How to Pick an Engagement Ring
Engagement rings in Connecticut
Choosing the perfect engagement ring for your loved one can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to guide you through the process and make it more fun, whether you’re looking for jewelry stores in Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, or anywhere else in Connecticut.
Average cost - Before you start shopping, decide your budget. This will help you narrow down your choices and ensure you are spending comfortably. Traditionally, it is said that you ought to spend the equivalent of two or three months of your salary on the ring. This, however, is absolutely not a hard and fast rule. Cultural expectations, preferences, and subjective ideas about budgeting all come into the equation when deciding on how much to drop on the ring.
Most popular cut and what is trending - There are a plethora of diamond shapes to choose from! Round, princess, cushion, pear, and marquise to name a few. The shape you choose is really a matter of personal preference, but for 2023, keep an eye peeled for pavé, vintage-inspired cuts!
Select a metal - Some of the most popular metals for engagement rings are white gold, platinum, yellow gold, and rose gold. Whatever you pick, it should complement the diamond. Pro tip: Check out some of your partner's favorite jewelry to see if they already have a preference!
Real diamonds vs lab diamonds - Real diamonds, or "natural diamonds,” take billions of years to form in high-pressure, high temp atmospheres deep under the earth's mantle. They must be mined, cut, and polished. For those exploring options beyond traditional natural diamonds, consider rings with lab-grown diamonds as a contemporary alternative. Lab-grown diamonds, as the name suggests, are produced in laboratories using an advanced technological simulation of what occurs in nature- pretty cool, eh? Really, it comes down to the origin story, because lab-grown diamonds actually have the same physical and chemical properties as their natural counterparts. Are you a romantic, a traditionalist, or a jewelry enthusiast? If so, you may be drawn to a natural diamond possessing a uniqueness that only nature can produce (seen only under a microscope, of course)! Lab-grown diamonds tend to win in the affordability department and are often considered to be a more carbon-neutral, “ethical” option, as mining can have a controversial expenditure on natural resources.
Consider customization- If you want to elevate the uniqueness of the engagement ring, consider customizing it. This can mean a special engraving, additional gemstones, or even a custom proposal ring box!
Buying online vs in-person - There are advantages and disadvantages to both of these options. buying online can give you convenient access to a wider variety of styles to choose from, and because online retailers have less overhead cost, you can often find a more affordable engagement ring! On the other hand, investing in a ring in person allows you to touch and see it beforehand, build a relationship with a live expert who can help guide you, and no internet scams!
Other engagement stones- Raw diamonds are trending right now. They are uncut, unpolished, and unprocessed. Raw diamonds are truly one of a kind and stunning in a unique way- just like your beloved!
Sapphire is a durable gemstone offering a stunning variety of colors! In fact, Princess Diana sports a blue sapphire on her finger! Choosing sapphire is sure to symbolize just how colorful and unique your relationship is.
Morganite is a charming stone with a subtle pink hue, showcasing prismatic crystals. Often symbolizing sweetness, innocence, and love, morganite is a timeless choice for your pretty-in-pink partner. It is slightly less durable than a diamond, but oh so precious!
Opal engagement rings are sure to satisfy your inner bohemian spirit. Light dances magnificently on this stone, and will start many conversations. Opal can vary in quality, so be sure to do some research to ensure your stone will stand the test of time.
Emerald engagement stones are truly glamorous and timeless. If your partner prefers green hues, this is sure to be a stunner.
Carbonado; A “black diamond” to match the endless depth of your love? Yes, please. A chic, statement setting, dazzling, black stone will blaze a trail right over the traditional crystal diamond.