Starting the search for the perfect engagement ring is an exciting milestone, but with so many styles, diamonds, and settings to choose from, it can feel overwhelming. At Wm. Harold & Sons Jewelry, we've been guiding couples in Newport Beach for generations, offering expert advice and personalized service to help make the process smooth and enjoyable. Whether you're just starting or need assistance refining your choices, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Here’s how to begin your engagement ring journey with confidence.
1. Set Your Budget
The first step in engagement ring shopping is to determine your budget. Contrary to popular belief, there’s no hard rule about how much you should spend. The “three months’ salary” rule, often touted as tradition, is outdated and unnecessary. What matters most is finding a ring that aligns with your financial comfort while reflecting your partner’s style.
- Tailored for You: Whether your budget is large or modest, at Wm. Harold & Sons Jewelry, we offer a variety of stunning options that fit different price points. Our team is dedicated to helping you find something special, regardless of budget.
- Consider All Elements: Remember, the total cost of the ring includes the center gemstone, the setting, and any customizations or warranties. Working with our experts ensures you can balance quality and value in a way that makes sense for your situation.
Setting a budget early allows you to focus on the aspects of the ring that matter most to you while keeping your experience stress-free.
2. Know Your Style and Select the Gemstone
Understanding your partner’s style is one of the most important factors when shopping for an engagement ring. This is where the ring becomes deeply personal, reflecting their unique taste. Whether they prefer modern, vintage, or classic designs, knowing their style will guide your choices.
- Look for Clues: Pay attention to the jewelry they already wear. Are they drawn to minimalistic designs or do they prefer bold, statement pieces? Do they gravitate toward white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold?
- Alternative Gemstones: While diamonds are traditional, they’re not the only option. Consider gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, or moissanite for a colorful and distinctive look. Gemstones can offer unique symbolism and add a vibrant touch to the ring, perfect for couples who want something non-traditional.
Our team at Wm. Harold & Sons Jewelry is here to help you explore the many possibilities and find the gemstone and style that best reflects your partner's personality.
3. Understand the 4 Cs
Once you’ve settled on the style and gemstone, it’s essential to understand the 4 Cs of diamonds and how they contribute to the beauty and value of the ring: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
- Cut: The most important factor, the cut of the diamond determines how well it reflects light, giving the stone its sparkle and brilliance.
- Color: Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (noticeable tint). Near-colorless diamonds in the G-H range provide excellent quality while remaining more affordable.
- Clarity: Clarity refers to the presence of internal inclusions or external blemishes. Diamonds in the VS1-VS2 range offer a good balance of clarity and value, with inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye.
- Carat Weight: This measures the size of the diamond. While larger diamonds may seem appealing, a well-cut, smaller diamond can offer just as much brilliance.
At Wm. Harold & Sons Jewelry, we have GIA-trained professionals who can guide you through the 4 Cs, helping you choose a diamond that balances beauty and value while ensuring it meets your standards.
4. Choose the Right Setting
The setting of an engagement ring enhances the beauty of the gemstone and showcases it in a way that reflects your partner’s style. The choice of setting can completely transform the look of the ring, from simple to elaborate.
- Solitaire: A timeless option that allows the center stone to take the spotlight.
- Halo: A circle of smaller diamonds surrounds the center stone, amplifying its size and sparkle.
- Three-Stone: Symbolizing your past, present, and future, this setting features three diamonds or gemstones.
- Vintage-Inspired: For those who love intricate details, vintage settings offer beautiful flourishes like milgrain or filigree designs.
Our range of settings at Wm. Harold & Sons Jewelry ensures that you’ll find something that suits your partner’s style perfectly.
5. Get the Right Ring Size (and Resizing Options)
Choosing the correct ring size is an important step in ensuring your engagement ring fits perfectly. If you’re unsure of your partner’s ring size, there are a few discreet ways to find out:
- Borrow a Ring: Sneakily borrow a ring they already wear and bring it to us for sizing.
- Guessing is OK: If all else fails, don’t worry—Wm. Harold & Sons Jewelry offers resizing services. This way, you can surprise your partner with the proposal and easily adjust the ring’s size afterward to ensure it’s a perfect fit.
6. Consider Customization and Modifications
One of the most exciting aspects of engagement ring shopping is the potential for customization. Whether it’s creating a completely unique design or making modifications to an existing ring, customization ensures the ring is as special as your relationship.
- Personalize the Design: Choose specific elements, such as the metal, setting, or gemstone, to create a one-of-a-kind piece.
- Modify Over Time: Engagement rings can evolve with your relationship. You can add additional stones or change the band in the future to mark special milestones, such as anniversaries or the birth of a child.
At Wm. Harold & Sons Jewelry, we specialize in custom designs, allowing you to create a ring that is entirely your own. Whether you're designing from scratch or modifying an existing ring, we’ll work closely with you to bring your vision to life.
Conclusion: Start Your Journey with Wm. Harold & Sons Jewelry
Shopping for an engagement ring is an exciting and personal journey, and starting with these key steps will help make the experience both enjoyable and meaningful. By setting a budget, knowing your style, understanding the 4 Cs, choosing the right setting, and considering options for sizing and customization, you’ll be well on your way to finding a ring that reflects your unique love story.
At Wm. Harold & Sons Jewelry, we’re proud to be part of your special moment. With our history of expertise and commitment to exceptional customer service, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Visit us today and let us help you find the perfect ring that will mark the beginning of your next chapter together.
