Engagement Ring FAQs

Engagement Ring FAQs

An engagement ring is likely the most sentimental and monetarily valuable piece of jewelry you will receive or purchase in your lifetime. Serving as a symbol of your everlasting love and commitment to your partner, it is a piece you or your partner will likely wear for most of your lifetime. Because of this, choosing the perfect engagement ring can seem like a daunting task. We have put together a guide of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions at Michael Agnello Jewelers to help make your shopping experience a breeze.

Why Do We Wear Engagement Rings?

Before starting the shopping process, consider whether or not the practice of wearing an engagement ring is a tradition that you and your partner feel suits you and your relationship. From ancient Egypt to Victorian England, the round shape of a ring was said to represent eternity and the never-ending nature of committed love. The Archduke of Austria, Maximilian, gave the first recorded diamond engagement ring to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. He reportedly had the diamonds arranged in an “M” for a personal touch.

Today, engagement rings typically signify a commitment and intention to wed. They most often feature diamond center stones of all cuts. As the hardest natural substance on earth, diamonds represent the unshakeable strength of your love. True diamonds have very minuscule flaws that make them unique, which mirrors the special beauty of each couple’s relationship.

What Are the Most Popular Engagement Ring Cuts?

The “cut” refers to the shape of the engagement ring’s center stone. It determines much of the ring’s overall aesthetic and the way the stone’s facets are arranged. The following are some of the most popular engagement ring cuts you will encounter when shopping for an engagement ring.

• Round: The most popular cut by far, making up over 75% of all engagement rings sold, features a timeless, circular silhouette.

• Princess: As the second-most popular cut, the princess cut features a square shape when viewed from above and an inverted pyramid profile when viewed from the side.

• Radiant: The radiant cut is a mix between a step cut and a brilliant cut, featuring an elongated silhouette with an immense amount of individual facets for a unique brilliance.

• Cushion: This cut is similar to the princess cut, exhibiting a squared shape with softly rounded corners.

• Oval: Essentially an elongated round cut, the oval cut is softly feminine and romantic.

• Emerald: Reminiscent of the Art Deco era, the emerald cut is rectangular, and its parallel facets create a “hall of mirrors” effect. This is also one of the rarest cuts.

• Pear Shape: The unique pear shape resembles a teardrop, with a rounded bottom and pointed tip. This cut has become trendy in modern settings.

What Are the Most Popular Engagement Ring Settings?

The ring’s setting is everything other than the center stone. Engagement ring settings put the center stone on display, uniquely complementing its shape and beauty. These are the most common engagement ring settings you will have to choose from.

• Solitaire: The solitaire is the most minimalist setting, featuring only the center stone and the band. This setting is popular and looks flattering on all brides.

• Three Stone: Said to represent the past, present, and future of a relationship, three stone rings are inlaid with a large center stone with two smaller stones flanking it on either side.

• Halo: Halo rings are characterized by a center stone surrounded by accent stones. This creates a spotlight effect and makes the center stone appear larger.

• Side Stone: These rings are lined with accent stones along the band via pave, channel, prong, or bezel settings. This setting is also popular among brides.

How Can I Save Money On My Engagement Ring?

Engagement rings are undoubtedly a costly investment, but there are many ways to save money on a brilliant and beautiful ring. For one, avoid the more popular diamond cuts like round, princess, or cushion, as these are more expensive due to their demand. You can also seek out diamonds graded lower in color or clarity. The difference is usually difficult for the untrained eye to notice, and they are far more cost-effective. You will also want to avoid micropave, as this design element consists of multitudes of tiny, individual stones that will add up to a costly ring. Three stone rings can also be more expensive options, since they feature three large stones instead of one.

How Can I Make My Center Stone Look Larger?

The center stone is undeniably the star of the show when it comes to engagement rings. There are a number of ways you can make your stone appear larger and allow it to command attention further. Halo settings are widely beloved for their ability to add surface area and sparkle to a gem and make it appear larger. Halos can be adapted for any cut and are more affordable than upsizing the center stone. Elongated shapes also tend to appear more prominent than their more symmetrical counterparts. Oval, radiant, and emerald cuts are extended and will take up more space vertically or horizontally on the wearer’s finger.

How Much Should I Spend?

You may have heard of the prescription that one should spend at least two months’ salary on an engagement ring. However, this sort of sweeping stereotype can be blatantly impossible for some couples. This outdated rule was developed as a marketing scheme for a diamond company to convince the world of the value of a diamond engagement ring. Every couple must decide how much they can allot to spend on an engagement ring. Perhaps the ring is one of the most important elements of a wedding to you, or maybe you would rather spend more on a honeymoon trip or a down payment on a house.

What Stones Other Than Diamonds Can I Use?

Diamonds are undeniably the hardest stones available for engagement rings, but they are just too commonplace for some. If you would prefer a vibrantly colorful center stone, many options are wonderfully strong, though not as strong as a diamond. The Mohs scale measures the hardness of a gem, and diamonds are a 10 on this scale. 

On the other hand, the rubies are a 9 and provide a striking red hue. Sapphires are also a 9 on this scale and come in many colors, though a deep blue is the most popular choice. Emeralds and morganite range from 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale and provide unique hues. If you would like to retain the unmistakable look of a diamond without the price tag, moissanite is the second hardest substance on the planet, coming in at 9.5 on the Mohs.

Shop Engagement Rings at Michael Agnello Jewelers

Melt your partner’s heart when an exquisite engagement ring you have hand-selected for them from among our vast selection here at Michael Agnello Jewelers. Our St. Clair Shores jewelry store is stocked with an immaculate inventory of designer engagement rings sure to satisfy even the most discerning of tastes. Feel free to contact us today for more information on our products and services or browse our inventory online at your convenience.