if graded by the AGS) diamonds in general.

Using our dependable online diamond sellers’ resources, you may focus your search on these cut-quality ratings.

You should only choose Ideal and Astor Ideal diamonds, for instance, when shopping for round diamonds on the Blue Nile website. Select the Ideal and True Hearts cut on James Allen.

4. Select the Appropriate Diamond Color Grade Spectrum

Choosing a diamond that seems white is the aim of the diamond color. Contrary to common opinion, however, you don’t have to spend money on a D or E diamond to obtain a colorless stone. Generally speaking, diamonds in the G to I color range look colorless to the unaided eye but are far less expensive.

It’s vital to remember that different shapes reflect the color at varying intensities, so your decision on the ideal hue will heavily depend on the diamond shape you select to balance the diamond’s beauty and price.

5. Decide on the Clarity Grade

If you want a diamond with clarity, you should search for one that is eye-clean, meaning that no flaws or inclusions are visible to the unaided eye. Depending on the shape, you can typically find an eye-clean diamond in the VS1–VS2 range when you can purchase a lesser-graded diamond for much less; paying for an FL/IF diamond is no need.

With most jewelers, you may examine the diamond’s clarity up close. For instance, James Allen’s “Virtual Loupe” allows you to assess a loose diamond before purchasing it. Blue Nile has also started to provide top-notch photographs. If you see any flaws, take a close look at the diamond.

6. Examine Related Diamonds

To choose which diamond to purchase after determining your chosen specifications for a diamond, evaluate comparable stones. It would be best if you thought about the diamond’s brilliance, eye cleanliness, and price for other diamonds of equal quality.

Although far less so than the 4 C’s, other qualities, including fluorescence, polish, and symmetry, impact a diamond’s worth and appearance. Check out the Fluorescence, Polish, and Symmetry articles for further information on these three elements.

7. Check the Certificate

Professional labs, often known as grading entities, evaluate and grade diamonds. These entities assign each diamond its unique cut quality, clarity, and color grades (as well as many others).

While some diamond grading laboratories are quite exacting and reputable, others have dubious criteria and are much less trustworthy. It would be best if you only considered GIA and AGS Certified diamonds in your quest for a loose diamond.

8. Select the setting for the wedding band

The settings for engagement rings can be delicate and understated, like the solitaire setting, or elaborate and striking, like the halo setting. Each environment has a distinctive personality and certain benefits and drawbacks.

Simple settings, like a solitaire ring, are inexpensive and excellent for drawing attention to the center diamond. In contrast, settings with halo diamonds can give the impression that the main diamond is larger.
This procedure step is entirely arbitrary; there is no “ideal” engagement ring setting or “four Cs” for settings. Select a setting that meets your interests, tastes, and financial constraints and enhances your chosen diamond.

Use our insider advice to determine the kind of environment she’ll enjoy.

All of the most popular engagement ring styles are covered in this comprehensive list of ring settings, along with their main benefits and drawbacks.

9. Place the Order

Finally, after you are satisfied with the diamond, order it online with your preferred engagement ring setting.

The majority of internet jewelers provide 30-day hassle-free returns. You can get your money back if you or your significant other aren’t completely delighted with the ring.

The Types of Cut

The most popular diamond cut is the brilliant round cut. The rest are known as elegant cuts. The majority of these can be divided into four categories: rose cuts, step cuts, modified brilliants, and mixed cuts.

Round or Brilliant: Due to its timeless appeal and greater brilliance than all others, the traditional round cut is the most popular choice for diamonds. This circle contains 57 or 58 facets carved to exact mathematical ratios.

Modified Brillant: Because it is so simple to transform the standard round into several shapes, modified brilliant fancy cuts offer the most shape alternatives. The most popular cuts are the marquise, heart, trillion, oval, and pear shapes. The cut has a lot of sparkle and fire because of the similarity in facets and arrangement to the round brilliant.

Step-Cut: Step-cut stones have either a square or rectangular form with facets parallel to the girdle, resembling miniature staircases. These variations make up for the loss of shimmer by emphasizing a stone’s shine, color (or lack thereof), and clarity, making even the smallest defect obvious. The triangle (or trillion cut) and emerald are two of the more common variations of this cut (a type of rectangular cut).

Mixed: Among the newest cuts, mixed cuts date back to the 1960s. The mixed cuts, which combine features from step and modified-brilliant cuts, are becoming increasingly well-liked since they have the best qualities of the two well-liked sorts. Most hybrid versions will have a brilliant cut at the top and a step cut at the bottom. It’s a method that maximizes overall sparkle while wasting the least amount of the original stone. The most popular option, in this case, is the princess or square cut. This combination gives the shine of brilliant cuts while reducing the weight and proportions of step cuts.

Rose: The 16th-century rose cut is primarily used in antique jewelry nowadays. It has a flat bottom and many triangular facets that are symmetrically arranged and climb to a point on top. Shapes like rounds, ovals, and hexagons were once common.

CGSRING 8x8mm 2 Carat D Color VVS1 Round Brilliant Cut Moissanite Rings Halo Moissanite Engagement Ring Size 4-12

CGSRING 8x8mm 2 Carat D Color VVS1 Round Brilliant Cut Moissanite Rings Halo Moissanite Engagement Ring Size 4-12

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Features:

  • Band width: The band is around 2mm wide. Size: 4-12.
  • Metal Composition: Rhodium-plated, nickel-free, 925 highly polished sterling silver.
    “Center Gemstone”: An 8mm 2ct round brilliant cut moissanite that is D in color and VVS in clarity.
  • One moissanite engagement ring, a velvet ring box, a moissanite lifetime warranty card, and an authenticity certificate are included in the package (lifetime warranty for moissanite gems).
  • Lifetime Warranty: The ring may be returned or exchanged if the moissanite falls out or the finger goes black.

Setting for Diamonds

Simply said, a diamond setting is how the stone is fastened to the band. Different stone shapes and ring designs can be matched with different setting styles. Each of them works to enhance the beauty of the stones they contain, and each has its special advantages. Here are a few of the scenarios that are most frequently seen.

Solitaire: The single stone is shown in a solitaire setting. No side stones surround it. Usually, a prong setup is used to do this. A prong setting holds the stone with a little metal arch at the top using metal prongs that stretch upward and outward from the center of the ring. Each corner may have a prong, or numerous prongs may be arranged around the stone. Prong settings are great for letting light in and showcasing a diamond prominently, but they can also make the stones simple to catch or snag. V-shaped prongs can also be employed to safeguard the sharp points of pear- or marquis-shaped stones.

Three Stones: Three stones are used in this setting. Usually, there are two flanking stones and a central stone. The main stone may be bigger than the side stones. The three stones in this configuration represent a relationship’s past, present, and future. They are hence a well-liked option for anniversary rings.

Pave: A pave setting has the ring of the band covered with dozens of small diamonds. The metal may be almost completely concealed, creating the appearance that the ring is covered totally in diamonds. This setting uses beads or tiny prongs to secure the tiny stones.

Halo: A halo setting features a diamond as the focal point surrounded by a ring of other gems. This setting can be used with a broad range of stone shapes, and it might even have a central stone other than a diamond.

Channel Set: Diamonds are placed between two metal strips to form a channel in a channel setting. The diamonds in a channel setting will be larger and more noticeable even though they are similar to those in a pave setting. The fact that the stones are flat with the metal increases security and lessens the possibility of them becoming hooked or snagged. The full band may be covered by a channel setting or only a portion.

Bezel: A bezel setting is a metal rim that completely or partially encircles a diamond and rises slightly over the stone’s sides. It is a very safe setting that can hide a stone’s flaws and give the impression that it is larger.

Split Shank: A setting with a split shank is one in which the ring’s shank, or metal band, breaks in half towards the top. There appear to be two bands because of this. The shanks could be made of solid metal or covered in more stones. The split could also include an opening between the shanks or more diamonds or precious stones. This elegant arrangement can hold a range of diamond sizes and shapes.

Different Metals

Knowing the most popular options and their benefits and shortcomings is crucial when selecting the metal for a ring. The color, brilliance, and longevity of metal, as well as whether or not it will need routine maintenance, are among its characteristics to take into account. The cost may significantly influence the ultimate selection. This buyer’s guide discusses the three most popular ring metals, 14K gold, 18K gold, and platinum.

14K Gold: Karats, sometimes abbreviated as K, are used to determine the purity of all forms of gold. The highest gold grade, 24K, indicates an entirely pure metal. However, most gold is made up of pure gold and other metals. This is a type of alloy. The gold content of the metal is indicated by its karat rating. There are 14 parts of gold and ten other metals in 14-karat gold (or a combination of metals). This equals a little bit more than 58% gold. The fact that 14K gold has other metals makes it stronger than pure gold or gold with greater karat grades. Gold is a very soft metal by itself. Additionally, 14K gold will be less expensive than 18K gold and platinum, but it won’t be as lustrous.

18K Gold: 18 parts pure gold to 6 parts other metal makes up 18K gold (or a combination of metals). As a result, the final product contains roughly 75% gold. Compared to 14K gold, 18K gold is softer and visibly shinier. While less expensive than platinum, it will cost more than 14K gold. Both 14K and 18K gold are alloys. Therefore, they can have a variety of hues. The other metals utilized to make up the alloy will determine the outcome. White gold and rose gold are the two most popular hues. Traditional yellow gold is combined with white metal, such as palladium, manganese, or nickel, to create white gold. Nine parts gold to one part nickel is a typical formula. In the creation of jewelry, copper and zinc are also frequently employed. Copper and gold are combined to create rose gold. It can be described as pink or red, depending on how much copper was used in the formulation to determine the intensity of the color.

Platinum: It is a very uncommon metal that is popular for use in engagement rings. It is naturally bright white in hue and 95% pure. Because of its extraordinary resistance to tarnishing—even at high temperatures—is known as a “noble metal.” Unlike white gold, platinum will not tarnish or need to be refinished or repolished throughout its lifetime. Due to its purity, platinum is one of the most hypoallergenic metals for rings; only a small percentage of people will show sensitivity to or allergy to it. Despite being more prone to scratches than 14K gold, platinum is thought tougher and more durable than gold. All of these benefits have a cost. Platinum is far more expensive than gold, sometimes costing up to three times as much.

Where to Purchase an Engagement Ring?

If you’ve read our article on where to buy an engagement ring, you already know how strongly we feel about buying your jewelry online.

Online shopping offers several benefits. The biggest is that, compared to brick-and-mortar retail, e-commerce offers substantially greater value for your money. According to our observations, most traditional jewelry retailers typically charge between 30 and 100% more for diamonds than reliable online suppliers.

The second benefit of shopping online is the availability of a much broader selection of diamonds and settings. Finding a diamond that suits your requirements is simpler because of the wider range.

  • John Allen James Allen offers various gems and settings, outstanding customer service, and competitive prices. Additionally, they have thorough 360-degree footage that makes looking for inclusions and color in diamonds simple. We advise purchasing from the dependable merchants listed below:
  • Sky Nile. Blue Nile has the widest assortment of diamonds, the most affordable prices, and the best customer service compared to other online retailers. They are excellent options for diamond engagement rings in all price ranges, along with James Allen.
  • Diamonds, Brian Gavin The best in the business at cutting diamonds is Brian Gavin. Purchasing from Brian Gavin Diamonds is a real delight if you want a diamond with exceptional brilliance and fire.
  • Eli Mor. Abe Mor sells great quality jewelry at a high price. They are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for an amazing engagement ring and have a budget of $50,000 or more because they specialize in huge and unusual diamonds.
  • L. E. B. C. Our go-to supplier for fancy color diamonds is Leibish & Co. They have various gorgeous fancy-colored diamonds in all price categories, including blue and black.

Insurance for Diamond Rings

A diamond ring is a significant investment, so you should ensure it is like other precious items.

You might be able to include your engagement ring in your current policy if you already have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. The best course of action is to get in touch with your insurance provider to find out if your diamond ring is protected and, if not, whether it can be added to your current policy at an additional cost.

More details on ensuring your engagement ring and other jewels may be found in our guide on insuring your diamond engagement ring.

Some diamond sellers also provide insurance. As an illustration, James Allen and Blue Nile provide the choice of insuring your engagement ring thanks to affiliations with Jewelers Mutual. This personal jewelry insurance provider has been in business for over a century.

Conclusion

There are many styles and designs to choose from when buying an all-diamond engagement ring. For a man, choosing a design that she will love is a complicated task. Think about her style and preferences, and you’ll be well on choosing the perfect ring. Your partner’s style can also dictate the type of cut and metal she prefers. The most popular diamond engagement ring cut is the round brilliant, with 58 facets. The oval, emerald, and princess cuts are close behind, and there’s a new style, the cushion cut.