Engagement Rings

In ancient times, engagement rings were worn by men as a sign of their intention to marry. Men would give women jewelry as a gift, and the woman would wear the ring until she was married. Today, engagement rings are still given as gifts, but they also serve as symbols of commitment and love.

Determine what kind of ring you want. There are different styles available, including classic, modern, vintage, and antique. Each style has its own unique characteristics. For instance, a classic ring will likely feature a simple design with no fancy details. A modern ring will often have intricate designs and multiple diamonds. Learn more about setting styles here.​

If you’re planning to buy an engagement ring, there are several things to consider before making your purchase. First, you should decide whether you want a diamond or another gemstone. Diamonds are considered the traditional choice, but other stones such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and pearls are also popular choices. You might also choose a setting style, such as solitaire, three stone, four stone, etc. 

If you’re ready (or at least considering) to take the next big step in your relationship, choosing the right ring can be a daunting process.

With so many designs, styles, and settings to choose from, it’s often difficult to even know where to start.

That’s why we designed this comprehensive, educational engagement ring guide for you. You’ll learn everything you need to know before you buy so that when the time comes to propose, you can rest easy knowing you got the perfect ring that your partner will cherish for years to come.

Take a look at our Comprehensive Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring, and if you have more questions don’t be afraid to reach out for help. You can schedule an appointment with a gemologist or chat with us from 9 am to 10 pm Monday through Thursday; 9 am – 5 pm Friday, or 9 am to 7 pm on Sunday.

​Halo settings are our most popular style since their versatility pairs well with any sized finger. Stylistically, round-cut diamond rings are the most popular for similar reasons. They can be incorporated with a wide range of settings, side stones, and metals, and looks - from vintage to modern. For more information, see this recent post listing the 10 best-selling engagement rings of 2019.​

​While the answer to this question largely depends upon your dynamic as a couple, there are some inherent pros and cons of shopping for an engagement ring together. A major pro is that you can explore options together, which means that in the end, you will both be 100 percent sure that you’ve chosen the right ring. This also takes some weight off of the shoulders of the buyer, who may have otherwise spent more time going back and forth debating the right decision. However, a con is that the whole surprise element of the proposal will either be diminished. Part of the appeal of a proposal is the level of suspense leading up to the event, and the jubilant release of emotion when the moment occurs. ​

There is a range of qualities to analyze when purchasing a ring. The shape of the diamond matters most, followed by the right setting. The former facilitates the stone’s geometric qualities, while the latter sets the tone and style of the ring itself. In addition to the stone itself, carefully consider which metal to use, as each possesses unique qualities, strengths, and comparative drawbacks.

When deciding how much to spend on a ring, there are two major considerations that you should carefully consider and strike a balance between:

-Your partner’s expectations.

-Your financial standing.

Assess your current (and potential future) income, your expenses, and your savings to gauge how much you can sensibly spend, then set a budget and stick to it.

​The average total carat weight for a ring in the United States is 1.08 carats. While the range of 1.0 to 1.9 carats is by far the most popular, there are noticeable peaks at the 0.70 – 0.79 range, the 0.90 – 0.99 range, and the 1.50 – 1.59 range. Check out our blog for more detailed information on carat weight.​

The consensus is that the best time to purchase a ring is approximately 2-3 months before your scheduled proposal date. This allows you ample time to prepare for your special day and ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

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Many people do not get their partner’s ring size right the first time around. That’s why Ritani offers one free ring resizing within the first year of purchase. To learn more, contact customer service at 1-888-9RITANI. We’ll take care of the rest.

Please note that ring resizing is only available to customers in the U.S. and Canada. Unfortunately, we cannot offer resizing services to international customers.

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​Many companies allow customers to finance engagement rings to afford greater flexibility throughout the payment process. Ritani has financing options that include zero interest for 12 months.​

​If you cannot buy a ring in full and decide to finance it, make sure that it is not an unreasonable amount. While you may not want to buy something “cheap,” you can still responsibly finance an affordable ring. The bottom line is that there is no reason to go into substantial debt and hurt your credit rating over a ring that is way out of your price range. Remember to stick to your budget when deciding if financing is the right option for you.​

​The carat weight of your engagement ring really depends on your budget and personal preferences. In the United States, the average engagement ring is 1 carat. In Europe, the average engagement ring is 0.5 carats.
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​You can create an entirely custom engagement ring with our specialists at Ritani. Tell us what you are looking for or provide inspiration photos and we will create a 3D rendering of your ring before making it in our factory.
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​The cost of your ring will depend on the style and materials required. Very ornate rings will typically be more expensive since they require more precious metal, while simpler rings tend to be less expensive.
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​Make sure to take off your engagement ring anytime you are involving yourself with strenuous activity, like working out, gardening, or moving heavy items. Engagement rings aren’t indestructible and can be damaged more easily than you think!
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​It’s all about preference - however, the average engagement ring center stone ranges between 0.75-1 carat.
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​$5,000 can get you a high-quality diamond and setting and is very close to the nationwide average. In 2020, the national average amount spent on an engagement ring was $5,500.​

​The amount you spend on your engagement ring is solely up to you and your tastes! There is no right or wrong amount to spend on your ring.​

​There is no correlation between ring size and shoe size. To learn your ring size, you’ll have to go to a jeweler or contact our customer service team for a free ring sizer.​

​If you are not sure which ring size to get, it is better to size up. Your finger size will change depending on the temperature, and a ring that is too tight will be extremely uncomfortable. You can always have it resized smaller later, which is easier for a jeweler to do and less likely to cause damage to the ring.
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​Moissanite is lighter than a diamond, so a 2-carat moissanite stone will appear larger than a 2-carat diamond. Because of this difference, moissanite is typically sold by its measurements rather than carat weight. A round-cut moissanite stone that is the equivalent of a 2-carat diamond can range anywhere between $900-$1,400 depending on its color grade.​

​Traditionally, the bride (or the bride and her family) will pay for the groom’s ring.
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