When you think of engagement rings, there are so many options and so many things you’ve never heard of that it might feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry anymore, because here is the ultimate engagement ring guide. Keep reading to find everything you need to know to make an informed decision and choose the perfect match.
What’s the symbolism of an engagement ring?
It represents a proposal of marriage, and while any ring can be considered an engagement ring, the most popular choice contains a diamond that can be complemented by other precious stones. What’s the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding band?
If the engagement ring represents a proposal of marriage, the wedding band stands for the marriage itself. It’s also common for an engagement ring to be more decorated than a wedding band, but they usually complement each other.
The most popular metals used to make engagement rings
In theory, any metal can be used, but the most common would be platinum or gold, which has the perk of coming in three different colors: yellow, white, and rose. Each one of them has its own advantages and particularities, take a look below to understand and decide which one is the best option for you.
Platinum
It’s a very durable metal that is also easy to work with, which allows designers and manufacturers to create more complex settings.
Gold
Gold can come in different karats, so It’s important to understand what that means. Karat is the term used to measure the purity of gold: the higher the karatage, the purer the gold.
Gold in its purest form is not hard enough to be crafted into a piece of jewelry, so it needs to be mixed with other metals to make it wearable. The preferable options for jewelry, especially those that are encrusted with diamonds or other precious stones, are 14K and 18K gold.
Yellow gold
Yellow gold is a classic color for engagement rings. and it’s hypoallergenic. Maintenance wise, it is amongst the easiest of metals to clean.
White gold
White gold is almost a match to platinum engagement rings. It looks similar to platinum, and although it’s not as hard-wearing, the metals in the alloy make it very durable.
Rose gold
It provides a different appearance to engagement rings, a more romantic one even. And almost all colored stones look great in rose gold, particularly those that are more reddish, which are a perfect complement to the diamond of your choice.
Make your engagement ring last a lifetime
All precious metals used in manufacturing an engagement ring are very durable, but eventually, they all need some special attention. If you want to avoid unnecessary maintenance, it’s best to remove your engagement ring when:
- Doing physical activities
- Using cosmetic or cleaning products
- Going to the beach or to the pool
- Taking a shower
- Cooking
Settings and styles
There are many different settings and styles, and choosing one is absolutely a matter of personal preference. While a solitaire engagement ring is more classic, a halo engagement ring is more versatile and allows for a more contemporary design.
Teresa’s Jewelers settings include:
- 3-stone
- Bypass
- Criss-cross
- Freeform
- Halo
- Solitaire
- Split shank
- Straight
The best time to buy your engagement ring
It seems like an obvious thing to say, but sometimes looking for a ring might take more time than you think and you shouldn’t rush into choosing it. Aside from that, there are certain seasons and holidays that might be a bit more attractive for purchasing an engagement ring.
Another crucial point is to make sure you choose a trustworthy vendor. Teresa’s Jewelers is legendary for warm, personal service, and we are known for having the largest selections of bridal jewelry in the Orange County area. We’ve been helping couples find the perfect engagement ring since 1985. Our pieces are unique and crafted to last a lifetime.
The 4 C’s
It’s likely that you have already heard of the 4 C’s, but in case you haven’t, they stand for: cut, color, clarity, and carat. It might seem overwhelming trying to completely understand every one of those principles, but that’s why our experts are ready to help you through a stress-free experience.
Just keep in mind that the aspects of the diamond also depend on the setting you choose. But, all in all, it’s important to keep an eye for the cut, because that’s what influences the sparkle.
Choose the right size
First of all, it’s important to remember that throughout the day your fingers swallow for many reasons. The ideal time for ring sizing is after morning hours and when the body temperature is normal.
If you don’t want to spoil the surprise, ask someone that is likely to know about your partner’s ring size. Another option is taking a ring your partner wears on the same finger an engagement ring is typically worn, and use it as a reference when you go ring hunting.
Are you ready to choose?
Now that you have all the basic information you need before deciding on the perfect engagement ring, it’s time to start visiting stores.
Teresa’s Jewelers offers the best engagement rings in California. You can visit us at 223 West 4th Street, Santa Ana, CA, 92701, or give us a call at (714) 834-9277.