Finding the Ideal Ring: A Man’s Guide to Buying Engagement Rings
A lot of men find purchasing an engagement ring intimidating. If you’re confident that your partner is “the one” and are prepared to show your love and commitment, it may be time to start looking for an engagement ring and this guide is here to help.
If you’re finding it difficult to know what to look for or feel lost about what type of ring your partner would like, there are a handful of ways to approach purchasing a ring confidently. Don’t worry, we’re here to make that process easier.
How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring
A good engagement ring is defined by more than just the size of the stone. It’s a combination of quality, craftsmanship, and personal taste. Let’s look at some factors you should consider when selecting the perfect engagement ring.
Determine a Budget
When it comes to budgeting, it’s important to set a spending limit that you feel comfortable with. This limit will typically depend on various factors, like your financial situation, your partner’s expectations, and the overall quality of the ring you’re interested in purchasing.
Remember to pick a ring that will please your loved one and not break the bank. There are plenty of lovely rings to fit any budget. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get the ideal engagement ring.
Choosing a Center Stone
When selecting an engagement ring, choosing between the various center stone options can seem daunting. We offer alternative center stones so you can choose the best option for you and your loved one. From Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds to Moissanite and Morganite, doing your research on each stone will help you make the best choice. The benefit to choosing an alternative stone is affordability.
Whether you’re interested in purchasing a lab-grown or natural diamond depends on your priorities. Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments and offer the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds but at a lower cost.
On the other hand, natural diamonds have formed over billions of years, making them a symbol of rarity and tradition. Some buyers value the history and uniqueness of a natural diamond, while others appreciate the affordability and ethical appeal of lab-grown stones.
Moissanite is a stone rarely found in nature and mimics the look of a diamond. It is composed of silicon carbide and was discovered by scientist Henri Moissan in 1893 in a meteor crater. Its likeness to diamonds has made it a popular center stone alternative. Since naturally occurring Moissanite is rare, it is currently created in a lab. It is durable, with a score of 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale (diamonds are a 10), making it a durable stone for everyday wear. Its affordability allows the purchase of larger center stones.
Morganite is a blush toned stone from the beryl mineral family that has gained popularity for modern brides. Available in different hues, ranging from peachy pink to yellow, it emanates romance, making it a popular center stone alternative. It has a lower rating on the Mohs hardness scale, and even though it is still a hard stone, it requires care as it can become scratched or chipped if worn during strenuous activity. For more information on Moissanite and Morganite, read our “Caring for your Moissanite and Morganite Center Stones: What You Need To Know” blog post for more information.
Shape of the Center Stone
The shape of a center stone plays a significant role in the overall look and feel of an engagement ring. Each shape brings its own unique style and personality to a ring.
Here is a list of common shapes to familiarize yourself with;
- Emerald
- Oval
- Round
- Radiant
- Princess
- Pear
- Marquise
- Asscher
Carat Size
Starting with the stone shape first can help you determine what carat size will look best. DIfferent stone shapes carry their weight in different places, and the same carat weight of one stone can look drastically different in the same carat weight of another stone shape.
Certain shapes like pear or marquise appear longer and other shapes like asscher and princess are denser and carry their weight toward the bottom of the stone. The millimeter dimensions of the stone will give you a better understanding of how much space the stone will take on the finger.
Your budget also factors into what carat size range options you can choose from. During an appointment with our bridal specialists, we will provide you various options. A bigger carat size in your budget may have lower clarity or color, and a smaller carat size may have a much better color and clarity, it all depends on what your preferences are.
Ring Styles
There are distinct differences in each style of ring. Some common styles include:
- Solitaire — One stone set on a simple ring
- Infinity — Diamonds set all the way around the band
- Three-Stone — Uses two additional stones to compliment the center stone
- Halo — Center stone surrounded by a diamond halo
- Cathedral — When viewed from the side it resembles the arches in a cathedral
- Bezel — Instead of prongs holding the stones in place, a thin rim of gold encapsulates the stones for a more modern appearance
Ring Size
When buying a ring, always get a precise measurement because it should never be too tight or too large to wear. Bring an existing ring of your significant other to your jeweler to allow them to make a precise guess of their size. If you’re unsure, you can also ask a friend or relative for their ring size. You can also use our ring sizer guide.
When purchasing a ring with us, we offer one free resizing with every engagement ring and wedding band (with an eternity ring exclusion). Which means if you do not know their size but don’t want to ruin the surprise, you can always get it resized with us at no additional cost.
The 4 C’s
If you decide on a diamond as your center stone, choosing the perfect one is essential. The 4 C’s of a diamond are helpful indicators to help you make your decision. These factors play a major role in the appearance and cost of the diamond.
Cut
A diamond’s cut encompasses its shape and quality, including its facets, angles, and proportions. The cut determines how light interacts with the diamond and how it sparkles.
Color
The color scale used for diamonds ranges from D to Z, where Z has a more pronounced yellow or brown tint, whereas D is colorless. Given that colorless diamonds are more costly, this scale significantly impacts the diamond’s worth.
Clarity
Clarity measures the presence and visibility of natural imperfections or inclusions. Very Very Slightly Included (VVS) and Slightly Included (SI) are two of the categories on the GIA grading scale, which goes from Flawless (FL) to Included (I). Lower clarity grades can still appear perfect visually, but high clarity grades are rarer and more costly.
Carat
The carat weight of a diamond measures its weight rather than its size. Two diamonds of the same weight can vary in cut and form. A diamond may appear larger for its weight if it has a different shape, like an emerald or round cut.
Know Your Partner’s Preferences
Find out the type of metal that your significant other wears. If they wear yellow gold regularly, consider getting them a yellow gold ring.
You can also look at the engagement ring photos they’ve liked online. This will help you determine what shape or style your partner might prefer if they regularly comment on a certain kind of ring. Another way to learn more about your partner’s preferences is to pay attention to their remarks about the rings of recently engaged friends.
Research Rings
Try to conduct some research before you start looking for a ring. Look at different ring designs and styles to get an idea of what your significant other’s preferences might be.
You can always ask family or a friend about your partner’s jewelry preferences and their opinions on your choice. A friend or family member may know about your partner’s ideal engagement ring.
Turn to Anye Designs for the Perfect Engagement Ring
Choosing the ideal engagement ring is a significant and personal journey, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to seem daunting. Keep in mind that it’s not just about the size or cost of the ring; it’s about the thought, care, and meaning behind it. Trust your instincts, take your time, and soon, you’ll be ready to pop the question with a ring your partner will cherish forever.
At Anye Designs, we take pride in hand crafting timeless and meaningful engagement and wedding bands. Each of our designs is made to order and we are dedicated to making quality jewelry from the finest raw materials. We’re here to support you at every stage so you can choose a ring that beautifully captures your commitment and love.
Contact us today to schedule a virtual appointment, or stop by our Los Angeles location. We want to help you design a gorgeous ring that your spouse will treasure for a lifetime.