From Dreams to "I Do": The Ultimate Guide to Engagement Rings

Maybe you've already decided you're ready to pop the question. Maybe you're here just to feast your eyes on some sparkle (it's never too early to get ideas). Either way, shopping for your dream diamond engagement ring can often feel more overwhelming than romantic (especially when you start looking at price tags). But there's no reason to stress. We're here to help with everything you need to know to pick the perfect engagement ring for your forever person, including how to stay within your budget.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or just need help narrowing down options, this guide will walk you through every aspect of the process—from setting a budget to customizing a ring as unique as your love. Let’s dive in.

Say 'yes' to our, Triad Engagement Ring With Oval Cut Diamonds.

Setting a Budget: The Big Question

Before you get swept up in diamond dazzle and find your favorite style, let’s talk numbers. And we want to do this first because honestly, it's no fun falling head over heels with a ring that's just never going to be yours. Setting your budget and expectations up front is much easier and less stressful.

Now, you've probably heard of the two or three months’ salary rule, but that's a pretty outdated idea. In fact, it was actually a marketing tactic that originated in the mid-20th century. It was created by De Beers, the diamond company that also coined the famous slogan, “A diamond is forever.”

Instead, it's a better bet for couples to set a budget that feels right for their own financial situation and priorities. Maybe you're really into the bling, perhaps you'd rather spend it on something else. But because engagement rings can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Prioritize what matters: Decide what’s most important—size, quality, or customization.

2. Leave room for the setting (not just the diamond): The band and setting can account for up to 25-40% of the total cost.

3. Don’t forget taxes and insurance: Add about 10% for taxes and we always recommend insuring the ring.

4. Financing options: Look into payment plans if you need some flexibility.

Shop from our Ready to Ship Engagement rings, for classic GOODSTONE designs like this, Club Ring Solitaire Engagement Ring With an Asscher Cut Diamond.

Choosing a Stone: Diamonds and Alternatives

For most men and women today, the centerpiece of the engagement ring is the stone. This really hasn't changed (although there are certainly couples who opt for simple gold bands or other alternative engagement options). Picking the right center stone for your ring is about more than just sparkle—it’s a deeply personal choice that should reflect your budget, style, and life. Are you planning to wear your ring 24/7? Do you actively work with your hands? Do you want something timeless or trendy? How important is sustainability to you? The options today are as vast as your imagination, so let’s break down the different types of stones and what makes each one special.

1. Natural Diamonds

• What They Are: Formed over billions of years deep within the Earth.

• Pros: Timeless, extremely durable (10/10 on the Mohs scale).

• Cons: Expensive and less sustainable.

2. Lab-Grown Diamonds

• What They Are: Chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds but created in a lab.

• Pros: Ethical, eco-friendly, and up to 50% cheaper than natural diamonds.

• Cons: Lack of rarity can mean lower long-term value.

3. Antique Diamonds

• What They Are: Diamonds cut and mined in earlier eras (often pre-1940s).

• Pros: Unique, sustainable, and full of vintage charm.

• Cons: Cut by hand (less perfect), and may not sparkle as much as modern styles.

4. Moissanite

• What It Is: A lab-created stone with brilliant sparkle.

• Pros: Affordable, durable (9.25/10), and eco-friendly.

• Cons: Slightly less “white” than diamonds under certain lighting.

5. Colored Gemstones

• Options: Sapphires, emeralds, rubies, or even trendy options like morganite.

• Pros: Unique and vibrant, often more affordable.

• Cons: Varies in durability (e.g., emeralds are softer than sapphires).

Whether you choose natural or lab grown diamonds, the Triad Engagement Ring With Oval Cut Diamonds is sure to sparkle just the same.

The 4Cs: Your Diamond Decoder

If you’re opting for a diamond (whether natural or lab-created), understanding the 4Cs is your key to getting the best value without compromising on quality. These four criteria—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat—define a diamond’s overall beauty and price. Let’s break it down:

1. Cut: This is the most important C because it has the most visual impact on a diamond’s sparkle. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, creating that brilliance everyone loves. Pro Tip: Always prioritize a high cut grade over other Cs if you want maximum sparkle.

2. Color: Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds are the most sought-after and expensive, but near-colorless options (G-H range) can offer excellent value while still appearing virtually colorless to the naked eye.

3. Clarity: This measures how many internal flaws (inclusions) and external blemishes a diamond has. Most imperfections are microscopic and don’t affect the stone’s beauty. Clarity grades range from Flawless (FL) to Included (I). For a balance of value and appearance, consider VS1 or VS2 diamonds, which look flawless to the naked eye.

4. Carat: Carat refers to the weight of the diamond (not its size), but bigger isn’t always better. A well-cut 1-carat diamond can appear larger and more brilliant than a poorly cut 1.5-carat stone. If you’re on a budget, consider shopping slightly under popular weights (like 0.9 carats instead of 1.0) for significant savings.

The trick to choosing a diamond is knowing how to prioritize. If sparkle is your priority, focus on cut. Want the biggest stone for your money? Consider a lower color grade and clarity. And remember, personal taste matters just as much as technical specs. Don’t be afraid to go for what feels right for you and your partner.

Need help picking the perfect diamond for your engagement ring? Whether it’s a Three Stone Engagement Ring with Shield Side Stones and a Radiant Cut Diamond or something unique to you, set up a free phone call with us and let’s bring your dream ring to life.

Choosing Your Diamond Shape

Diamond shape can also significantly affect its cost, depending on popularity, rarity, and carat weight lost to cutting. Round diamonds tend to be the most expensive because of their popularity and cutting complexity, while shapes like oval, cushion, or emerald are usually less expensive. Oval diamonds offer similar sparkle to a round but for about 1/4 less cost. Shape is also usually the one area where someone really has a personal preference, so find out how much this matters to your partner before you go all in.

• Round: The most popular and classic shape, round diamonds maximize sparkle and are super versatile. They're also the most expensive.

• Princess: A square with pointed corners that offers excellent brilliance and sparkle.

• Cushion: Square or rectangular with rounded corners and curved sides. Offers a soft, vintage look and is great if you want classic with a twist.

• Oval: An elongated round shape that can look larger than a round of the same carat weight at a more affordable price.

• Emerald: Rectangular with cut corners, emerald cut is a step cut stone with elongated facets that offer a sophisticated shine.

• Asscher: Square shape similar to emerald but with deeper facets. Perfect for Art Deco-inspired rings.

• Marquise: An elongated oval with pointed ends, maximized carat weight, very dramatic and vintage-feeling.

• Pear: A teardrop-shaped stone with one pointed end, one rounded. Very classic.

• Radiant: A square or rectangular stone with cropped corners and brilliant facets. Gives a modern, vibrant look.

In short, the shape can impact how your diamond is cut, how much you pay for it, and how the 4Cs look in that particular shape, so it’s worth considering when planning your budget.

The Thin + Simple Solitaire Engagement Ring With Oval Cut Diamond is a timeless and classic ring.

Ring Styles: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Whether you’re a minimalist, a romantic, or a trendsetter, choosing the best diamond engagement ring style is all about expressing your unique personality and style. From classic designs that never go out of style to unique engagement rings that break the mold, there’s a ring for every type of bride-to-be. Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular styles to help you find the one that fits you best:

Solitaire Engagement Rings
Why It’s Popular: Timeless and minimalist, the solitaire focuses all attention on the single center stone’s brilliance, with no distractions.
Best For: Perfect for minimalists and those who love classic, elegant jewelry. Ideal for pairing with a wedding band.

Halo Engagement Rings
What It Is: A circle of smaller diamonds surrounds the center stone, amplifying its size and sparkle. The hidden halo offers a secret sparkle on the side.
Best For: Perfect for those who want extra shine and a bold, statement-making ring.

Three-Stone Rings
Symbolism: Representing the past, present, and future, this ring style holds deep sentimental meaning.
Best For: Ideal for romantics and those who cherish personalized, meaningful designs.

Vintage-Inspired Rings
Details: Intricate details like filigree and floral motifs, often reflecting Art Deco or Mid-Century styles, create a sense of history and charm.
Best For: Lovers of vintage style and craftsmanship who want a unique, timeless design.

Modern and Unique Engagement Rings
Examples: Featuring creative settings like east-west or asymmetrical designs, modern rings are bold and boundary-pushing.
Best For: Trendsetters and creative souls seeking a fresh, unconventional design that stands out.

Our new Half Bezel Triad Engagement Ring with Old Mine Cut Diamonds beautifully blends a modern touch with a timeless three-stone design.

Metal Matters: The Band Basics

The metal you choose affects the look, feel, and durability of the ring. Here’s the lowdown:

Platinum

• Pros: Hypoallergenic, durable, and naturally white.

• Cons: Expensive

White Gold

• Pros: Affordable and modern.

• Cons: Requires occasional re-plating to maintain its luster.

Yellow Gold

• Pros: Timeless and versatile.

• Cons: Prone to scratches.

Rose Gold

• Pros: Romantic and trendy.

• Cons: Not hypoallergenic (contains copper).

14k vs 18k gold

When deciding between 14k and 18k gold, the key differences are gold content, durability, color, and price. 14k gold contains 58.3% pure gold and is mixed with other metals, making it more durable and resistant to scratches, ideal for daily wear. It also has a slightly less vibrant color and is more affordable. On the other hand, 18k gold is made up of 75% pure gold, giving it a richer, deeper color, but it’s softer and more prone to scratches. It’s a great choice for those seeking a luxurious appearance, though it comes at a higher price point. Additionally, 18k gold is often better for sensitive skin due to its higher gold content, while 14k gold may contain more alloys, potentially causing irritation. The choice depends on your preferences for durability, appearance, and budget.

Keep in mind that the metal color you choose for your engagement ring can also subtly influence the overall appearance of your diamond or gemstone. For example, yellow or rose gold can enhance the color of a warmer-hued diamond, while white metals like platinum or white gold tend to highlight a diamond's colorlessness and bring out its clarity by reflecting more light. For colored gemstones, the metal color can complement or contrast with the hue, such as a rich blue sapphire shining even brighter against white gold or platinum, while a warm ruby might pop in yellow or rose gold settings.

This Full Channel Set Engagement Ring with Oval and Round Diamonds is featured in Platinum.

Finding Her Ring Size: Sneaky Strategies

Figuring out her ring size without giving away the surprise can feel like a covert operation, but with a little creativity, you can gather all the intel you need without her ever suspecting a thing. Here are some stealthy moves that will help you find the perfect fit:

• Borrow a Ring: If she already wears a ring on her ring finger borrow it when she’s not around and take it to a jeweler for sizing.

• Trace It: Place one of her rings on a piece of paper and trace the inside circle with a pencil. Then, bring your tracing to the jeweler.

• Ask Friends or Family: Sometimes it’s best to recruit a secret ally. They might even have a way to ask her without giving away the surprise. Teamwork makes the dream work!

• Go Larger: If all else fails, it’s always easier to resize a ring down than up. And remember that eternity styles cannot be resized.

The best thing about a GOODSTONE ring? We offer free resizing for life! Get the Penumbra Bezel Triad with Petite Round Cut Diamonds, and know that your ring will always fit perfectly, no matter what.

Customizing the Perfect Ring

Sure, you can shop ready-to-ship styles or purchase what a jeweler already has on hand. But designing a custom diamond engagement ring is also a fun way to create a piece that’s as unique as your relationship. It allows you to infuse personal meaning and style into every detail, making it truly one-of-a-kind. Here's how to bring your dream ring to life:

• Start with a Sketch: Whether it’s a completely original concept or a twist on a classic design, collaborating with a skilled jeweler will ensure that your ideas are translated into a stunning, wearable piece of art.

• Choose Unique Elements: Think about incorporating custom engravings, meaningful symbols, or birthstones. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box—this is your chance to create something that’s truly yours.

• Plan Ahead: While designing a custom ring is a thrilling process, it does require time and careful planning. Creating a custom piece typically takes longer than picking an off-the-shelf design, so it’s important to start the process a few months in advance to ensure you have plenty of time for design adjustments and crafting.

If your dream ring doesn’t exist yet, we can create it. Set up your complimentary call with us today and let’s bring your vision to life.

Find Your Dream Engagement Ring

Buying an engagement ring is a big commitment, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. By setting a budget, understanding your options, and putting thought into her style and preferences, you can find (or design) a ring she’ll treasure forever. Explore our site to find engagement rings perfect for your own proposal and a lifetime of love.