There is no Perfect Engagement Ring, but There is a Perfect Ring for Your Fiancé.
Things to Consider when Choosing Your Engagement Ring
As with any big purchase, it’s crucial to do your research. This means taking stock of everything from your budget to the characteristics of diamond quality to your soon-to-be fiancé’s personality and style. If you opt for a diamond, take the time to study the 4Cs: cut, carat, clarity, and color. As Richie Frieman of The Knot puts it, buying a ring without considering the 4Cs is “like buying an expensive car because of the price, and then finding out it has a crappy engine, a rust-filled body, and won't last you a week.”
Use our tips below to help you narrow down your choices and discover all your options. Consider your budget and go from there. But don’t fret—here are some simple guidelines to help you get started.
Choosing the perfect ring—the one that tells your story and truly lets your sweetheart know just how much you love her—can be daunting. Know that the perfect ring is out there—or can be made to order! It is possible to do something special without breaking the bank if you know what your options are. So, how do you go about finding the perfect token of your love?
The True Classic
Does your fiancé veer more traditional? Will you be asking her father's permission for her hand in marriage? When you discuss your future wedding, does it include all the hallmarks of a traditional wedding, such as bridesmaids, groomsmen, and a flower girl? If so, you may want to look at classic engagement rings such as solitaires.
Even a solitaire can be truly unique when you select the perfect color diamond, as these are even rarer and will retain their value. A colored diamond also means that you can go larger in carat size while scaling down on clarity, allowing you to stay within your budget and offer your fiancé a ring that she will cherish for a lifetime.
Setting the stone in a specific color of gold can help to further enhance the diamond’s color and distinctiveness. If you want the color to stand out, for example, consider a yellow or light pink diamond in a yellow or rose gold setting. Or, if a white solitaire diamond is a must but you still want to add a touch of color, consider adding stackable eternity rings of color melees to a solitaire.
The Risk Taker
Does your fiancé rock the latest trends? Does she enjoy taking fashion risks and expressing herself through her unique wardrobe and style? If so, you may need to think outside the traditional box and venture into the latest trends—and be ready to break some rules while you’re at it.
A color diamond, be it an elegant, smoky cognac or a mysterious grey, can be just what you need to complement your fiancé’s individuality. A three-stone trinity setting, while traditional, can be set with an assortment of hand-picked colors that speak to her unique sense of style.
For example, a clear diamond can be flanked by two matching colored diamonds of different cuts, or all three can be variations of your chosen hue—such as blue, one of the rarest diamond colors. Cocktail style engagement rings are also very on-trend, with bolder, more playful settings that are hard to miss. This is where a beautiful diamond can be framed by smaller diamonds—think color and let your imagination play.
Sleek and Modern
Clean lines, simple designs and bold statements with a less-is-more approach—these are the hallmarks of more modern designs that a minimalist bride will appreciate. You’ll know this bride by how she decorates her home—no clutter there—and how she dresses—contemporary and understated but always sexy. Here, it’s all about the setting.
An inlaid diamond that sits just at the surface of the ring looks delicate and clean, but so can a multi-stone setting, perhaps with two diamonds that meet in the middle. Again, a vividly colored diamond will make even the sleekest design stand out. A wedding band made of colored diamond baguettes is another understated option that pairs well with other jewelry, making it easy to wear and timeless.
Romantic and Feminine
Pink, flowers, lace. If you associate your bride with these fanciful design elements, she is likely feminine and romantic and will be charmed by a scintillating vanilla or champagne diamond. This is where you can look at vintage style settings and delicate, ornate designs with more details. A halo ring made of color paves might be a perfect choice. Or, you can take the design of the band further and add color melees to a raised setting for a more vintage look.
The color options of pavé are endless and include grey, light blue, and of course pink.
Whatever your fiancé’s style, color diamonds are a great addition to your engagement ring and can even be its centerpiece. At Langerman, we are here to help you make the choice that’s perfect for you. We specialize in custom designs—just keep in mind that it takes time to have a custom ring made, so it’s important to factor that into your engagement timeline too.