You’re about to pop the question – how exciting! 

Choosing an engagement ring should be just as joyful and stress-free as saying “yes.” At Hauser’s, Amy and our friendly team are here to guide you every step of the way, blending expert advice with our signature personal touch. 

From understanding the famous “4 Cs” of a diamond to finding a setting that reflects your love story, we’ve got your back. So grab a latte (or a glass of bubbly), and let’s chat about how to find the perfect ring – one that your fiancé-to-be will cherish forever.

Understanding the 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color & Carat

Before anything else, it helps to know the basics of diamond quality. The industry-standard method for comparing diamonds is through the 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat. As Tiffany & Co. notes, the 4Cs are “the globally accepted standards for assessing the quality of a diamond.”

Cut – This determines how well a diamond reflects light. A brilliant cut of

fers the sparkle and fire we all love. A well-cut diamond will appear more vibrant, even if it's smaller in size.

Clarity – Think of this as a diamond’s "birthmarks." Most diamonds have tiny inclusions or blemishes, but many are invisible to the naked eye. A diamond with slight inclusions can still be stunning—and may be more affordable.

Color – For white diamonds, less color is better. Graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow), most shoppers find the best value in the G–J range, which still looks bright and beautiful to the naked eye.

Carat – This refers to the diamond’s weight. While carat affects price, a smaller stone with excellent cut and clarity can often outshine a larger one.

 

Together, the 4 Cs help us guide you toward the diamond that best suits your budget and your partner’s style.

Picking the Perfect Setting: Style Meets Practicality

The setting is just as important as the diamond. It tells your story.

• Solitaire – A timeless classic, showcasing the diamond with elegant simplicity.

• Halo – Surrounds your center stone with a sparkling ring of smaller diamonds for extra brilliance.

• Three-Stone – Symbolizes your past, present, and future together.

• Bezel – Sleek and modern, this style encircles the diamond for a clean, secure look.

• Band Style – Bold, fashion-forward designs that don’t need a wedding band to make a statement.

At Hauser’s, we help you choose a setting that fits your partner’s lifestyle and taste. Whether it’s dainty, vintage, modern, or bold, we’ve got something that feels just right.

Budgeting for Bliss: Spend Smart, Not Just Big

Forget the old “three-month salary” rule. That was just clever marketing.

Instead, set a clear budget that works for you and stick to it. We’ll help you find a stunning ring within that range by showing you how to get the most value—like opting for just under 1.0 carat (say 0.90ct) or selecting a near-colorless diamond that saves hundreds.

Looking for ethical or budget-friendly options? Consider lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, or colored gemstones like sapphires or emeralds.

Plus, we often have in-store promotions like our Summer Splash Sale, which is the perfect time to save on a dream piece.

The Value of a Trusted Jeweler

Shopping for an engagement ring should be joyful—not stressful. Here’s what you get when you shop with us:

• Expert Guidance – Our team will walk you through everything, without pressure.

• Ethical Practices – As members of the American Gem Society, we’re committed to transparency and quality.

• Certified Stones – We offer diamonds graded by GIA and AGS.

• Lifetime Service – From sizing to repairs to cleaning, we’ve got y

• ou covered.

• Custom Support – Need financing? Want to compare styles? We’re just a call or visit away.

At Hauser’s, our goal is to make you feel confident—and excited—through every step of the process.

Custom Design & Heirloom Love

Have something special in mind? Or maybe a piece of family jewelry you’d love to transform?

We specialize in custom engagement rings and heirloom redesigns. 

Amy will work with you to sketch your vision and bring it to life—whether it’s a simple tweak or a completely new design.

From hidden halos to mixed metals, vintage details to personal engravings, we love helping you create something unforgettable.

Proposal Inspiration: Where to Pop the Question

Need ideas for the perfect proposal spot? Here are a few of our favorite local places:

Williamsburg

• Crim Dell Bridge at W&M: a fairytale setting.

• Compton Oak Tree or carriage ride through Colonial Williamsburg.

• Le Yaca or a sunset picnic on the Colonial Parkway.

Newport News

• Mariners’ Museum Park or Noland Trail for outdoor charm.

• Huntington Park Rose Garden in bloom? Pure romance.

• Oyster Point at sunset or a night at the Ferguson Center for the Arts.

Wherever you choose, we’re honored to be part of the story.

Let’s Find Your Ring

At Hauser’s, we believe that finding the right ring should feel magical, but never overwhelming. Please stop by our Williamsburg or Newport News locations, or book a private consultation with Amy. We’d love to help you create a ring that’s as unique as your love.

Here’s to sparkle, stories, and happily ever afters.

Sources

• Tiffany & Co. “How to Choose an Engagement Ring.” https://www.tiffany.com/stories/guide/how-to-choose-an-engagement-ring/

• Vogue. “How to Buy an Engagement Ring, According to the Experts.” https://www.vogue.com/article/buying-engagement-ring-avoid-mistakes

• Jared. “Engagement Rings & Settings Guide.” https://diamonds.jared.com/engagement-rings-settings

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America). “4Cs of Diamond Quality.” https://4cs.gia.edu

• American Gem Society. “About AGS.” https://www.americangemsociety.org

• International Gem Society. “How to Buy an Engagement Ring.” https://www.gemsociety.org/article/how-to-buy-an-engagement-ring/