Everything You Need To Know To Pick The Perfect Engagement Ring

Choosing the perfect engagement ring to propose to the love of your life is an exciting process. But with endless options to choose from and not knowing anything about jewelry, ring shopping can be a daunting task.

To help you find the ring of her dreams, we’ve put together this handy guide that will teach you everything there is to know about the world of engagement rings.

Why do we wear engagement rings?

While couples have been exchanging rings to signify their eternal bond for millennia, engagement rings as we know them today are a recent tradition. Ornate rings made with precious metals, diamonds, and other gemstones were only popularized as a symbol of a couple’s commitment during the XIX century. Since then, engagement rings have become a tradition and a token of love and commitment.

What precious metal should I choose?

Choosing the right metal for an engagement ring is just as important as picking any other element of the ring, such as the setting or the diamond cut.

The most popular metal choices are platinum and gold. The advantage of gold is that it comes in three colors: yellow, white, and rose. Each option has particular traits that make it appealing. Yellow gold is synonymous with classic jewelry, while white gold is a more contemporary take on a classic metal, and rose gold is widely acknowledged as a color of love, making it ideal for an engagement ring. Platinum is also a good option, and it’s sturdier than gold, making it more durable and resistant.

Platinum is also ideal for people with metal allergies, as it is hypoallergenic, and for those who love white metals, it doesn’t turn yellow with time.

Picking the perfect setting for her style

Engagement rings come in a wide range of settings. You can narrow down your options by considering your partner’s style preferences. This way, you’ll choose a piece that truly captures her style and personality perfectly. If her style is... then she’ll love...

Elegant and classic: A solitaire setting.

This classic design showcases the center diamond without any distraction and looks great with everything. If she prefers minimalist and timeless jewelry pieces, a solitaire ring will be perfect for her.

Glitz and glam:  A double halo setting.

The two rows of diamonds which surround the center stone add brilliance and glamour to the ring. For an even more dazzling effect, go for a style that features a multi-row shank encrusted with diamonds.

Modern and chic:  A three-stone setting.

The star-of-the-show center stone has two accent diamonds surrounding it, giving this design a modern and sophisticated touch. This setting pairs particularly beautifully with round or princess-cut diamonds.

Romantic and timeless: A vintage-inspired setting.

These designs usually feature milgrain details or scroll patterns, giving the ring an antique look. It’s even better if the ring is rose gold, as this metal adds an extra romantic touch.

Fashionable and unconventional: An eternity band.

This unique take on engagement rings features one or more rows of encrusted diamonds, symbolizing everlasting love. If her style can’t be put in a box, she’ll love an eternity band.

Picking the perfect diamond

Let’s start with the basics. If you’ve never heard about the 4Cs, they stand for cut, color, carat, and clarity. These are the four categories that will help you identify the best diamond for you. Here’s what to look for in each one of the 4Cs:

CUT

Arguably the most important of the 4Cs, a diamond’s cut has the greatest influence on how the stone reflects light. The “cut” refers to how well-proportioned the dimensions of a diamond are and how these surfaces create brilliance.

Color

Ironically, this refers to a diamond's lack of color. While we might think of diamonds as colorless, it’s very rare to find a diamond that doesn’t have any color at all. So, unless you are looking for a colored diamond, the less color the stone has, the better.

CARAT

Carat refers to a diamond's weight, not its size. While people often think that larger carat weight is always better, keep in mind that a diamond’s weight is not related to its brilliance, as the biggest influence on how a diamond reflects light is its cut.

Clarity

Here, experts look for slight imperfections on the surface of the diamond and within the stone. However, remember that these imperfections give a natural diamond its character and don’t often affect its beauty, as they usually can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Diamond cuts

Diamonds come in a variety of beautiful shapes, each radiating in its own unique way. So, your choice of cut ultimately comes down to personal preference. Here are some of the most popular diamond cuts:

• Round
• Princess
• Cushion
• Oval
• Pear
• Emerald
• Marquise

Where to shop for the perfect engagement ring in South Carolina?

For over a century, Sylvan’s Jewelers have had the privilege of being a part of thousands of engagements in Columbia, SC.

We use our wealth of experience to hand-select the world’s most perfectly cut diamonds to match the styles and budgets of couples across South Carolina.

At Sylvan’s Jewelers, we only work with the highest-quality materials and renowned designers like Harry Kotlar, Hearts on Fire, Precision Set, Fire and Ice, and more.

Our dedication to perfection and lasting beauty makes each Sylvan’s engagement ring truly one-of-a-kind.