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Start with the diamond.
The first step is to choose a diamond. Visit our Diamond Buying Guide and take a moment to learn about the different shapes and grades. The shape is often the toughest choice, and there is really no exact formula. In the end, it’s really up to what you personally like. Remember, this is your engagement ring too. While the diamond certainly can’t speak, it is telling the world exactly how you feel about her. Think about it. For years to come this ring will be the one thing she wears every day that she didn’t buy for herself. When she looks down at it she will think of only one thing...you. That is why what you like really matters. If you feel strongly about a particular shape, go for it. Not sure yet? Visit our Build Your Own Engagement Ring application and you can look at every shape diamond in every ring design. It won’t take you long and you’ll find that you not only prefer one shape over the others, but, as you explore, you’ll also see combinations that you know she would love.
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Then pick the precious metal you want.
White or Yellow, that's usually a pretty easy choice. Unless she has specified yellow gold and wears mostly yellow gold jewelry, she probably prefers white. Today, tradition rules, and white is the metal most brides desire in an engagement ring and wedding band.
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When choosing Yellow, here are your choices:
14k Gold is composed of 50% pure gold and 50% alloy. It is rugged, holds it’s shine and will last for many years. It’s the best choice when durability is most important. Basic gold fashion jewelry is most often produced in 14K. 18K Gold is composed of 75% pure gold and 25% alloy. 18K is a richer, more lustrous color and is always used in finer designer gold pieces. While it is a bit softer than 14K, it is still the best choice for normal wear lifestyles It is certainly more expensive than 14K, but, for gold purists, it is the only way to go.
When choosing White, here are your choices:
Platinum is clearly the best choice in white. Most Platinum is 95% pure platinum with only 5% iridium or palladium alloy blended in for hardness and polish. The hallmark inside the ring is important: it should read 950 Plat or simply Plat. Platinum is by far the best choice for all diamond settings, and, unless specified, we set all Marshall's Jewelers in Platinum heads. Its steely white color won't change over time, and, because it is more dense and malleable than gold, the prongs are less likely to break off. Platinum engagement rings are the ultimate. The weight, feel and durability of platinum is unsurpassed. While over time platinum will take on a brushed, antique look called “patina” with wear, it can easily be polished to look new. For most, however, patina is a mark of quality and part of Platinum’s unique and timeless appeal. If you choose white, we strongly urge you to choose Platinum.
White Gold is your other option. White gold is made by blending pure gold with alloy and nickel. It is the nickel that changes the gold’s natural yellow color to white. White gold’s biggest appeal is price. White gold offers the look of platinum at as much as 1/3 the cost. In smaller rings, white gold is also a better choice because white gold is less malleable than platinum. White gold’s only draw back is that over time, with wear, white gold usually turns to a faint yellow, off white color. Our jewelers can keep your white gold rings shiny and white with rhodium plating. White gold is popular and is the logical choice if Platinum is out of the budget.
Solitaire or with side diamonds?
The final step is really the fun part. Do you want the clean and simple tailored look of a solitaire or would you like a complete semi-mount with diamonds on the sides? This is really a fashion vs budget choice. With the popularity of Platinum today, engagement rings are most often done now with smaller side diamonds including baguettes, rounds, marquise and pears. Think of her ring as your diamond’s showcase. What design best sets off her diamond? What combination of diamond and setting makes the statement to others that you want to make? In the end, which one is going to take her breath away?
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