The Ultimate Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring
Choosing an engagement ring is a unique and emotionally charged moment. This precious piece of jewelry not only symbolizes your eternal love but also represents the beginning of a new adventure together. Faced with this important choice, many questions arise: Which metal should you choose? Which gemstone best suits your future spouse's personality? How do you determine the right size? And above all, what budget should you set for this sentimental investment?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through this important decision step-by-step, helping you find the perfect ring that reflects your feelings while respecting your preferences and budget.
Table of Contents
Difference Between an Engagement Ring and a Wedding Band
The engagement ring is traditionally given during the marriage proposal to symbolize the promise of marriage. The wedding band, on the other hand, is exchanged on the wedding day during the ceremony, sealing the couple's commitment.
Generally, the wedding band is simpler and thinner (a simple band, in gold or platinum). The engagement ring is often adorned with a gemstone (most often a solitaire diamond, but there are many alternatives).
A current trend is to choose engagement rings and wedding bands that complement each other harmoniously, forming a cohesive set when worn together.
🔹 Proposal Ring: A Practical Alternative
A common alternative, to preserve the element of surprise while ensuring you make the right choice, is to offer a simpler (and generally less expensive) proposal ring during the proposal, and then choose the final engagement ring together. This option allows you to involve your partner in this important choice while maintaining the magic of the proposal moment. *("Proposal ring" is a more common term than "engagement ring" in this context in English.)*
Choosing the Right Metal for an Engagement Ring
Choosing the metal is a crucial step, as it influences the durability, appearance, and price of the ring. Here are the most popular metals with their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages:
| Metal | Characteristics | Advantages | Disadvantages | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18K Gold (750) | Alloy composed of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals (silver, copper, palladium...). |
|
| Those seeking a balance between quality and longevity, with a preference for traditional and precious jewelry. |
| 14K Gold (585) | Alloy composed of 58.5% pure gold. |
|
| Those with an active lifestyle who prioritize durability, or those who want an authentic gold jewel at a more accessible price. |
| White Gold | Yellow gold coated with a thin layer of rhodium (a white and shiny metal). |
|
| Those who appreciate a contemporary and elegant look, and those who prefer white stones like diamonds. |
| Rose Gold | Alloy of gold and copper (and sometimes silver). |
|
| Romantics, people with warm complexions, and those seeking a touch of originality while remaining elegant. |
| Yellow Gold | Pure gold mixed with other metals to increase its hardness. |
|
| Those who appreciate classicism and tradition, or those who have a vintage style. |
| Platinum | Precious metal, naturally white, very dense, and very resistant. |
|
| Those seeking the best possible quality, those with sensitive skin, or those who prefer not to have to regularly maintain their ring. |
Choosing the Right Gemstone
Choosing the stone is one of the most important decisions when buying an engagement ring. While the diamond remains the traditional choice, more and more couples are opting for other gemstones that better reflect their personality or values.
🔹 Diamond
Characteristics: A symbol of purity and eternal love, the diamond is the hardest (10 on the Mohs scale) and most brilliant stone.
Symbolic Meaning: Eternal love, strength of the bond, purity of feelings.
Personalized Advice: Ideal for a timeless and classic style. Choose a certified diamond and prioritize the 4Cs (Carat, Cut, Clarity, Color) according to your budget.
🔹 Sapphire
Characteristics: Deep blue (but exists in other colors), very hard (9 on the Mohs scale), resistant to scratches.
Symbolic Meaning: Wisdom, fidelity, sincerity.
Personalized Advice: Perfect for those who appreciate elegance while stepping outside the box. Blue sapphire is particularly flattering for fair skin and pairs well with white gold and platinum.
🔹 Ruby
Characteristics: Intense red, very hard (9 on the Mohs scale), rare in large sizes without inclusions.
Symbolic Meaning: Passion, ardent love, protection.
Personalized Advice: Ideal choice for passionate personalities and romantics. Ruby pairs perfectly with yellow or rose gold, creating a warm and vibrant ensemble.
🔹 Emerald
Characteristics: Bright green, usually with natural inclusions (called "gardens"), hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale.
Symbolic Meaning: Hope, renewal, truth, growth.
Personalized Advice: Suitable for elegant people with a unique style. Emerald requires a little more attention due to its lower durability. Opt for a protective setting.
🔹 Other Popular Gemstones
Morganite
Very trendy pale pink stone, offering a soft and romantic alternative to diamond. Pairs perfectly with rose gold.
Moissanite
Ethical and economical alternative to diamond, with superior brilliance and almost equivalent hardness (9.25 on the Mohs scale).
Topaz
Exists in different colors (blue, champagne, colorless), affordable option with good sparkle.
Birthstone
Personalized option that adds extra meaning to the ring (e.g., amethyst for February, citrine for November).
Choosing the Right Gemstone Shape
The shape (or cut) of the stone significantly influences the appearance and style of the ring. Here are the most popular shapes:
🔹 Round
The classic and timeless shape, optimized to maximize the brilliance of the stone. It represents about 75% of diamonds sold for engagement rings.
Style: Traditional, elegant, versatile
Advantage: Maximum brilliance
For: Those who appreciate classicism and timelessness
🔹 Princess
Square shape with pointed corners, modern and geometric, offering almost as much brilliance as the round cut.
Style: Contemporary, structured
Advantage: Good value for money (less waste during cutting)
For: People with a modern style who appreciate geometric lines
🔹Ovale
Elongated and elegant, this shape gives the illusion of a slimmer finger and a larger stone.
Style: Sophisticated, elegant, distinctive
Advantage: Appears larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight
For: Those seeking elegance with a touch of originality
🔹Cushion
Square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, inspired by antique cuts.
Style : Vintage, romantic
Advantage : Unique charm, good value for money
For : Lovers of vintage style and romance
🔹Pear
In the shape of a teardrop, this cut combines the brilliance of the round with the elegance of the oval.
Style: Distinctive, feminine
Advantage: Visually lengthens the finger
For: Those looking for a unique and remarkable style
🔹Emerald
Rectangular step-cut, emphasizing clarity and color rather than brilliance.
Style : Sophisticated, architectural, art deco
Advantage : Timeless elegance, appears larger
For : People with refined taste who appreciate understated sophistication
How to Find the Ideal Ring Size
If you're choosing the ring alone, it's crucial to know the correct size to avoid disappointment. Here are several methods to determine the ideal size:
🔹 Method 1: Measure an Existing Ring
If your partner already has a ring that she wears on her left (or right, then convert) ring finger, measure its inside diameter and refer to the chart below:
| French size (mm) | Diameter (mm) | English size | Italian size | German size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | 14.95 | I | 7 | 15 |
| 48 | 15.27 | I - 1/2 | 8 | 15.25 |
| 49 | 15.7 | J 1/2 | 9,5 | 15.75 |
| 50 | 15.9 | K 1/2 | 10 | 16 |
| 51 | 16.1 | L | 10,5 | 16.25 |
| 52 | 16.51 | M | 11.5 | 16.5 |
| 53 | 16.92 | N | 13 | 17 |
| 54 | 17.3 | N 1/2 | 14 | 17.25 |
| 55 | 17.35 | O | 14,5 | 17.5 |
| 56 | 17.83 | P | 16 | 17.75 |
| 57 | 18.14 | Q | 17 | 18 |
| 58 | 18.46 | Q 1/2 | 18 | 18.5 |
| 59 | 18.78 | R 1/2 | 19 | 18.75 |
| 60 | 19.10 | S | 20 | 19 |
| 61 | 19.41 | T | 21 | 19.5 |
| 62 | 19.73 | T 1/2 | 22 | 19.75 |
| 63 | 20.05 | U 1/2 | 23 | 20 |
| 64 | 20.37 | V | 24 | 20.25 |
| 65 | 20.69 | W | 25 | 20.75 |
| 66 | 21.01 | W 1/2 | 26 | 21 |
| 67 | 21.32 | X 1/2 | 27 | 21.25 |
| 68 | 21.64 | Y 1/2 | 28 | 21.5 |
| 69 | 21.96 | Z | 29 | 22 |
| 70 | 22.28 | Z 1/2 | 30 | 22.25 |
🔹 Other Methods to Determine Ring Size
Method 2: Use a Ring Sizer
You can print a ring sizer to scale online, or request one from a jeweler. Slide an existing ring onto the circles to determine the exact size.
Method 3: Ask for Help
Enlist the help of a friend or family member of your partner to discreetly obtain this information. Her mother or a close friend might know her ring size or help her try on rings "casually" in a store.
Method 4: Measure While Sleeping
If you're very discreet, you can wrap a piece of string or floss around her finger while she's sleeping, mark the point of intersection, and then measure the length obtained. Divide this measurement by 3.14 to get the diameter.
Resizing
Remember that most rings can be resized (made larger or smaller) after purchase. If in doubt, opt for a slightly larger size, as it's generally easier to size a ring down than to size it up.
Please Note
Some rings are more difficult to adjust:
- Rings with stones all around the band
- Titanium or stainless steel rings
- Rings with engravings or complex patterns on the band
Setting a Budget for an Engagement Ring
Budget is often one of the major concerns when choosing an engagement ring. Contrary to the traditional adage suggesting spending "three months' salary," the ideal budget is one that you feel financially comfortable with.
🔹 Indicative Price Ranges
Modest Budget ($500 - $1500):
- Small diamond (0.10 to 0.30 carat) or alternative gemstone
- 9K or 14K gold, quality silver
- Simple but elegant designs
Average Budget ($1500 - $5000):
- 0.30 to 0.70 carat diamond of good quality
- Medium-sized sapphire, ruby, or emerald
- 18K gold or platinum
- More elaborate designs, possibility of small accent stones
Premium Budget ($5000 - $10000):
- 0.70 to 1.2 carat diamond of very good quality
- High-quality gemstones
- Platinum or 18K gold
- Sophisticated designs, accent stones
Luxury Budget ($10000 and up):
- 1.2 carat and larger diamond, excellent quality
- Rare and exceptional gemstones
- Custom designs, high-end jewelry pieces
- Prestigious brands
🔹 Optimizing Your Budget
Prioritize quality over size: A smaller but higher quality diamond (in terms of color and clarity) will be more brilliant than a larger but lower quality diamond.
Consider diamond alternatives: Gemstones like sapphire or emerald, as well as moissanite, offer an excellent alternative at a lower cost.
Choose a setting that enhances the stone: A well-designed setting can make the center stone appear larger.
Financing Options: Many jewelers offer financing options, such as installment payments. Inquire about these options to spread out the expense.
Care Tips for Your Ring
To preserve the sparkle and beauty of the engagement ring over the years, regular maintenance is necessary. Here are some essential tips:
🔹 Daily Care
- Avoid chemicals: Remove the ring before using household cleaners, cosmetics, hairspray, or perfume.
- Physical activities: Remove the ring during sports or manual labor to avoid shocks and scratches.
- Storage: Store the ring separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches.
🔹 Regular Cleaning
- Gentle weekly cleaning: Soak the ring in warm, soapy water (mild soap), gently brush with a soft toothbrush, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
- For gold and platinum: Use a special jewelry polishing cloth to restore shine.
- For gemstones: Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for emeralds, opals, and other delicate stones.
🔹 Professional Maintenance
- Annual check-up: Have the ring inspected by a jeweler once a year to check that the prongs are securely holding the stones.
- Rhodium plating: For white gold rings, plan for a new rhodium plating every 1-2 years depending on usage.
- Polishing: Professional polishing every 2-3 years can restore the ring's original shine.
REMEMBER: Regular maintenance and a few simple precautions in daily life will allow your engagement ring to retain all its brilliance and beauty for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you give the engagement ring?
Traditionally, the ring is given during the marriage proposal. However, some couples prefer to choose the ring together after the proposal, or opt for a temporary proposal ring on the big day.
Can you customize an engagement ring?
Absolutely! Many jewelers offer customization services, ranging from simple inner engraving to complete custom creation. Allow 2 to 8 weeks extra for a customized ring.
Which finger do you wear the engagement ring on?
In most Western countries, the engagement ring is generally worn on the left ring finger, like the wedding band. Some women choose to wear their engagement ring on their right hand after the wedding.
Is it possible to exchange the ring if she doesn't like it?
Most jewelers offer an exchange policy, usually valid for 30 days after purchase. Check the conditions before buying, especially for personalized rings which are rarely exchangeable.
How do I maintain the shine of my ring on a daily basis?
Gentle weekly cleaning with soapy water and a soft toothbrush, followed by rinsing and thorough drying, helps maintain the shine of your ring. Avoid wearing the ring for household chores or sports activities.
Are lab-grown diamonds a good alternative?
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds, but cost about 30-40% less. They represent an excellent alternative for couples concerned about their budget or environmental impact.
Discover Our Collection of Engagement Rings
We have selected for you the most beautiful engagement rings in 18K gold and precious stones, combining exceptional quality and timeless designs for this unique moment in your life.
Ready to find the perfect ring to celebrate your love?
BUDGET BETWEEN: €100 and €500
BUDGET BETWEEN: €500 and €800
BUDGET OF OVER €800
SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER
And get all our good deals!