Photo: Anna Tryhub / Shutterstock
She won't be able to resist a "yes"!
By Amanda Chatel — Written on Nov 16, 2021
When you find the love of your life, you want to shout it from the rooftops. You want everyone to know that finally, after years of searching, you’ve met the one with whom you want to grow old and you’re ecstatic beyond belief.
Once you do find that person, one of the things that follows is popping the big question — something that can feel daunting and nerve-racking. But, as long as you have the right ring, you can kick some of those nerves to the curb.
An engagement ring is a major life decision. You’re not just choosing a ring for the love of your life, but making a statement about how important this person is to you.
Engagement rings are a symbol of your love, your devotion, and your commitment to your future fiancée. Because of this, engagement ring shopping shouldn’t be taken lightly.
That’s where JamesAllen.com can help.
James Allen gives you the opportunity to be hands-on when it comes to choosing an engagement ring style, so much so that you get to design the ideal diamond ring for your future bride!
Although engagement rings are personal in their own way, designing a ring that fits the personality and interests of your love specifically makes that moment when you buy an engagement ring that much more exciting.
With a wide price range, and several cuts, carat weights, colored gemstones, and ring sizes to choose from, James Allen’s expert staff will help lead you in the right direction so you know your big moment will be perfect.
How To Buy An Engagement Ring
Although exciting, buying an engagement ring can feel overwhelming. You are, after all, making quite a hefty purchase and you want to make sure that purchase is the best. Not just for financial reasons, but because of who will be receiving the ring.
So, before you set off for the closest jewelry stores to buy a ring, here are a few things to consider.
Set your budget.
No matter what your friends might be spending on engagement rings, this purchase is about you and what you can afford. Although spending a lot of money can feel like the right thing to do, if it puts you in debt for the next several years, then that’s no good.
In 2020, the average cost of an engagement ring was $5,500, and the average price spent on a ring in 2020 was $3,756. While it’s suggested that one spends at least two month’s salary on an engagement ring, realistically, how much you spend is your business.
It’s important to look at your finances, know what works for you, create a budget you can stick to, and learn where you can cut corners. For example, you can save money during your ring search if you know that certain cuts are more expensive than others, as well as the role that clarity and carat play in the price.
Nail down your specifics.
Whether you’re buying a diamond engagement ring or one of the other ring styles out there, you want to familiarize yourself with the four Cs: cut, carat, clarity, and color.
Color: The color grade of a diamond ranges from yellow to white, with many variations in between. There are even colorless diamonds, also known as white diamonds, which are rare and more expensive.
There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on color grade. Is your future fiancée a white gold fan, or does she prefer yellow gold? Maybe she doesn’t care for either and loves rose gold instead. No matter her preference, there is an option.
Cut: There are many diamond cuts to choose from, including pear shape, round, princess, emerald, Asscher, oval, marquise, heart, cushion, and radiant. Each cut is unique to her preference, and there's a shape that may catch her eye more than the others.
Think about the cut of the diamond when selecting the perfect engagement ring. Does the jewelry she wears contain a lot of emerald cut stones or princess cut? Does she prefer certain shapes to others?
Carat: The carat is the weight of a diamond, and engagement rings include varying carats. As the carat increases in size, so does the price, as larger stones tend to be more rare.
So, when selecting a ring, are you looking to go big with a few carats or more? Or, maybe you know your future fiancée would prefer something that’s under a carat in size and more low-key.
Clarity: The clarity of a diamond measures how pure the stone is, and if there are any flaws or imperfections in it. A diamond is considered more brilliant the clearer or free of flaws it is.
Because a diamond's clarity is directly impacted by the cut, knowing whether she prefers a ring with zero imperfections noticeable to the naked eye, or if clarity isn't an issue, can is essential in the ring-buying process.
Select the ring shape.
It’s important to know which shape is going to win over your partner, because not every woman loves the same diamond shape — and there’s more than just a few to choose from.
Starting with more traditional shapes are the round, princess, cushion, emerald, oval, radiant, and Asscher cuts. Less traditional, but just as beautiful, are the marquise, heart, and pear cuts.
Choose the ring setting.
After you’ve narrowed down the stone, size, and shape, it’s time to think about the setting. Like the stone, the setting is representative of the person you’re buying it for and what their personal style is.
Although a solitaire setting is the classic presentation for an engagement ring, if it doesn’t fit your love’s personality, then look at other settings like pavé, channel-set, side-stone, tension, vintage, halo, or three-stone.
Each setting is unique in its own way, just like your future fiancée is unique in her own way.
Decide where to buy.
Online retailer, JamesAllen.com, uses real-time diamond consultation, the first-of-its-kind service that enables shoppers to virtually browse their selection of engagement rings in real-time, alongside their non-commissioned diamond and jewelry experts.
With 24/7 customer service, lifetime warranty, free resizing (up to 60 days) and engraving, and hassle-free returns (100 percent money back within 30 days with free shipping within the U.S.), James Allen is the best place to go to get the perfect ring for your perfect moment.
Not only does James Allen offer all these great benefits, but they allow you to view rings in much closer detail; in fact, every diamond on JamesAllen.com is photographed with 40 times or greater magnification, and available to view in 360 degrees.
You can see even the tiniest details of a ring from the comfort of home, and can easily save up to 50 percent compared to traditional retailers. We'd say that's a huge win-win!
Click here to chat with a James Allen Diamond Expert!
10 Best Engagement Rings to Propose With
Because engagement rings are just as unique as the people who will be wearing them, it’s important to take your time while doing your research.
To help you in your journey, here are 10 of the best engagement rings, for all budgets, to propose with when you’re ready to pop that big question.
1. 18K Yellow Gold Regal Frame Diamond Engagement Ring
For the woman who loves romance and knows how to make a statement, this round diamond in its yellow gold setting is ideal. The pavé diamonds perfectly complement the center stone, making it bold yet elegant.
2. 18K Yellow Gold Half Bezel Knot Solitaire Engagement Ring
While the single diamond makes this engagement ring get right to the point, its half bezel knot setting gives it a burst of uniqueness. It’s a great ring for the woman who prefers a bit of pizzazz on her finger.
3. 14K Rose Gold Tapered Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring
Sometimes it’s hard to decide between white gold and yellow gold. It’s in those moments that going for the rose gold is probably the best choice. Not only is this ring gorgeous because of the rose-colored setting, but the tapered baguette shape makes it a real stunner!
4. 18K White Gold Petite Pavé Crown Diamond Engagement Ring
The only word for this ring is elegant. From the center round diamond to the cascading pave diamonds along the band, this ring is a regal work of art.
5. 14K Rose Gold Classic Split Shank Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
Sometimes the most beautiful ring is the one that keeps it simple and delicate. This (affordable) solitaire ring sits elegantly on its rose gold throne and is exactly what the minimalist woman in your life needs.
6. 18K Yellow Gold Three Stone Trillion Shaped Ruby Engagement Ring
Although traditionally, engagement rings have been just diamonds, that doesn’t mean they couldn’t use some color. Enter: rubies. This three stone engagement ring is definitely one for the books with its trillion shaped rubies flanking the center diamond.
7. 18K Yellow Gold Trio Micropavé Engagement Ring
Is there really such a thing as too many diamonds? Marilyn Monroe would say “no.” This sparkly ring with its round center diamond and three rows of fully faceted pavé diamonds running down along the band make this engagement ring extra striking. Pair it with a trio matching wedding band on the big day and you’ll know why they say diamonds are a girl's best friend.
8. 18K Yellow Gold East-West Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
To really bring this center stone to life, there are six marquise diamonds set east to west along the band of the eye-catching yellow gold. One of the best parts about this ring is that the setting allows you to play jewelry maker and choose the shape of the center stone — any shape will work with this setting.
9. 18K Yellow Gold Channel Set Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
When it comes to classic and elegant, you can’t go wrong with a princess cut stone. Although this center stone is flanked by 20 channel-set princess shaped diamonds, that doesn’t have to be the case. With this setting and center stone, the band could be sapphires instead — a stone that looks right at home in yellow gold.
10. 14K Rose Gold Pavé Halo And Shank Diamond Engagement Ring (Round Center)
Diamonds and rose gold are truly complementary, and that’s very clear with one look at this ring. The center round diamond is exquisitely highlighted by the halo and the stones that run along each side of the band. It’s not just a symbol of love, but a statement piece that will last forever.
-Created in partnership with JamesAllen.com
More for You:
Amanda Chatel has a background in jewelry, and has been writing about lifestyle topics, including fashion and beauty, since 2010.
YourTango may earn an affiliate commission if you buy something through links featured in this article.