ENGAGEMENT RING EDUCATION

All you need to know about your ring

ENGAGEMENT RINGS 101

Choosing an engagement ring can be a stressful process. However, it doesn't have to be. By taking a little bit of time to understand all the components of the engagement ring, the decision can be a simpler one. You'll also have a beautiful ring to celebrate your engagement. Learn all about metal, ring styles, diamonds, gemstones, and how to buy an engagement ring in order to make the best decision. You can also start by learning the parts of an engagement ring with our 101 guide so you can get on the right path to the perfect ring for a perfect proposal.

Ring Buying Guide

Explore our engagement ring shopping guide for expert advice on choosing the perfect style at the perfect price. Ring buying is made easy with these steps.

Ring Collection

Browse a variety of ring styles. From solitaires, halos, and numerous styles from classic to contemporary, and even three stone rings. At With Clarity we also offer ready to wear rings for your proposal. Preset rings from our four collections can ship out in five business days. Factor in look, budget, and style when choosing a ring. Learn the differences and see which suits best.

Ring Sizing

You've got it all ready, except the finger size! Follow our printable guide for tips on finding out the size, whether secretively or not. Get it right the first time! We’re happy to create rings in quarter sizes and in-between sizes to ensure we can craft the perfect fit.

Setting Styles

Even subtle differences matter with engagement rings. Look at the fine detailing of various setting styles up close so you can determine which fits your perfect ring.

Head Styles

The ring setting's head is particularly important for it holds your center stone. The head is in the spotlight so see the choices up close before choosing a ring style.

Buying Online

Learn the positives and negatives of buying an engagement ring online. Get tips and additional information to make the right decision with any online jewelry store.

DELIBERATELY DIFFERENT NO. 1

Gemstone ring education

Gemstone rings offer a striking alternative to diamond engagement rings in their hue and color. Choose one for your engagement or to celebrate an occasion.

DELIBERATELY DIFFERENT NO.3

WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF AN ENGAGEMENT RING SETTING?

Yellow Gold
White Gold
Rose Gold
Platinum

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Choosing a metal

Metal choice can give a completely different feel to your ring. The same style can look like an antique style engagement ring in yellow gold but a modern take on vintage in white gold. But we’re here to help you find the metal that perfectly fits your personal style.

Yellow Gold

Want a color that gives off a vintage look? Opt for 18 karat yellow gold for a rich color that channels past generations of engagement rings or go with 14 karat, which imparts a subtle warm glow to your whole ring. Yellow gold is known to even help make lower color grade diamonds appear whiter, making it a savvy choice for getting your ideal ring on a budget.

White Gold

In need of a versatile metal that can be worn daily? We recommend 14 karat white gold, which we coat with rhodium for an extra protective layer. Opt for 18 karat white gold for more durability and a silvery shine similar to platinum. A great compliment to vivid gemstones or sparkly diamonds.

Rose Gold

Impart a romantic vibe with 14 karat rose gold. For those that want more of a warm gold hue, we recommend 18 karat rose gold. Beautifully paired with contemporary designs and vintage styles, rose gold metal looks best with fancy shaped stones and deeper colored gemstones like ruby.

Platinum

Did you know platinum is more expensive and rare than gold? Famous for its durability and silvery hue, it is wonderful at resisting scratches and abrasion. This precious metal is ideal for wedding bands and rings that will be worn daily. We recommend white gemstones or colored gemstones that have a cooler hue like blue sapphires.

CRAFT A RING

Crafting a customized ring is easy with With Clarity's shopping experience. Choose any metal, the perfect diamond, and the right ring setting for the ultimate experience.

WHERE TO BUY RINGS

Customers can shop for engagement rings in-store or online. Let us guide you through the pros and cons or each so you can make your own decision for which suits you best.

CHOOSING A JEWELER

Choosing the right jeweler is very important. Get objective advice on making the right choice, whether in-store or online. At With Clarity our gemologists get up close and personal with all our gemstones to ensure you get the best one.

CONFLICT FREE SOURCE

We take our relationships seriously. Our gemstones are carefully chosen by partners who are vetted thoroughly to ensure ethical and eco-friendly practices.

RINGS YOU CAN BROWSE ONLINE AND TRY AT HOME. CHOOSE A RING WITH CONFIDENCE, SHOP WITH CLARITY.

FAQ'S

How much should you spend on an engagement ring?

On average, people spend $5,300 for an engagement ring. In terms of budgeting, our expert gemologists advise people to set aside time to save between two to three months' salary. Or spend ~10% of this year’s post-tax annual salary. While this is a commonly quoted benchmark, it’s not the end-all figure that all couples have to follow. That goes on to say, choose a figure that is comfortable for you. Nowadays couples have been splitting the expenses of proposal and wedding rings/bands. More on this in ourdiamond budgeting & pricing guide.

Can you finance an engagement ring?

Engagement ring styles come in many shapes and forms. Here are the classics that are commonly chosen:

  • Basket: When the center stone is held in place with 4 or 6 prongs and has openings underneath that allows light to pass through.
  • Cathedral: Like the architectural building, this has archways on either side of the head that is left open for a lifted look. This style enables light to pass through and attracts more attention to the center stone.
  • Bezel: Usually for round or oval shaped gems, a bezel setting has a center stone set flush within a metal enclosing. This contemporary style uses more metal than other ring styles and has a very secure hold.
  • Halo: A halo head cradles the center stone, and has accent diamonds that encircle the full diameter of the center gem. They make the center stone appear larger.
  • Three Stone: A three stone ring has a center stone flanked by two smaller stones on either side. This ring setting already carries sentimental value as it represents the past, future, and present of the couple.
  • Channel-set: Accent stones are suspended between metal two borders, with micro metal prongs in-between each stone. Thus creating an illusion of floating gems.
  • Pave/Shared Prong: Imagine two peas in a pod. This is how pave/shared prong accent stones look like within a ring band. Each pair of accent stones tightly next to each other, and are held or “share’ the same metal prong.

How to customize your engagement ring?

Engagement ring styles come in many shapes and forms. Here are the classics that are commonly chosen:

  • Basket: When the center stone is held in place with 4 or 6 prongs and has openings underneath that allows light to pass through.
  • Cathedral: Like the architectural building, this has archways on either side of the head that is left open for a lifted look. This style enables light to pass through and attracts more attention to the center stone.
  • Bezel: Usually for round or oval shaped gems, a bezel setting has a center stone set flush within a metal enclosing. This contemporary style uses more metal than other ring styles and has a very secure hold.
  • Halo: A halo head cradles the center stone, and has accent diamonds that encircle the full diameter of the center gem. They make the center stone appear larger.
  • Three Stone: A three stone ring has a center stone flanked by two smaller stones on either side. This ring setting already carries sentimental value as it represents the past, future, and present of the couple.
  • Channel-set: Accent stones are suspended between metal two borders, with micro metal prongs in-between each stone. Thus creating an illusion of floating gems.
  • Pave/Shared Prong: Imagine two peas in a pod. This is how pave/shared prong accent stones look like within a ring band. Each pair of accent stones tightly next to each other, and are held or “share’ the same metal prong.

How to find her ring size?
  1. Simply ask her size. This may ruin the surprise, but you can keep the details a surprise like: the ring style, how the proposal will happen, and when the proposal will occur.
  2. Take a ring she owns to a jewelry repair shop. There the experts can quickly access her ring size. Make sure the ring you bring is one she wears on her ring finger!
  3. Take a piece of string to measure.Now there are two ways to go about this. You can measure the inside diameter of a ring she wears on her ring finger. Or to keep this a surprise, wrap the string around her ring finger to measure while she’s sleeping. To be sure, take that measurement and see if it matches the inside portion of a ring she currently has. Take the measurements, determine the millimeter diameter, and compare it to our sizing chart. Ta-da!
  4. Ask a close friend or family member. When in doubt call in reinforcements! Have a close friend ask for her ring size for “friendship rings.” Or a family member work-in her ring size into a conversation. Make sure they keep it a surprise!
    If anything, most rings and bands can be resized within about two sizes of their original size. With Clarity offers complimentary resizing for engagement rings and wedding bands within 30 days of receipt (with the exception of eternity bands and infinity rings because it will compromise their design).

What is an engagement ring appraisal and should I get my ring insured?

It is important to obtain this from a certified gemologist who will use a gemstone or diamond certificate (a paper containing all gemstone specs and grades) to issue an estimate. Remember an appraisal, and a gemstone or diamond certificate are two separate things! At With Clarity we have all appraisals done by an accredited Gem Lab for $60.

  • Protection against loss, theft, and damage
  • Worldwide coverage
  • If loss, theft, or damage happens you can work with your preferred jeweler to fix or replace it

More About Lavalier Jewelry Insurance

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WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST FOR AN ENGAGEMENT RING?

ROUND OVAL PEAR EMERALD RADIANT PRINCESS MARQUISE CUSHION
LAB DIAMONDS $2,000 $3,000 $2,000 $2,000 $3,000 $2,000 $3,000 $2,000
NATURAL DIAMONDS $7,000 $5,000 $5,000 $4,000 $4,000 $6,000 $6,000 $4,000

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