So, you’ve decided that it's the right time to propose to your partner and now your next steps are likely to be choosing the perfect engagement ring. But it may not be so easy to navigate the wide variety of styles or to choose the right size. What should an engagement ring look like? Is it important how much you spend on it? And what to look out for when choosing? This article will guide you through the key aspects of choosing an engagement ring and will provide the answers to the major questions that you should ask yourself before making this important decision.
- What should an engagement ring look like?
- How to choose an engagement ring
- What is the best metal for an engagement ring?
- What stone to choose for an engagement ring?
- Should you choose a classic or a unique engagement ring?
- How to choose a diamond engagement ring
- How to find out the ring size in secret
- How much should an engagement ring cost?
- What to look out for when choosing an engagement ring?
- What to get engraved on an engagement ring?
- Which hand is an engagement ring worn on?
- Where to buy an engagement ring?
- How to clean an engagement ring
- How to match an engagement and wedding ring
- What is a promise ring?
What should an engagement ring look like?
A fairly typical style for an engagement ring is a classic band with a single central stone (called a solitaire). Traditionally, this is a clear diamond in a round brilliant cut that is set into the engagement ring. However, this basic style can have many different variations. The shape of the gemstone could also be square, as in the popular princess cut, or it could be rectangle or pear-shaped. This main gemstone could then also be flanked by additional stones on either side. A halo style ring where the main stone is surrounded by one or two rows of smaller diamonds all the way around is one that is popular. And in recent years, natural color gemstones have also gained popularity as an alternative to classic diamonds.
How to choose an engagement ring
There are many factors to consider when choosing an engagement ring. First and foremost among these is your partner’s style and personal preferences. She may have mentioned at some point what kind of engagement ring she would like. If not, try asking her good friend for advice, or focus on the kind of jewelry she likes to wear most often. That way you will be able to work out if she prefers yellow or white gold and simple or more intricate designs. You should also pay attention to her lifestyle. Sporty ladies may appreciate a minimal engagement ring where the gemstone is set into a bezel and doesn't jut out above it too much.
What is the best metal for an engagement ring?
Various types of metals differ not only in terms of their appearance, but also in their properties, such as their hardness and resistance to oxidation. Engagement rings are generally made of gold, platinum, and less often, silver.
Gold
The ideal metal for an engagement ring is 14k gold, which contains a smaller percentage of other metals in addition to pure gold. These then give the resulting alloy the necessary strength and durability and also influence its final color. The advantage of gold is that it is available in three colors: elegant white, classic yellow and romantic rose. What’s more, it is very durable, easy to maintain and doesn’t lose its shine even with everyday wear.
Platinum
Platinum has a naturally cooler color and an excellent luster that makes it an attractive choice for jewelry. It is extremely strong and resistant to wear and damage. The disadvantage of platinum is its relatively higher price compared to other types of metals.
Silver
Silver attracts with its dainty appearance and is also more affordable than precious metals like gold or platinum. However, it is important to note that it is not as durable and can wear, tarnish, warp and lose its luster more easily. Silver alloys are also more likely to cause allergic reactions, especially if they don’t have an added surface plating of rhodium. When you want to choose a piece of jewelry for life, we recommend investing in more durable metals.
What stone to choose for an engagement ring?
The traditional gemstone for an engagement ring is a natural clear diamond. It is elegant, timeless, it sparkles beautifully and also carries the symbolism of everlasting love. The diamond is the hardest of all gemstones so the risk of damage is minimal. Laboratory diamonds look the same and have the same properties as natural ones, and you can buy them for a lot less than natural ones. You might also come across cubic zirconia which may look attractive at first sight, but over time it loses its luster and scratches very easily.
But there’s no rule that says you have to stick to a diamond or a clear gemstone. You could also consider some color gemstones, however you should choose ones that have a sufficient hardness, such as sapphires, rubies, topaz, tourmalines or tanzanites. A lux choice would be color (fancy) diamonds, which are a great combination of attractive colors with the outstanding qualities of diamonds.
Classic or a unique engagement ring
When it comes to design, you really have a wide variety to choose from. Firstly, decide whether you want to go down the classic and minimalist route in terms of style, or whether you want a unique, original looking engagement ring that perfectly reflects your beloved’s style. To give you a better idea, we've put together an overview of the most popular styles:
Classic with one solitaire diamond
For an engagement ring, the most typical design is the solitaire, which is often paired with a smooth, narrower band with a single diamond. You might even say that this model is a guarantee of success.
Unique with multiple diamonds
Another option is designs with multiple diamonds, where one prominent gemstone is complemented by several smaller diamonds. This style guarantees a ring with a high degree of sparkle. One such iconic design is a trilogy ring which features three gemstones in a row.
The dazzling halo design
Halo designs are romantic and traditional at the same time. This style features a main gemstone that’s surrounded by one or two rows of smaller diamonds all the way around. One of the advantages of this style is that the main stone looks larger than it really is when surrounded by other diamonds.
How to choose a diamond engagement ring
Buying a diamond ring could also be seen as an investment. For this reason, you should always shop from reputable retailers where you will also receive a certificate that confirms the diamond's authenticity and which also contains all the important technical specifications about the ring. But it’s worth knowing too what factors affect the price of a diamond. Diamonds are graded according to the 4Cs - cut, color, clarity and carat weight.
When it comes to engagement rings, it is the round brilliant cut that’s the most popular since it has been specifically designed to reflect as much light as possible. Other popular cuts include the princess cut, which is an interesting combination of a modern square shape along with the principles of brilliant-cut diamonds. But you could also choose the lesser-known marquise, pear or rectangular emerald cuts.
The weight of the diamond, which is given in carats, of course also has an influence on its price. It may happen that the budget you set for an engagement ring may not match the ring of your dreams which would feature a distinctive diamond. In such instances, the solution might be laboratory diamonds which have the same properties as natural diamonds and can be purchased for a lot less.
How to find out the ring size in secret
Are you racking your brain about how to find out your partner’s ring size in secret? The easiest way is to discreetly borrow the ring she currently wears. A jeweler at a store can then use it to work out the size very accurately. But if you only have a moment to be alone with the ring, simply measure the diameter of it and a jeweler can then use this to determine the size. If you don't have the opportunity to get your hands on a ring that fits, you could ask one of her close friends for help. She might not only help you work out the right size, but also advise you on a design to suit your girlfriend's taste.
How much should an engagement ring cost?
The cost of an engagement ring mainly depends on how much you can and want to invest in it. There is no rule that says a certain amount for an engagement ring could be considered too little or too much. It used to be tradition that the groom-to-be was supposed to spend roughly three times his monthly salary on the ring. However, such recommendations are now seen as outdated. Still, it’s a good idea not to take investing into an engagement ring lightly. Don’t try to skimp on the quality of the material or workmanship. An engagement ring is jewelry for life and a symbol of your relationship. We recommend that you choose the best that your budget will allow. The price range of engagement rings is wide, so there are very expensive lux ring designs as well as beautiful 14k gold minimalist rings with smaller diamonds for a very good price.
What to consider when choosing an engagement ring?
Choosing an engagement ring comes with a number of risks. So, what should you look for to ensure you get it right when it comes to the style? First and foremost, choose reputable jewelry studios where they will be able to give you expert advice on the style and size. Carefully consider what your partner's likes and dislikes are and what jewelry she generally prefers. Try to find out in an inconspicuous way what her expectations are when it comes to an engagement ring. Some women long for a flashy, dazzling ring, while for others, practicality and comfort in everyday wear is more important. Avoid cheaper materials such as sterling silver and cubic zirconia which will lose their shine over time and become easily damaged.
What to get engraved on the engagement ring?
Engraving is a beautiful way to personalize an engagement ring. It's a good idea however to do it after your partner has tried the ring on, as engraving can make it difficult or even impossible to adjust the size. If you've chosen the ring without it being tried on and you've only guessed the size, it's likely that it will need to be adjusted. But once you're both sure the ring fits perfectly and that it doesn’t need any changes, you could consider some of the following ideas on what to engrave on it: the engagement date, your shared initials, or a heart or infinity symbol.
Which hand is an engagement ring worn on?
The way that engagements happen can differ in various parts of the world. But in our culture, we tend to follow a tradition whereby the engagement ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand. This tradition dates back to ancient times, when it was believed that the vena amoris (the Latin term for the vein of love), ran through that finger.
After the wedding, a woman then has more options of where to wear her engagement ring. She could keep the engagement ring in the same place and add the wedding band. Or she could simply move it to the ring finger of her right hand.
Where to buy an engagement ring?
An engagement ring is jewelry for life for a woman so it is important to choose carefully. Opt for a reputable jewelry store where the jewelers have a lot of experience in making engagement rings, and where there are a lot of different styles and options on offer so that you are not limited in terms of choice. At our studio, we allow you to choose jewelry online from the comfort of your own home as well as to book a personal consultation at our store in Prague and to see the jewelry in person.
You should also take note of the kind of after sales customer care that you will receive with the jewelry. You can exchange or return a ring from the KLENOTA studio within 60 days of receipt, and we also provide the first size adjustment free of charge. In addition to these, you also get complimentary jewelry cleaning and inspection for the life of the jewelry you buy from us. After wearing the ring for a period of time regularly, it may develop a natural patina. You can have the surface of your ring professionally resurfaced by us, and we offer the first surface restoration to our customers free of charge.
How to clean an engagement ring
An engagement ring deserves to be worn - it would be a shame to not wear it and to hide it in a box somewhere. But after a full day of wear, various dirt can get trapped on the ring. To clean it off, just use a soft cloth and gently clean the ring with it. Beware of harsher fabrics with abrasive surfaces that could scratch the ring. To get rid of heavier dirt, soak it in lukewarm water mixed with a little soap. Then finish cleaning the ring with a soft toothbrush. Focus also on the areas around the stones and the prongs that hold it in place. Every once in a while, it's worth leaving your ring in the hands of experts who will professionally clean it and restore it to its original shine.
How to match an engagement and wedding ring
There doesn't always have to be a moment of surprise attached to an engagement ring. Sometimes partners agree to choose the engagement ring together. That's when buying a set that includes a thoughtfully designed engagement ring and wedding ring set comes into play. The undeniable advantage of a set like that is its versatility. The rings can be worn together on one finger or on their own or even just one at a time.
If you would like to choose an engagement ring and wedding ring yourself, we also have some tips for you. Choose the same color of metal, width of band and a similar style of decoration on the rings. If there is a more prominent stone on the engagement ring, for the wedding band, consider a chevron ring, which is a special V-shaped ring, or a wavy wedding band, in order to make room for the gemstone on the engagement ring. Get inspired by our tips on how to match your engagement ring to your wedding ring. We'll also be happy to help you choose and match your rings at our store.
What is a promise ring?
Promise rings might best be called rings that signify commitment in a relationship or more generally, just rings of love. They symbolize a certain promise that we take our relationship with another person seriously and plan for a future together with them. The design of promise rings is very diverse. It often features color gemstones, a heart theme or intertwined bands. Promise rings often signify an upcoming engagement, but this is not always the case. If a couple doesn’t plan on getting married, a promise ring can be an alternative to an engagement ring and a symbol of their long-term relationship.
