Engagement rings have graced the fingers of engaged couples since the time of the ancient Romans. Since then, they've gone from simple bands to ornate diamond and gemstone rings.
When picking the ideal engagement ring, you have to find something that fits your unique style. Finding the right setting, center stone, and style can be challenging with so many options.
Are you looking at cute engagement rings but having trouble finding the perfect one? Our twelve tips will help you find a ring that complements your look for years to come.
1. Set a Budget
Setting a budget is essential when shopping for an engagement ring. By narrowing down your options, you will be able to find a gorgeous ring within your budget.
Having a budget will save you time in the long run. If you know how much you can afford to spend on an engagement ring, you won't look at any that are out of your price range. This saves you time and energy when ring shopping.
There are so many cute engagement rings out there, and it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one. If you have a budget in mind, you can narrow down your search and find the ring that is just right for you and your love.
2. Take Your Time
You'll wear an engagement ring for the rest of your life, so it's worth finding one you won't want to take off. When choosing an engagement ring, there are a few things to remember.
First, you'll want to think about the style of the ring. Are you looking for something classic or something more unique?
Second, you'll need to consider the size and shape of the ring. It should be comfortable to wear and should complements your finger shape.
Finally, you'll want to take into account the center stone. Make sure to choose a high-quality one that reflects your personality.
3. Consider the Center Stone Type
One of the most popular choices for a center stone is a diamond. Other options include moissanite, gemstones, or man-made stones.
Moissanite
A moissanite diamond looks like an earth-mined diamond but is made in a lab. These stones are less expensive but look and act just like diamonds.
Moissanite stones are durable and conflict-free. You can support sustainability while having a gorgeous ring on your finger.
Gemstones
Choose a colorful gemstone for your engagement ring if you are looking for something one-of-a-kind. Gemstones come in various colors, so you can choose one that matches your personality. Gemstone engagement rings often feature emeralds, rubies, or sapphires.
Other Man-Made Stones
Finally, you can also choose a man-made stone for your engagement ring center stone. Man-made stones are usually less expensive but are still an attractive choice. Cubic zirconia and lab-grown diamonds are both popular alternative engagement ring center stones.
4. Think Outside of the Box
Don't be afraid to stray from what's traditional when deciding on a cute engagement ring. Find a stone that reflects your personality and interests. A stone shape is another area where you can have fun and play around.
5. Match Your Style
You'll be wearing your ring for a very long time, so you need to make sure it matches your style. Are you someone who likes a refined and traditional look? Choose a round solitaire in a gold setting.
If you march to the beat of your own drum, let your ring wow! Choose a nontraditional setting.
If you love nature, find a ring that features flowers or vines in the design. Choose a bezel set so your ring won't get caught on things when you are active outside.
Filigree rings and dainty diamonds look fabulous on brides who love all things vintage. Baguette-shaped diamonds are dreamy and ethereal.
6. Choose a Stone Shape
Once you've decided on a style, you'll have to think about what shape you want the center stone. Although you may think there are just a few, there are many types of engagement ring cuts you can pick from.
Round
The round-shaped engagement stones are classic and timeless. A diamond cut in a round shape reflects the most brilliance. If you choose a diamond, pick one with a high cut grade.
Princess
A princess cut is a good option if you want something different than a round stone. It's a square shape with rounded corners. These diamonds are exceptionally bright and fiery due to their cut.
You have to be careful with the corners of this diamond. Find a setting with prongs that hold the stone at each corner.
Emerald
Emerald-cut stones are rectangular with tapered corners. These stones have a long table and long steps which shine and reflect light. They're elegant and sophisticated, and they can make your ring stand out from the crowd.
The large table shows inclusions more than other cuts. Choose a diamond that has a higher clarity.
Asscher
This stone shape first came about in the early 1900s. They are like emerald cuts but octagonal. This is an excellent option if you're looking for a unique engagement stone.
If you go with an asscher cut diamond, keep the color on the higher-end. The cut isn't good at hiding flaws.
Cushion
A cushion cut stone is a mix of a rectangular stone and a square stone with rounded edges. The cut of the ring increases the fire in this stone. They're a popular choice for engagement rings and can add a touch of elegance to your ring.
Heart
The cutest stone cut for an engagement ring is the heart cut. Make sure the heart is symmetrical and full.
Oval
An oval stone shows the brilliance of a round diamond in a unique way. The length of this diamond is longer than other shapes. It can make a smaller diamond look a bit larger.
7. Think About the Setting
Once you have decided on a center stone, you'll want to think about the setting that the stone will go in. The setting and the center stone are what make up a final ring. Most engagement rings come in one of four setting types.
Solitaire
This simple but classic setting showcases the center stone. No other diamonds or stones are on this setting, letting the single stone shine.
Halo
A halo is a ring with a center stone surrounded by smaller diamonds. This setting has recently gained popularity and is a perfect mix of modern and vintage.
Three Stone
The three-stone setting symbolizes past, present, and future love. The trip of stones makes for a striking setting choice.
Cluster
A cluster setting brings many smaller stones together. The sparkle in this setting is bold but budget-friendly at the same time.
8. Figure Out the Metal
Each setting is made out of a metal of your choosing. The most popular metals include gold, silver, and platinum. However, there are also a variety of other metals you can choose from, such as palladium.
Every metal has unique properties, so you must choose the metal that best suits your needs.
Gold
Engagement rings are most commonly made of gold. It's durable and has a warm, yellowish tone. Gold is hypoallergenic, so it's a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
The most common colors you can find gold in are yellow, white, and rose hues. It's hard not to look at yellow gold and not think of royalty. This color of gold is a traditional and timeless choice.
You'll see white gold in more modern rings. To get white gold, yellow gold mixes with another white metal.
For a cute engagement ring, try rose gold out for size. This feminine color is unique and full of style. Rose gold forms when yellow gold and copper mix.
Platinum
Platinum is the most expensive metal but is also the most durable. This rare metal has a cool, white tone and doesn't scratch easily.
If you have a diamond center stone, platinum is a strong choice. It looks great on any style of engagement ring.
Palladium
Palladium is a white metal that is similar to platinum. It's less expensive than platinum and very hard. This means it's better at deflecting scratches.
9. Go Cute With a Smaller Center Stone
If you're looking for a cute engagement ring, try a smaller stone for the center. A small stone won't break the bank and looks clean and simple.
10. Look at the Four C's
If you're choosing a diamond as your stone, think about the four C's. Each of these factors will affect the appearance and quality of the diamond. You need to consider all four when making your decision.
Cut
The cut of the diamond is important for two reasons. First, it affects the diamond's symmetry and how well the light reflects off the surface.
Second, it affects a diamond's proportions. This can impact how sparkly and bright it appears.
The following is the diamond cut scale:
- Super Ideal Cut
- Ideal Diamond Cut
- Very Good Diamond Cut
- Good Diamond Cut
- Fair Diamond Cut
- Poor Diamond Cut
Clarity
Because diamonds are made in the earth, they are rarely without any imperfections. The clarity of the diamond refers to how many of these blemishes, or inclusions, a diamond has. The fewer and smaller the inclusions, the higher the clarity.
The following is the scale used to determine how included a diamond is.
- FL: Flawless
- IF: Internally Flawless
- VVS1, VVS2: Very Very Slightly Included
- VSI, VS2: Very Slightly Included
- SI1, SI2: Slightly Included
- I1, I2, I3: Included
Color
Diamonds usually have some color to them. The color of the diamond is judged on a scale from a colorless "D" to a yellow-hued "Z."
Diamonds are more valuable when they are colorless.
Carat Weight
Finally, carat weight is a measure of how big the diamond is. Although most people focus on the size of a ring, a large stone isn't always the best.
A low-quality large stone can look dull and gray. Make sure to pick a clear stone with an excellent cut.
11. Don't Forget Ring Size
If your engagement ring is a surprise, you'll want to get the ring size before you buy the ring. Have a trusted friend try to ask the size. You can also sneak out another ring they wear on their ring finger and measure your ring by that.
If you are buying your own ring, it's easy to check your ring size. Either head to a jeweler or buy a ring sizer online to make sure you have the best fit.
12. Shop With Confidence
When shopping for an engagement ring, you need to feel confident in your decision. Make sure to do your research beforehand.
You'll want to know what you're looking for before you start shopping. This will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect ring for your budget.
Make sure to shop around. Don't settle for the first ring, you see. Take your time until you find the perfect one.
Trust your gut. Ultimately, you'll know which ring is right for you or your fiancé. Go with your gut feeling, and you'll be sure to find the perfect symbol of your love.
Although There Are Many Cute Engagement Rings, With Some Patience, You'll Find the One
With so many cute engagement rings to choose from, deciding on the one you want to buy can be a daunting task. When you take your time and weigh all options, you'll have a ring that you'll love forever.
If you are ready to buy an engagement ring, Black Diamonds New York is here to help! Shop our collection today to find one you adore.
