Your engagement ring is one of the most valuable pieces of jewelry that you’ll own. It is a symbol of love and devotion that serves as a reminder of all the little and big moments you’ve experienced with your partner. So, it’s only normal for you to want a piece that perfectly represents your love. One that withstands the tests of time or the wear and tear of daily life. Your best bet? A diamond engagement ring.
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on earth. Their durability is what makes them a popular choice for engagement rings. Diamonds are also considered the birthstone of April. So, if your partner is born in April, that’s another reason to get them a sparkly diamond engagement ring.
But buying a diamond engagement ring can be tricky. In this diamond engagement ring shopping guide, we’ll help you understand all the components that make a diamond great so you can shop with confidence. We’ll also tell you how to choose a diamond engagement ring. Ready? Let’s dive right in.
What Does a Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolize?
A diamond engagement ring symbolizes endless love and an unbreakable bond between two people. The diamond on the ring represents the essential elements of a successful marriage – strength and clarity. Its sparkle represents the light of true love that shines bright in a relationship.
Unique Ring Designs for Women
Before delving into how to buy a diamond engagement ring, let’s first explore the fascinating history and origin of this iconic stone.
All About the Stone: History & Origin of Diamond
Diamonds are a solid form of pure carbon and one of the hardest natural minerals on Earth. They were formed billions of years ago, deep beneath the Earth’s surface, under extreme heat and pressure, and brought closer to the surface through volcanic eruptions.
The first known discovery of diamonds was in India during the 4th century B.C. Since then, diamond jewelry has continued to remain popular and treasured for its beauty and durability.
How Are Diamonds Graded?
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created the diamond grading scale in the 1940s. It’s a universal scale used to assess the quality of diamonds based on the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat. If the question, “How to purchase a diamond engagement ring?” is on your mind, it’s essential to understand the 4Cs. Here’s what they mean:
Cut
The cut of the diamond does not refer to the shape. Instead, it indicates how a diamond has been cut and polished, as well as its symmetry and proportions. These factors determine how much light will be emitted by the diamond, which, in turn, affects the degree to which it sparkles. The GIA evaluates a diamond’s cut on several components (brilliance, polish, symmetry, etc.) to arrive at a GIA cut grade that ranges from Excellent to Poor.
Color
Diamonds come in various colors, ranging from colorless to light yellow and brown. They are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z – diamonds outside this range are called ‘fancy diamonds.’ Colorless diamonds are the rarest and, hence, most expensive.
Read: Diamond Color
Clarity
Diamond clarity refers to the purity and rarity of the stone. It indicates the absence of internal flaws (inclusions) and external imperfections (blemishes). Diamonds are graded on a scale from Internally Flawless to Included. However, it’s interesting to note that many inclusions and blemishes are not visible to the naked eye and can only be seen by a trained diamond grader.
Carat
The carat (ct) is a unit of measurement used to weigh diamonds and gemstones. One carat is 0.20 grams or roughly the weight of a one-dollar bill.
Read: 4c’s of Diamond
Hardness & Durability
Hardness in gemology is nothing but how scratch-resistant the stone is. Diamonds rank at 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it the hardest mineral on Earth. The atoms in diamonds are arranged in a unique way, forming a solid structure. Each atom is connected to four atoms in a specific pattern, making it incredibly tough. So when you try to scratch or break a diamond, the connections between the atoms make it difficult to do anything to them. This makes diamonds ideal for daily wear and perfect for a centerpiece in an engagement ring.
Rarity & Price
The price of a diamond varies depending on factors like its quality and rarity. Higher-grade diamonds with larger-carat weights are rarer and more expensive than lower-grade or smaller-carat diamonds.
Angara’s diamonds are 30% less expensive than competitors because we source our diamonds directly from the mines and manufacturers. This allows us to cut out all the middlemen and pass the savings on to you.
Read: Engagement Rings Buying Guide
How to Select a Diamond Engagement Ring
When selecting a diamond engagement ring, the shape, setting and metal are crucial factors to consider. Each of these elements plays a significant role in defining the overall look, style and feel of the ring. Let’s take a closer look at how these elements come together to create the perfect symbol of your love.
Also Read: Know About Diamond Ring Prices
Popular Cuts & Shapes For Diamond Engagement Rings
A diamond’s shape refers to its symmetry and proportions, which determine the number of facets it has.
The traditional round brilliant cut is the most popular cut because it enhances a diamond’s brilliance. Its universal shape also works well in almost every setting style. But regardless of what’s popular, the shape of the diamond should reflect your partner’s individual style. Do they love all things vintage? A cushion-cut diamond has all the vintage feels you need. Looking for something more contemporary? A princess-cut diamond is a good option. Are they hopeless romantics? Seal the deal with a heart-shaped diamond ring. If something unique is what you want, go for pear, marquise, and oval-cut diamonds – not only do they look stunning, but they also make the fingers appear longer. The options are truly endless.
Choose a shape for your love
Diamond Engagement Ring Settings
The setting of a diamond engagement ring refers to how the stone is set into a metal band. The best way to buy a diamond engagement ring is to decide which setting style is functional and the best choice for your lifestyle.
If you want classy and sophisticated designs, go for traditional engagement ring settings like solitaire, halo, and three-stone, among others. But if you’re looking for something unique and exquisite, you can opt for settings like toi et moi, twisted shank, and hidden halo engagement ring, among others.
Also Read: Different Shapes and Cuts of Diamonds for Rings
Best Metal For Diamond Engagement Ring
An important thing to know before buying a diamond engagement ring is that different metals can impact the color of the diamond. For example, yellow gold and rose gold can make a colorless diamond appear slightly warm. While platinum, white gold, and sterling silver will exhibit a diamond’s true color.
Gold is the most common metal for an engagement ring and comes in several colors like yellow, white and rose gold. But when it comes to gold, you might think the higher the karat the better. But 24-karat pure gold is soft and can easily be scratched and bent causing the gems to fall out if not cared for. Any karat below 24 is mixed with other metals like silver, platinum or copper to make it more durable. So consider your lifestyle before choosing the metal. Ideally, if you work with your hands, consider going for 14k or 18k gold.
Platinum is another great choice if you’re looking for something luxurious and durable. It’s scratch-resistant and can withstand the wear and tear of daily life.
Also Read: Ideal Metal for Your Diamond Ring
Tips for Buying Diamond Engagement Rings
Here are some tips to consider before buying women’s diamond engagement rings.
Budget
First things first, set a budget. Many swear by the three-month salary rule, which implies that you have to put three months of salary towards buying an engagement ring for your partner. However, we recommend that you consider your current financial situation as well as future expenses before deciding on a budget.
Read: Natural vs. Lab-Created Diamonds
Ring Size
You need to find out your partner’s ring size before making the purchase. The average ring size for women in the US is between 5 and 7. If you’re keeping things ‘hush-hush,’ read our blog on how to secretly measure your partner’s ring size.
In case you still don’t get the size right, at Angara you can get it resized within the first year of purchase. And, it’s free if you file the resizing request within the first 60 days, after which you’ll have to bear the shipping cost.
Personalization
Looking for a truly one-of-a-kind engagement ring for your partner? Our multi-award-winning ‘Create With Angara’ feature lets you design your own engagement ring from start to finish. And with our free engraving option, you can also personalize your ring with an inscription of a special date, your initials or a phrase that only the two of you understand to make it extra special.
Certification
When figuring out how to shop for a diamond engagement ring, one of the most important steps is ensuring the diamond comes with a certificate. Let’s learn more about this.
Most diamonds are laser inscribed with their unique certification number. IGI and GIA are two of the world’s most reputable diamond certification organizations. Certifications are a surefire way to know if a diamond is real. Hence, you should ensure that your diamond is certified by any of these institutions.
All Angara jewelry comes with an Angara Certificate of Authenticity. This includes detailed product information about the gemstone’s color, carat weight, quality grade, and more so you can make a confident purchase.
Also See: Diamond Depth Table
The Angara Difference
At Angara, we take pride in offering our customers conflict-free diamonds directly sourced from mines and manufacturers. Each of our diamonds is hand-selected by certified gemologists and handcrafted by master jewelers. You can customize each piece according to diamond quality, carat weight and metal.
Moreover, our multi-award-winning ‘Create With Angara’ feature lets you design custom rings from start to finish, allowing you to create jewelry that truly reflects your unique style.
Additionally, all our diamond jewelry comes with an authenticity certificate and a lifetime warranty so that you can shop worry-free. We also offer free shipping, easy returns and flexible payment options, making us the best place to buy diamonds online.
So, when the time comes to ask the big question and you’re wondering how to pick a diamond engagement ring, just explore Angara’s stunning collection. You’re sure to find the perfect diamond engagement ring that will beautifully symbolize your love and commitment.
How to Care For Diamond Engagement Rings
You should clean your engagement ring regularly, depending on your lifestyle. However, do it only sometimes because it can degrade the metal quality. To clean your ring at home, follow these steps:
- Soak your ring in a bowl of warm water and dish soap.
- Gently brush it with a soft toothbrush.
- Pat it dry with a clean towel, and you’ll get yourself a sparkly ring.
Also Read: Guide To Buy Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings
Interesting Diamond Engagement Ring Facts
- Red or orange-colored natural diamonds are the rarest diamonds in the world.
- The earliest link between diamonds and love comes from the Romans’ belief that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds.
- The Uncle Sam diamond is the largest diamond ever found on U.S. soil. The stone weighed 40.23 carats and originated from Murfreesboro, Arkansas, in 1924.
- Are you wondering: what can scratch a diamond? The answer is only another diamond.
- Diamond happens to be the April birthstone.
- The Hope Diamond is the largest of its kind and is of Indian origin. This 44.52-carat blue diamond, originally 115 carats, is said to be cursed. It was stolen and recut by a merchant who took it from the eye of a Hindu statue. This incurred the priests’ wrath, who then allegedly cursed it.
- Scientists have discovered a star (BPM 37093) comprising a 10 billion-trillion-trillion-carat diamond that is 50 light years from Earth. It was nicknamed Lucy after the Beatles’ hit ‘Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds’.
- The tradition of proposing with scintillating diamond engagement rings began in 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a gold diamond-studded engagement ring.
We hope you now feel more confident about how to purchase a diamond engagement ring. From understanding the 4 Cs to choosing the right shape, setting and metal, this guide has equipped you with the essentials to make an informed decision. Remember, it’s all about finding a ring that perfectly reflects your love and commitment.
Diamond FAQs
1. What to look for when buying a diamond engagement ring?
The diamond’s quality is the most important thing to look for when buying a diamond engagement ring. This includes the 4C’s of diamonds: cut, color, clarity and carat.
2. What to know before buying a diamond engagement ring?
You need to know your partner’s preferences and their ring size before buying a diamond engagement ring.
3. When to buy a diamond engagement ring?
You should ideally buy a diamond engagement ring three to four months before the set proposal date.
4. How to buy a diamond engagement ring on a budget?
The best place to buy a diamond engagement ring is through a reputable seller like Angara. Our products are priced 30% lower than our competitors. We make this happen through our vertically integrated model, where every step – from ethical sourcing to cutting, polishing and handcrafting – is managed in-house. This helps us cut out the middleman and pass the savings on to you.
5. How to finance a diamond engagement ring?
You can finance a diamond engagement ring by applying for a 0% APR credit card, taking a personal loan or utilizing Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services like Afterpay, Klarna or Affirm.
6. How to insure a diamond engagement ring?
Getting your diamond engagement ring insured is pretty simple! Get your jewelry appraised to figure out how much coverage you need. Then, get quotes from jewelry insurance providers, apply for insurance and get coverage within a few minutes.
7. How many carats should a diamond engagement ring be?
The average carat weight for an engagement ring in the US is around 1-1.08 carats. However, this is a personal preference and depends on your budget.
8. What does a diamond engagement ring symbolize?
A diamond engagement ring symbolizes an unending and unbreakable bond between two people.
9. How to clean diamond engagement rings?
Soak your diamond ring in warm, soapy water for about ten minutes. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush before rinsing it with water.
10. How to care for diamond engagement rings
You can get your engagement ring cleaned and polished occasionally. At Angara, we offer free services like cleaning, polishing, diamond tightening, and re-rhodium plating, all of which are included in our lifetime warranty policy.
11. How to choose a diamond engagement ring?
Choosing a diamond engagement ring is all about finding a balance between personal style and quality. Focus on the 4 Cs — cut, clarity, color and carat — but also consider the ring’s metal and setting. Whether it’s a classic solitaire or a unique halo design, think about what your partner would love. And, of course, set a budget that feels right for you both!
