So, you're thinking of getting engaged? Congratulations!

This is one of life's biggest, most exciting moments, and it comes with a flurry of big decisions: where to propose, what ring to pick, and, of course, will she say yes!

Let us help you take one of those decisions off your plate by guiding you to the perfect ring, ensuring that part of your journey is as smooth and joyful as possible.

We're here to help you find a ring that truly reflects your love story, making this adventure as fun and memorable as the "yes" you're waiting for!

Engagement Ring Planning: When to Begin Your Search

Like planning a surprise celebration, finding the perfect ring requires thoughtful timing. Aim to start your search 2-3 months before your big moment. Custom rings can take 4-6 weeks or even longer.

Factor in extra time for resizing, engraving, or any unexpected moments. And remember, holiday rushes can extend timelines, so plan ahead for a smoother, happier experience.

Determining Her Ring Size: A Discreet Guide

Discovering her ring size discreetly is a key step. Borrow a ring she wears often, trace its inside, or enlist a trusted friend. And if you're feeling adventurous, a casual shopping trip can do the trick! Remember, a tad larger is better than too snug – resizing down is easier.

Exploring Diamond Shapes: Finding the Perfect Fit

Diamonds are like personalities, each shape with its own unique charm. 

Round Brilliant Cut: Classic and Radiant

The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond shape, celebrated for its unparalleled brilliance. Its design, perfected over centuries, maximizes light reflection, making it a timeless choice.

Did you know that the modern round brilliant cut was refined in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky, who calculated the ideal proportions for maximum sparkle?

Good fit for: Those who love classic elegance and maximum sparkle.

Princess Cut: Modern and Elegant

The princess cut, a relatively recent innovation from the 1980s, offers a modern, geometric alternative to the traditional round. Its square shape and sharp corners create a striking, contemporary look. It's beloved for its brilliance and the way it appears larger than other shapes of similar carat weight.

Good fit for: Modern individuals who appreciate clean lines and a contemporary look.

Oval Cut: Elongated and Unique

The oval cut, with its elongated shape, creates a flattering illusion of length on the finger. It's a classic shape that has seen a resurgence in popularity, often chosen for its vintage charm and the way it seems larger than a round brilliant of the same carat. Oval cuts have been around for centuries, with modern refinements enhancing their brilliance.

Good fit for: Those who like vintage charm and a flattering, elongated look.

Emerald Cut: Vintage Glamour and Sophistication

The emerald cut, with its step-cut facets and rectangular shape, exudes vintage glamour and sophistication. Its linear facets create a "hall-of-mirrors" effect, highlighting the diamond's clarity. This cut was initially developed for emeralds, hence the name, and dates back to the Art Deco era of the 1920s.

Good fit for: Those who appreciate vintage style and sophisticated clarity.

Marquise Cut: Dramatic and Bold

The marquise cut, with its elongated, pointed ends, is said to have been inspired by the smile of Madame de Pompadour, a mistress of King Louis XV. Its unique shape creates a dramatic, eye-catching look and makes the diamond appear larger. It also elongates the finger, offering a regal and distinctive appearance.

Good fit for: Those who love dramatic, regal designs and want a larger-looking stone.

Pear Cut: Romantic and Unique

The pear cut, also known as a teardrop, combines the brilliance of a round cut with the dramatic shape of a marquise. Its romantic silhouette symbolizes tears of joy and offers a unique, elegant look. This shape has been popular for centuries, evolving over time to enhance its beauty.

Good fit for: Romantic individuals who appreciate unique, elegant shapes.

Cushion Cut: Soft, Romantic, and Inviting

The cushion cut, with its rounded corners and pillow-like shape, offers a soft, romantic look. It's a vintage-inspired cut that has seen a resurgence in popularity, beloved for its warm, inviting sparkle. Historically, cushion cuts were among the most common diamond shapes before the development of modern cutting techniques.

Good fit for: Those who love vintage-inspired, romantic styles.

Engagement Ring Settings: Styles and Designs

The setting of an engagement ring is the foundation that holds the center stone and contributes significantly to the ring's overall design. It's not just about security; it's about showcasing the diamond's beauty and reflecting personal style.

Solitaire Setting: Timeless Simplicity

The solitaire setting features a single center stone, held by prongs or a bezel. It's the most classic and popular setting, emphasizing the diamond's natural beauty and brilliance. Historically, solitaire settings have been favored for their ability to showcase the quality of a single, exceptional stone, and they remain a symbol of pure, unadorned elegance.

Good fit for: Individuals who appreciate classic beauty, those with a minimalist style, or those who want the diamond to be the focal point.

Halo Setting: Enhanced Sparkle and Size

The halo setting surrounds the center stone with a circle of smaller diamonds or gemstones, creating a dazzling effect and making the center stone appear larger. This style gained popularity in the early 20th century, during the Art Deco era, and has seen a resurgence in recent years.

Good fit for: Those who love extra sparkle, individuals who want a larger-looking center stone without a huge carat weight, or those who appreciate vintage-inspired designs.

Pave Setting: Continuous Sparkle Along the Band

The pave setting features small diamonds set closely together along the band, creating a continuous sparkle. The diamonds are held in place by tiny prongs or beads, creating a seamless, glittering surface. This style emerged in the early 1900s, adding intricate detail to rings.

Good fit for: Individuals who love delicate details, those who want extra sparkle along the band, or those who appreciate a luxurious, detailed design.

Channel Setting: Sleek and Secure

The channel setting features diamonds set within a metal channel in the band, creating a sleek, modern look. The diamonds are protected by the channel's walls, making this setting a practical and secure choice. Channel settings gained popularity in the mid-20th century, reflecting a more streamlined aesthetic.

Good fit for: Those with active lifestyles, individuals who prefer a modern, clean look, or those who want a secure setting for smaller stones.

Three-Stone Setting: Symbolism and Significance

The three-stone setting features three prominent stones, traditionally symbolizing the past, present, and future of a relationship. It's a sentimental and meaningful choice, often used to commemorate significant milestones. This style has historical roots and has evolved to incorporate various diamond shapes and sizes.

Good fit for: Romantic individuals, those who value symbolism, or those who want to represent their relationship's journey.

Bezel Setting: Modern and Protective

The bezel setting encircles the center stone with a metal rim, providing a sleek, modern look and excellent protection for the diamond. This setting has ancient origins, dating back to early jewelry craftsmanship, and has been adapted for contemporary designs.

Good fit for: Those with active lifestyles, individuals who prefer a modern, minimalist look, or those who want a secure, protective setting.

Tension Setting: Contemporary and Unique

The tension setting uses the pressure of the band to hold the center stone in place, creating a floating effect. This setting is a modern innovation, known for its unique and dramatic design, often appealing to those with a contemporary artistic eye.

Good fit for: Individuals who appreciate modern art and design, those who want a unique, eye-catching ring, or those who prefer a minimalist yet dramatic setting.

Engagement Ring Maintenance and Insurance: Protecting Your Investment

An engagement ring is a precious investment, both emotionally and financially. Proper maintenance and insurance are essential to preserve its beauty and protect it from potential loss or damage.

• Regular Cleaning: Over time, dirt, oils, and lotions can accumulate on your ring, dulling its sparkle. Clean your ring regularly using a gentle soap solution and a soft brush. For more thorough cleaning, consider professional cleaning by a jeweler.

• Professional Inspections: Schedule annual inspections with a reputable jeweler to check for loose stones, worn prongs, or other signs of damage. Regular inspections can prevent costly repairs and ensure that your ring remains secure and beautiful.

• Proper Storage: When not wearing the ring, store it in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratches and damage. Avoid storing it with other jewelry that could cause friction or scratching.  

• Insurance: Obtain comprehensive insurance coverage for your engagement ring to protect against loss, theft, or damage. Have the ring appraised by a certified gemologist to determine its accurate value. Ensure that your insurance policy covers the full replacement cost of the ring.

• Documentation: Keep all documentation related to your ring, including appraisal reports, purchase receipts, and insurance policies, in a safe place. This documentation will be essential in case of loss or damage.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your engagement ring remains a cherished symbol of your love for generations to come.

Final Thoughts

Remember, choosing an engagement ring should be a rewarding experience. Embrace the creativity, enjoy the process, and remember, the most important thing is the love you share.

Ready to create a moment she'll never forget?

Come explore our curated collection in-store, and let us help you find the piece that will truly take her breath away.