5 Things You Should Know About Buying an Engagement Ring
YOUR GUIDE TO SELECT THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING
You’ve met your person! The next step is investing in an engagement ring that symbolizes your love story. While it is important to do your research (and maybe even a mood board or two), this process does not need to be overwhelming.
Some couples enjoy selecting or designing a ring together, while others prefer a thoughtful surprise. Whichever way is right for you, this engagement ring guide will outline things to know and what to consider.
As your engagement ring concierge, I can help you secure a uniquely beautiful ring that celebrates your love. Discover this personalized service that specializes in responsibly sourced jewelry here.
1. Just as love comes in all colors, shapes, and sizes diamond is not your only option
There is no love like yours, so why choose an engagement ring that looks like everyone else’s?
When it comes to “romancing the stone”, you don’t have to say yes to a diamond. However, there is a pragmatic reason diamonds are a great option: they are the hardest gemstone! This is important for any kind of ring you wear every day, as your hand comes in frequent contact with hard surfaces.
A quick review of the Mohs Scale of Hardness, which is the measure of mineral hardness, will reveal other options that are durable. Sapphire, is 9 on this scale and can be any color of the rainbow except red, which would make it a ruby. Another colorful option is Spinel at 8 on the Mohs scale - and it has lots of fire, meaning it really sparkles when exposed to light.
Soft gemstones, such as pearl and opal are not ideal as engagement rings. Brittle gemstones such as emerald or Tanzanite are easily fractured unless a designer creates a setting that really protects these gemstones. Such gemstones are perfect as cocktail rings!
2. Know the who, where, and how of your gemstones
Beyond ethical, conflict-free, and traceable, choosing responsibly sourced diamonds and colored gemstones means you are protecting people, their skills, and the natural environment. I invite you to explore responsible sourcing and climate action here.
As your engagement ring concierge, I can curate responsibility sourced:
ready-made or bespoke engagement rings and bands
newly mined natural diamonds
vintage and antique diamonds (and other post-consumer recycled diamonds)
colored gemstones from artisan miners
lab-grown diamonds
3. Comfort matters
Choose a ring that is designed for long-term comfort. It sounds very obvious, but consciously consider how a ring feels next to your skin. While you may only try it on for a few minutes, notice the balance and imagine how it might feel wearing it daily.
Common engagement ring regrets are:
High-sitting heavy baskets that flop to one side or the other
Bands that don’t feel smooth against the skin or have a design that traps water/soap underneath the setting causing unpleasant skin irritations
Complex designs that catch on clothes
4. Honor your personal style and love story by choosing what is uniquely beautiful to you
Your connection is uniquely beautiful and your ring can be too.
Be aware that a lot of trendy e-commerce jewelry companies masquerade as offering “custom” engagement ring services. In reality, they are tech companies funded by VC bros chasing ROI.
When you work with All The Brilliants (and the amazing women designers you discover here), honoring your love story, comfort, and values are what we care about most.
Want to know how I guide you on the journey to find an engagement ring you will love? Discover The Brilliant Concierge service as I helped a gentleman find a very personal jewelry gift for his partner… read their story here!
5. Beauty within budget
Forget about that archaic equation involving a salary. Instead, have an open conversation with your partner about shared financial goals and commit to a firm price point you both agree with before you begin.
There are beautiful, attainable options from timeless gold bands with a twist to eternity bands that you can personalize. A lovely classic can be a single-colored gemstone that speaks to you and your partner, set on a simple band.
As your engagement ring guide, I provide ease and peace of mind knowing you are fully informed about things to know and options to find an engagement ring that symbolizes your love story.
What services can The Brilliant Concierge service provide?
My highly personalized experience curates thoughtfully designed jewelry that amplifies your style and aligns with your values. Ways I can be of service are:
• Editing what you already have in your jewelry box to help you rediscover and style them in a new way.
• Identifying needs to help invest in jewelry that empowers your confidence.
• Advise on how to style as well as wear and care considerations.
• Helping you acquire jewelry for yourself or a gift for someone you love, be it day-to-night stud earrings or an engagement ring.