How to Choose the Perfect Diamond Engagement Ring
If you’re planning to propose to your partner, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is choosing the perfect diamond engagement ring. Why is it so important? An engagement ring isn’t just a symbol of faith and commitment — it’s a reflection of personality, style, and individuality. It needs to be perfect — and ‘perfect’ changes from person to person.
With so many options and factors to consider, finding the right ring can be overwhelming and confusing.
That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process of buying a luxury diamond engagement ring. From understanding where to start on your journey to dive deeper into the nitty gritty of diamonds, metals, shapes, and settings, we’re here to help fill in the blanks, pushing you one step closer to your legendary proposal.
The Benefits of Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring
A sophisticated, stylish engagement ring isn’t just any ring. It’s a ring that’s made with the highest quality materials, craftsmanship, and design, offering a regalness and timelessness that any partner would be happy to showcase.
But why all the hype around diamond rings when it comes time to propose? The answer is almost too obvious.
It’s Unique and Personalized
A luxury engagement ring can be customized to suit your preferences and specifications. You can choose the shape, size, color, and quality of the diamond, as well as the metal, setting, and style of the ring. You can also add special details such as engraving, milgrain, or filigree to make it more distinctive and meaningful. From choosing an 18k gold engagement ring to an 18k white gold engagement ring — the final product is in your hands, and you can infuse your love and emotions into its creation that makes an impact.
It’s Durable and Long-Lasting
A luxury engagement ring is made with durable metals such as platinum or gold, which are resistant to otherwise harmful tarnish and corrosion. Diamonds are also carefully selected and graded for their quality and durability. A top-tier engagement ring can withstand daily wear and tear, lasting for generations — just like your partnership.
It’s Valuable and Prestigious
Engagement rings are an investment, and they’re an investment that retains value over time — just ask any expert in the financial arena. Diamonds are rare, precious stones that have increased in demand in the last few decades, and their value has exploded accordingly. Investing in an engagement ring not only solidifies your trust and loyalty, but also shows you’re in it for the long haul, ready to build a life together that’s emotionally and financially stable.
Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring? Start With These Steps
Buying a diamond engagement ring — from an 18k diamond ring to something seen behind glass walls in a museum — can be a fun and exciting experience, but it also requires some planning and research. If you’re just kicking off your search, here are a few steps to get you started.
Step 1: Set a Budget
Before you start shopping for a diamond ring, you should have a clear idea of how much you’re willing to spend. An opulent engagement ring can range from thousands to millions of dollars depending on the quality and size of the diamond, the metal, and the design of the ring. You should also factor in other costs, such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
Step 2: Choose a Reputable Jeweler
The next step is to find a trustworthy and reliable jeweler who can provide you with high-quality products and services. You should look for a jeweler who:
- Has experience and expertise in making spectacular engagement pieces
- Has a good reputation and reviews from previous customers
- Offers a certificate of authenticity and warranty for their products
- Has a transparent pricing policy
- And has excellent customer service
We’re one such luxury jeweler, specializing in custom-made diamond engagement rings. We’ve been in the industry for four generations, and have a team of skilled designers, craftsmen, and gemologists who can create your dream ring with precision and passion.
Step 3: Educate Yourself — Know the 4 C’s
Education is an essential step in the ring-buying process. The 4 C’s of diamonds are the four characteristics that determine the quality and value of a diamond.
These include: color, clarity, carat, and cut.
These characteristics are graded by independent laboratories such as GIA or AGS using standardized scales and specialized criteria. You should familiarize yourself with the 4 C’s of diamonds so you can make an informed decision when choosing your diamond. These factors will dramatically impact price, and will ultimately guide you along your journey.
Step 4: Make your Selection
The final step is to select your diamond and ring based on your preferences, budget, and style. You can browse through our online collection or visit our showroom to see these stunning rings in person.
You can also work with our Verstolo experts to design your own custom-made ring from scratch or modify an existing design. Our team can help guide you through every step of the process, from choosing the best diamond for your budget to selecting the most flattering setting for your finger.
Explore Our Entire Jewelry Collection For Engagement Ring Inspiration
Build Your Knowledge By Understanding The 4 C’s of Diamonds: Color, Clarity, Carat, and Cut
The 4 C’s of diamonds are the four characteristics that determine the overall quality, value and style of a diamond. But how much of an impact do these 4 C’s really have? Let’s explore.
Color
Color refers to the presence or absence of yellow or brown hues in a white diamond, the most popular diamond choice. The color of a diamond is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The more colorless a diamond is, the rarer and more valuable it is.
However, some people may prefer a slight tint of color in their diamond,as it can add warmth and personality to the ring. This is a personal preference, and one you can discuss or gauge from your partner as you search. We offer diamonds in various color grades to fit all styles, tastes, and budgets.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence or absence of internal flaws —called inclusions — or external blemishes — called, you guessed it, blemishes — in a diamond. The clarity of a diamond is graded on a scale from FL (flawless) to I3.
As you’d expect, the fewer and less visible the imperfections are, the rarer and more valuable the diamond is.
Carat
Carat refers to the weight of a diamond which is measured in carats. One carat equals 1/5th of a gram or 200 milligrams — for reference, that’s about the weight of a common paperclip. Something interesting to note — the carat weight of a diamond is directly proportional to its size, but not necessarily to its value.
It’s important to know that carat is different from caratage, which is used to measure the purity of gold, not diamonds.
Caratage tells you how much gold is mixed with other metals, such as silver, copper, or zinc when it comes to a particular piece. The higher the caratage, the more gold there is in the metal. Because caratage is measured in parts per 24, pure gold is considered 24k — this means that there’s no other metals in it. If a piece of jewelry is 18 carats, it means it has 18 parts of gold and 6 parts of other metals. The lower the caratage, the less gold there is in the metal.
This is important later on in the process, when you’re choosing the band and the overall ring design.
Cut
Cut refers to the proportions, symmetry, and polish of a diamond. This affects its ability to reflect and refract light. Just think of the many photos you’ve seen across social media networks — the shine and sparkle of a ring is everything.
The cut of a diamond is graded on a scale from Excellent to Poor. The better the cut of a diamond is, the more brilliant and sparkling it is.
By understanding the 4 C’s, you’ll have a better understanding of what to look for when you take that next step and start shopping. But there are still some other factors to keep in mind.
How to Select the Right Diamond and Ring for You
Now that you’re ready to take the plunge, it’s time to talk shape, setting, and metal. Here are some additional things to start thinking about when selecting the right diamond, setting, and ring for your loved one.
Shape
When it comes to engagement rings, shape is key. Shape refers to the outline or silhouette of a diamond, specifically, when viewed from above.
There are many shapes of diamonds to choose from, including round, princess, cushion, oval, pear, marquise, emerald, radiant, asscher, and heart. That might be a lengthy list, but shape is vital. And each shape has its own characteristics and appeal.
You should choose a shape that matches the personality and preference of yourself or the person you’re proposing to. For example, if you want a classic and timeless look, you can choose a round or princess shape. If you want a romantic, more feminine look, you can choose a pear or heart shape.
Explore different shapes to see one that just feels right.
Setting
Setting refers to the overall metal framework that holds the diamond in place on the ring. There are many types of settings available, such as prong, bezel, pave, channel, halo, tension, and solitaire. Each setting has its own advantages, and disadvantages.
Setting can get technical, which is why it’s important that you work with an expert who can guide you in choosing the right setting based on the look and feel you’re trying to achieve.
Metal
The last aspect of an engagement ring is metal, which is the material that forms the band or shank of the ring. There are many types of metals available, such as platinum, gold (white, yellow, or rose), silver, or palladium. Each metal has its own properties and appearance, but choosing the right metal depends on the person, their style and the look they achieve on a daily basis.
For example, if you want a durable and hypoallergenic metal that doesn’t tarnish or fade over time, you can choose platinum. If you want a warm, rich metal that complements most skin tones, and colors, you can choose yellow gold. If you want an eco-friendly and socially responsible metal that supports fair trade practices and human rights, you can choose recycled gold.
Knowing what you’re looking for at the start of the process will make it that much easier to find the ring of your dreams and here at Verstolo, we have the perfect combination to craft you the piece that speaks volumes for years to come.
Stunning Verstolo Rings To Blow Your Beloved Away
Ready to choose a design? We’re here to help. Whether you want something simple and timeless or glamorous and grandiose, we’ve got the custom-made engagement ring, expertly crafted and ethically sourced, that’s perfect for you.
We’re proud to offer a wide range of styles, shapes, and settings that you can choose from — just connect with one of our experts to kickstart your consultation. If you need some inspiration first, start with some of our favorite styles below.
The Emerald Cut Diamond Halo Ring is a classic and elegant ring that features a sophisticated center diamond surrounded by a halo of round diamonds. The center diamond can be set with all diamond shapes depending on style and personality. This ring has a platinum band which can be further customized to rose gold, white gold, or yellow gold, adding more sparkle,and glamour. This ring is more than just a beautiful piece of jewelry; it’s a symbol of your love, and commitment.
Our Ultra Thin Engagement Ring is another great option for your loved one. This engagement ring is a stunning and delicate ring that features a round brilliant cut diamond on an ultra-thin platinum band. The ring has a minimalist design that highlights the beauty and brilliance of the diamond.
One of the best things about this ring, like all of our engagement rings, is that you can customize it to suit your taste and budget. You can choose the shape, size, color, and clarity of the center diamond, as well as the metal type and color of the band. Craft an elegant 18 carat engagement ring with a rose gold band or go with a larger carat and platinum band — the options can keep you busy for hours.
Our Round Brilliant Engagement Ring is a beautiful and timeless piece that features a center-round brilliant cut diamond with two smaller round diamonds on each side. The ring has a platinum band with a four-prong setting, giving it a timeless and elegant look.
These are just a few examples of the beautiful engagement rings we’re able to craft for you.
We like to think of ourselves as the ultimate destination for diamond rings, offering rings that are made with the highest quality diamonds and metals, and tailored to your unique needs. Select from a range of styles, shapes, and settings or design your own one-of-a-kind ring to blow the socks of your partner..
Our rings are not only beautiful but also strong and responsible, standing the test of time and making a positive impact while doing so.
Get One Step Closer to “I Do” With Verstolo
Buying a diamond engagement ring is a big decision that requires careful planning and research. You want to find a ring that suits your partner’s style, personality, and preferences, as well as your budget and expectations.
And it’s our job to make that process as effortless as possible. Whether you’re looking for a classic solitaire, a dazzling halo, or a unique custom design that culminates in a jaw-dropping 18k rose gold engagement ring that makes headlines, we have something for everyone.
Remember, the most important thing isn’t the size or the price of the ring, but the meaning and the love behind it. We’re here to breathe fire into that love and keep it burning for years to come.