6 Things You Should Know When Buying Your Engagement Ring
With a lot of factors to consider when getting an engagement ring, here’s a list of key things to prepare for.
Know your ring size
The best way to determine one’s ring size is by using a ring sizer or getting a ring that fits you. Simply measure the inner diameter with a ruler and compare it with this chart:
A ring size chart from our Instagram reel on how to get your ring size
It's important to measure your finger at the end of the day, when it is at its largest, and to measure it multiple times to ensure accuracy. You should also keep in mind that the size of your fingers can change over time, so it's a good idea to re-measure your finger before purchasing a ring.
If you're unsure of your ring size or want to be sure of getting the right fit, you can also visit a jeweler who can measure your finger and help you choose the right size. Brilyo customers can get their ring size checked during consults for free. You may also opt to receive a complimentary ring sizer once you’ve placed your order to make it easier for you in obtaining your ring size
Setting a budget
This is one of the daunting parts of getting an engagement ring. It’s important to have a range in mind that fits your financial priorities. At the end of the day, what’s most important is having a budget you are comfortable spending with.
Because jewelry can last beyond your lifetime, we suggest getting one of high quality; crafted well so stones don’t fall off and you don’t need extra expenses for resetting. This is so that you don’t have to think too much about maintenance and enjoy your stunning ring at ease!
Choose the right diamond and gemstones
One of the key aspects of the engagement ring are the gemstones.
There are so many different types of gemstones and diamonds to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics and qualities. When selecting a gemstone or diamond for your engagement ring, there are a few key things to consider.
First, consider getting a diamond that is certified by independent organizations like the GIA and IGI. These are the leading laboratories for grading diamonds through a metric called the 4Cs. With a GIA or IGI certificate, you can be sure that the diamond you are getting is the quality it claims to be.
Consider the carat. The carat simply means the weight of your diamond, but usually, a larger carat is associated with a bigger stone. A larger diamond will make a bolder statement, but a smaller one can be more delicate and subtle.
Consider the color of the gemstone or diamond. Diamonds are available in a range of colors, from colorless to light yellow. There are even some rarer shades that have a different grading method, like pink and blue. Colorless diamonds are the most expensive, but fancy colored diamonds can also be beautiful and unique.
If you are keen on other gemstones, Brilyo Moissanites also comes in colorless and colored options. There are also precious and semi-precious gemstones available in a range of colors, from classic rubies and sapphires to more striking options like emeralds and amethysts.
The cut of the diamond is one of the most important. The cut refers to the shape and proportions of the stone, which directly affects its sparkle and brilliance.
Finally, consider the clarity of the diamond. Clarity refers to how many inclusions, or natural imperfections, the gemstone or diamond has. The fewer inclusions, the higher the quality and value of the gemstone or diamond.
Carat, color, cut, clarity are all part of the 4Cs that evaluate the beauty and value of diamonds.
There are many beautiful options to choose from, and the right one for you will depend on your personal style and preferences. Different gemstones may also require grading methods different from the 4 Cs. With the help of an expert jeweler, you can figure out the best one for you.
Consider the metal for the setting
When it comes to engagement rings, there are several metal options to choose from. Each metal has its own unique properties and characteristics, so it's important to consider the pros and cons of each before making a decision.
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Gold Traditional, soft metal available in yellow, white, and rose, that adds value to a ring. |
Platinum Rare but highly durable and tarnish-resistant. Hypoallergenic and heavy. |
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Silver Affordable but scratches easily and is prone to tarnishing, requires maintenance. |
Palladium A new metal still being researched, though similar in properties to platinum and cheaper. |
Gold is a traditional choice for engagement rings and is available in several colors, including yellow, white, and rose. Gold is a relatively soft metal, so it may scratch more easily than some other options, which is why it’s important to know the purity of the gold as it determines how durable your metal is. However, it is also a good choice for people with allergies or sensitivity to other metals.
Silver is a more affordable option than gold and is also a popular choice for engagement rings. It is a very soft metal, so it may scratch more easily than other metals. Silver is also prone to tarnishing, so it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Platinum is a rare and expensive metal that is known for its durability and resistance to tarnishing. It is a popular choice for engagement rings because it is hypoallergenic and won't cause reactions in people with metal allergies. Platinum is also a heavy metal, so it can be a good choice if you want a ring with a substantial feel.
Palladium is a relatively new metal that is similar to platinum in many ways. It is also hypoallergenic and resistant to tarnishing, and it is a good choice for people who want the durability and strength of platinum but at a lower cost.
In Brilyo, we offer 14k and 18k gold making it both valuable and durable, and 950 Platinum which is a platinum of high purity and quality – these two metals giving value to your rings.
Design
The design is one of the most important parts of your engagement ring. Because you’ll be wearing it on your finger for a lifetime, and possibly pass it down to your loved ones, it’s best to get a ring with a design you’ll love.
When talking to jewelers, have an idea of what ring you might like. We suggest going through websites like Pinterest or Instagram to be in the know for what’s in and what’s new now, and see what designs suit you the most. Some famous ring designs in recent years include:
Solitaires, which bring out the best in a single center gemstone;
Pavé and side stones, which are rings with center stones that have rows of gemstones that trail along the metal band;
Hidden features, are engagement rings with elements like milgrains, bridges, or gemstones hidden underneath the center stone;
Halos are rings with gemstones that encircle the center stone; and
Three-stone, also known as a trilogy ring, symbolizes a couple’s past, present, and future together through three gemstones put side by side.
Some people also like having personal touches to make their engagement rings unique to them. These include inlays, engravings, and monograms to name a few.
You can even have your own engagement ring custom crafted. If you see a design you like, there are jewelers who customize and personalize rings according to your tastes and desires. Simply showing a peg, explaining how you want to tweak an existing design, or even drawing your own ring can bring your perfect engagement ring to life.
From simple solitaires to more complex designs with several inclusions, people come to Brilyo Jewelry because they see their designs come alive down to every small detail and carefully placed stone with hopes to make your symbol of love last forever.
Choose a reputable jeweler
Even with high-quality materials, what puts them all together is the trained hand of a jeweler. From sourcing your gemstone of choice, to making your dream design come to life, these all depend from one jeweler to another. They will aid you in crafting the perfect ring for you, after all!
Choose a jeweler who won’t hard sell and tell you all the honest facts about your ring. Choose a jeweler you think can inform you the most and empowers you to make the right decision for you.
In summary
Ultimately, choosing an engagement ring is not for the faint of heart, but fortune favors the bold. In your brave search for the one true ring for the love of your life, we hope that this article helped ease your mind in making the choice of a lifetime.
With the help of our Jewelry Experts, they have been trained to collaborate with you to bring your dream ring come to reality with your budget, gemstone, and design in mind. Contact us here to create your very own custom engagement ring today.