How to Choose an Engagement Ring
How to Choose an Engagement Ring
An engagement ring marks a promise unlike any other. But how do you choose the one? Explore our natural and lab-grown diamond engagement rings, get to know the different shapes, cuts, and metals, and learn what matters most when choosing a ring that will become part of your special moment.
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Explore our engagement rings to find a forever piece that represents a lifetime of love.
Shop engagement rings
Engagement Ring Shapes and Cuts
The diamonds in engagement rings come in many shapes and cuts, each with its own style. The shape is the diamond's outline, while the cut decides how it reflects light. Together they create a diamond's look and sparkle. Explore our shapes to find a design that matches your partner's style:
• Round brilliant: the timeless circular shape, cut to reflect the most light.
• Oval: an elongated round shape that makes the finger look longer and the stone look bigger.
• Emerald: a rectangle with long, step-cut facets for a clean, elegant, hall-of-mirrors look.
• Radiant: a rectangle or square with trimmed corners and the fire of a brilliant cut.
• Princess: a square-shaped diamond with a modern, elegant feel.
• Pear: a teardrop shape that is romantic and a little unexpected.
Every shape is available in natural or lab-grown diamonds. We will walk you through the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) for every stone, so you know exactly what you are getting.
Learn the 4CsChoosing the Right Metal
Choosing the right metal is part of finding a style that lasts. Think about your partner's jewelry collection. If they love silver tones, a white gold engagement ring will feel right at home. If they gravitate towards warmer tones, a yellow or rose gold ring will blend seamlessly with the pieces they already love.
You will also choose between 14k and 18k gold. Both are solid gold and made to last a lifetime. 18k is 75% gold with a richer color, while 14k is 58.3% gold and a little harder, which helps for a ring worn every day.
Shop Engagement RingsOur Team's Engagement Ring Advice
An engagement ring is a deeply personal piece of jewelry, which is why your partner's taste and style matter most. Beyond the right stone, shape, cut, and metal, think about the rings your partner already loves: elegant, minimal designs or bold statements.
Consider how the ring will look on their hand. Long fingers often suit oval or pear-shaped stones, while shorter fingers are beautifully balanced by round or square shapes.
Have a design in mind? Send us a picture, and our in-house designer will create a 3D design for you to approve before anything is made. Not sure of their size? See our Ring Size Guide.
Popular Engagement Ring Styles
Engagement rings are made to be worn and loved forever, which is why the most popular styles have timeless appeal. Classic round and oval diamonds will never go out of fashion. For a less traditional choice, emerald, pear, and radiant shapes make a unique statement.
The setting changes the look, too. A solitaire keeps all the attention on one diamond, a halo frames the center stone with smaller diamonds, a hidden halo tucks a ring of diamonds underneath, and side stones or a three-stone design add sparkle along the band.
Shop Ready to Ship Engagement RingsFAQs About Engagement Rings
Do men wear engagement rings?+
Some men do, and it is becoming more common. Many men choose to wear a wedding band instead, either from the engagement or from the wedding day on. Shop men's wedding bands.
How do you clean an engagement ring?+
Soak it in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, gently brush under the center stone with a soft toothbrush, then rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth. See our How to Clean Jewelry guide for more tips.
What finger does an engagement ring go on?+
In the US, an engagement ring is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, often called the ring finger. In some cultures, it is worn on the right hand instead.
Are engagement rings the same as wedding rings?+
No. An engagement ring is given at the proposal and usually features a center diamond. A wedding ring, or wedding band, is exchanged at the ceremony and is usually a simpler band. Many people wear both together, with the wedding band closest to the hand. Shop wedding bands.
Who buys engagement rings?+
Traditionally, the person proposing buys the ring. Today, many couples shop together so they can choose a ring they both love. Stop by the store at 44 W 47th Street in New York and we will help you find the one.
