The most important "yes" of your life deserves more than just sparkle, it calls for something truly extraordinary. Your engagement ring is more than a piece of jewelry; it's a symbol of forever, a reflection of your unique story, and a promise of what’s to come. But how do you find the perfect engagement ring? In this guide, we’ve given up all of the secrets and broken down all of the complexities to make the process as magical as possible. 

Engagement rings have long been a cherished tradition, steeped in history and meaning. While some trendsetters gravitate toward colored gemstone rings (think Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire, now worn by Princess Catherine), diamonds continue to reign supreme in the world of engagement rings. Their brilliance, durability, and timeless look make them the ultimate choice for this lifelong commitment.

 What makes a diamond so special? Beyond their natural eye-catching sparkle, which is often enhanced by modern cutting techniques, diamonds are unmatched in strength and resilience. Diamonds are uniquely equipped to withstand the wear and tear of daily life, making them the perfect blend of beauty and practicality.

At Jewels Aficionado, we understand that finding the perfect engagement ring is more than just a purchase, it’s an experience, and it should be a luxurious one. That’s why most of our engagement rings are custom-designed, offering you a uniquely personalized journey. Our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you enjoy every step of the process. 

 

 

CHOOSING YOUR DIAMOND SHAPE

The shape of your diamond is the heart of your engagement ring's personality. It sets the tone for the entire design and reflects your unique style. Whether you prefer classic elegance, modern minimalism, or vintage charm, there’s a diamond shape to match.

The round brilliant cut is a classic choice, renowned for its timeless appeal and ability to maximize brilliance and sparkle. For those who prefer an elongated shape, the oval cut is a popular option but if you're drawn to a softer, vintage-inspired look with a modern touch, the cushion cut may be ideal. Its rounded corners and pillow-like shape give it a romantic feel that could be just what you’re looking for.

The emerald cut, with its step-cut facets, creates a stunning "hall of mirrors" effect that brings clarity and elegance. Pear shapes offer a unique blend of soft curves and a defined point, giving a feminine and distinctive look. For those brides that prefer brilliance with an edge, the radiant cut combines the sparkle of a round cut with the clean lines of an emerald cut.

If you're looking for even more individuality, you may prefer a colored diamond with hues of champagne, pink, or yellow.

 

SELECTING A RING SETTING

With your diamond shape in mind, it’s time to imagine the setting, which is the frame that brings your vision to life. The right setting will complement and protect your stone while reflecting your style.

A Classic Solitaire is a timeless favorite that is all about understated elegance. A prong-set diamond on a sleek gold or platinum band keeps the focus entirely on the center stone, blending seamlessly with any personal style. If you love extra sparkle, a pavé-set band may be the perfect choice, adding brilliance that catches the light from every angle.

A Halo setting will amplify the size and sparkle of your diamond with a delicate circle of smaller diamonds set around your center stone. For those who appreciate clean lines and a modern edge, a bezel setting is the way to go. The diamond is encased in a thin “cradle” of gold or platinum, offering both elegance and durability.

One of the most romantic choices is a three-stone setting featuring a central diamond set beside two smaller stones. This design symbolizes the past, present, and future of your love. For a bold, colorful twist, pair a diamond with a vibrant center stone, such as a sapphire or ruby. The combination of colored gemstones and diamond accents adds a meaningful touch and a fresh hint of fun to the ring.

 

DEFINING YOUR BUDGET AND SELECTING A STONE

With your dream shape and setting in mind, it’s time to make your vision a reality, which starts with your budget. Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes, and their price is influenced by factors such as carat weight, clarity, color, and cut. At Jewels Aficionado, we simplify this step with expert guidance and gemological reports from trusted sources, ensuring confidence in every stone you choose.

Our process is all about balance. Whether size, sparkle, or purity is your top priority, our expert team can source a stone that meets all of your requirements, without having to sacrifice something. For example, if you are looking for size, we will source stones with dimensions in mind, as each stone is unique, and some are visibly larger than others, despite having the same carat weight. Alternatively, if you love the shape of an emerald but want more sparkle, we might suggest a radiant diamond.

Through personalized consultations, we’ll help you select the stone that feels just right. In the end, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about finding the diamond that speaks to your love story.

 

BRINGING YOUR VISION TO LIVE

With your perfect diamond or gemstones selected, it’s time to turn your dream into a masterpiece. We begin by scanning the stones to capture their exact dimensions, ensuring the setting is crafted with the highest level of precision. Our team then creates a detailed digital rendering of the design, bringing your vision to life on screen. At the point you can see exactly how your one-of-a-kind creation will look, and make any adjustments, before it becomes reality.

 

CASTING THE METAL

Here’s where your design takes tangible form. Your digital rendering becomes a physical model using cutting-edge 3-D printing techniques. The model is then cast in your chosen metal—be it 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold, or platinum.

Gold has recently surpassed platinum in price, but both are durable, timeless options. Warm-toned lovers gravitate toward yellow gold, while fans of cooler hues can choose between platinum and white gold based on preference or budget. No matter your choice, our team will guide you to the perfect metal based on your design and preferences. 

 

SETTING THE STONES

This is where the magic happens. After the ring is cast, the real artistry begins. Setting the stones is a delicate and highly skilled process where our expert jewelers carefully your chosen diamond or gemstones by hand. Precision is everything—each stone must be securely positioned to ensure security for a lifetime of wear. 

This step is the bridge between concept and reality, transforming your vision into a  stunning piece of art that reflects the craftsmanship behind it. 

 

POLISHING YOUR RING

This final touch transforms your ring into a finished product. With Jewels Aficionado’s concierge experience, your ring will arrive in one of our signature, luxurious boxes alongside the gemstone’s certificate. It’s the ultimate presentation for one of the most meaningful moments of your life.

Your journey to finding the perfect engagement ring starts with understanding your options, and at Jewels Aficionado, we're here to guide you every step of the way—making it both memorable and magical. From sourcing the finest stones to crafting a design that’s as unique as your love, we’ll make sure this once-in-a-lifetime decision is as special as the moment it represents.

Are you ready to find your forever? Let us guide you to it.