Buying Guide for Round Engagement Rings

Round-cut diamond engagement rings have classic appeal—they're timeless, look elegant, and exude sparkle. You have plenty of diamond cut options when you shop for engagement rings, and it's hard to know what to pick. We compiled a buying guide that covers how to choose a round diamond engagement ring and all the information you'll need to know to make an informed decision.

Understanding the Round Cut

Round cuts diamonds are known for their gorgeous brilliance.This cut typically features 57 or 58 facets, depending on whether the culet (the small point at the bottom) is polished. These facets are meticulously designed to optimize light reflection and enhance brilliance. The classic shape and unforgettable fire make this cut one of the most popular engagement rings.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Round Engagement Ring

Buying an engagement ring is a big deal, both in your life and for your budget. You want to ensure you get a quality ring that will last many years. Diamond quality is graded using the 4 Cs (cut, clarity, color, and carat weight). Diamond Cut refers to the shape of the diamond and how precisely the facets within the diamond are cut. It should be a bright diamond that's perfectly proportioned. A well-cut diamond can appear larger because of its brilliance and the light it reflects. Diamond Clarity means the natural inclusions that are hidden within the diamond. Some are more noticeable than others. Diamonds can have a hint of color, so they're graded on their color, with colorless being the highest grade. Carat weight refers to the size of the diamond. As you look at each diamond's quality, balance the quality level with your budget to get a stone that works for you.

Popular Setting Styles for Round Engagement Rings

Round diamonds pair well with many different setting styles, from classic to modern. Some popular styles of engagement rings include:

• Solitaire: This is a well-known engagement ring setting you're probably familiar with—it's classic, elegant, and looks fantastic with a round diamond.
• Halo: The round center stone is framed with a border of diamonds for halo settings. This accentuates the center stone and makes it look bigger.
• Three-Stone: Each stone is said to represent the past, present, and future of the relationship, with the round center stone.
• Bezel Settings: This more modern-looking setting protects the stone and is an alternative to traditional prong settings.

Choosing the Right Metal for the Band

Round diamonds pair well with different metal settings (platinum, white, rose, and yellow gold). You can choose the metal you prefer and one that fits your budget. Gold and platinum are durable options for engagement rings, so you can see which look you like and go from there.

Tips for Buying Round Engagement Rings Online

Shopping online for engagement rings gives you a wider selection and is convenient. You have access to many more settings and stones than shopping in person. Plus, pricing is transparent. If you plan to shop online, research potential retailers to review their company policies, like warranties and return policies, and read customer reviews. See how many engagement ring settings and diamonds they offer to get exactly what you want. Ensure you see your ring's appearance before buying (setting, metal, center stone). Depending on your preferences, you can also choose between natural diamonds and lab diamonds.

Wrapping Things Up

Understanding more about diamond quality and how they're graded can help when purchasing diamond jewelry, including a round diamond engagement ring. You have plenty of ring options, so see what settings and stones fit your budget. Remember that you can take time to find the right ring—it does not need to feel rushed. Look for the best round engagement ring that fits your (or your partner's) style and preferences. Check out With Clarity's engagement ring selection to see the options and how you can customize each setting to fit your needs. Picking out an engagement ring is an exciting time! Spend some time browsing so you can be content with your decision.