Choosing an engagement ring can be a stressful process. With so much to learn, it's hard to know which one to choose, and you want one that is going to really wow your partner. Then, of course, there's the expense. But there are so many ways to finance your engagement ring, to help you worry less about breaking the bank and put your focus on choosing the ring that will show them just how much you care. Here are some considerations to think about as you shop around.
Pick the rock
Diamonds may seem like the obvious choice for engagement rings, but lately many couples are choosing other gemstones to represent their love. If you think your partner might want something more unique, consider another precious stone, such as a sapphire, which is nearly as hard as a diamond on the Mohs Scale and comes in a variety of shades.1 Mohs scale is a rough measure of the resistance of a smooth surface to scratching or abrasion, expressed in terms of a scale devised in 1812 by the German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs.2 No matter the rock you choose for the engagement ring, remember that they will be wearing it every day for the rest of their life.
Decide on a shape
Gems can be shaped in numerous ways, but one of the most popular cuts for engagement rings is the round.3 Different gem shapes may be best suited to different hands,4 so be sure to keep the shape of your partner’s fingers in mind. For example, shorter fingers can appear elongated with an oval or marquise cut. Your partner's preferences certainly come into play here, too: for a classic look, go with the most popular, choose a round
Setting, metal and more
Now it's time to decide on the engagement ring's complementary features. Choose a metal for the band, keeping in mind the type of jewelry your partner usually wears and whether their skin is sensitive to certain metals. Metals come in a variety of choices from platinum, golds, silver and more.5 Then decide on the gemstone's setting and whether you will include accent stones. Financing options can help you budget for a more elaborate or higher quality setting.
Choosing the right ring can be overwhelming, but paying for it doesn't have to be.
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- Perron, Celeste. “Beautiful Non-Diamond Engagement Rings.” 7 Nov. 2020. http://www.brilliantearth.com/news/non-diamond-engagement-rings/
- Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Mohs hardness". Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Apr. 2017, https://www.britannica.com/science/Mohs-hardness
- Lumera. “Diamond Shape.” http://www.lumeradiamonds.com/diamond-education/diamond-shape
- Ross Simons. “What Diamond Shapes Work Best.” http://www.ross-simons.com/content/engagement-ring-guide/what-diamond-shapes-work-best.htm
- Jewelry Wise. “What You Should Know About Metals.” http://www.jewelrywise.com/engagement-wedding/article/what-you-should-know-about-metals