How To Buy An Engagement Ring

Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring

Buying the perfect engagement ring for your partner is one of the most meaningful purchases you'll ever make. An engagement ring is a symbol of love, commitment, and a future together. With so many styles, diamond shapes, and settings available, the process can feel overwhelming. Our team at Alson Jewelers has put together a guide to help simplify your experience by offering expert tips on selecting a ring that truly reflects yours or your partner’s style and personality. From understanding the 4Cs of diamonds to considering metal types and setting designs, there are many factors to keep in mind when making this monumental decision. The sentimental value of this piece will last a lifetime and it's essential to choose with care. With the right guidance, finding the perfect ring can be an exciting and rewarding journey.

Decide On a Budget and Plan to Propose

When selecting an engagement ring, two key factors can greatly shape the buying experience: your budget and your proposal timeline. Deciding how much to spend is an important first step. While tradition once suggested spending two or three months' salary, the right budget is ultimately personal and should reflect what feels comfortable for you. Alson Jewelers offers a wide range of engagement rings to ensure you’ll find something stunning no matter your price point. Keep in mind that factors like diamond quality, setting, and metal choice can all impact cost, so having a clear budget helps narrow down the options and will be essential information to share with your jeweler so that they can expertly guide you through their inventory.

The proposal plan also plays a role in the ring buying process. If you’re planning a surprise proposal in just a few weeks, you’ll need to consider what’s readily available or select a setting that can be customized quickly. If you have more time, you may want to explore custom designs. Our engagement ring specialists can help custom design a ring of your dreams. Whatever the vision, considering both budget and timeline ensures a smooth, stress-free shopping experience and a ring that perfectly fits the moment.

Selecting a Ring Setting

The setting of a ring is just as important as the diamond itself, as it defines the overall style and can even hold symbolic meaning. Choosing a setting is a great way to narrow down your options and find a ring that truly reflects your or your partner’s taste. At Alson Jewelers, there are several stunning styles to consider.

A solitaire setting, featuring a single diamond, is timeless and elegant. Its simplicity allows the diamond to take center stage for those who appreciate classic beauty. The three stone setting, with a center diamond accented by two side diamonds, is often seen as a representation of a couple’s past, present, and future for those who love a romantic touch. Halo settings, where smaller diamonds surround the center diamond, enhance sparkle and create a bold, eye-catching look for those who love a bit of glamour. A side stone setting, featuring diamonds along the band, adds extra brilliance and detail while maintaining a balanced design.

For those who want something uniquely personal, Alson Jewelers’ Create Your Ring experience lets you choose the diamond, setting, and details to craft the perfect piece. This hands-on approach helps bring your vision to life for a ring that feels truly one-of-a-kind.

Finding Your Center Diamond

The center diamond is the heart of any ring, making it one of the most important choices in the buying process. Its shape influences the overall look and personality of the ring, and at Alson Jewelers, there’s a stunning selection of center diamond shapes to explore. Whether you prefer a timeless classic or something a bit more unique, finding the right diamond shape is key to creating the perfect ring.

A round cut diamond is the most popular choice, known for its brilliance and fire. Its symmetrical shape maximizes sparkle, making it a favorite for those who appreciate tradition and elegance. Radiant cut diamonds offer a modern twist with their rectangular or square shape and dazzling faceting, perfect for someone drawn to extra brilliance. Oval cut diamonds create a flattering, elongated look on the finger and have a soft, sophisticated charm. For those who appreciate vintage-inspired beauty, an emerald cut diamond features step-cut facets that highlight clarity and create a striking, mirror-like effect.

A wonderfully romantic cut, the cushion cut is characterized by a soft-square shape with rounded edges and a beautiful balance of sparkle and depth. The pear shaped diamond, with its distinctive teardrop design, is elegant and flattering on the hand. Princess cut diamonds are modern and chic with sharp angles and incredible brilliance for someone who loves a contemporary edge. A marquise shape diamond has a dramatic, elongated silhouette that is pointed on both sides to create a bold and regal look that often appears larger than other shapes of the same carat weight.

Alson Jewelers also offers an exceptional selection of loose diamonds, giving you the flexibility to choose the perfect center diamond for your setting. This allows for a completely personalized ring, ensuring it reflects your style and vision in every detail.

Buy Your Engagement Ring at Alson Jewelers

Finding a dazzling engagement ring that perfectly suits your style and needs is an exciting journey, and at Alson Jewelers, we’re here to help every step of the way. Our Cleveland jewelry store offers an exceptional selection of designer engagement rings and loose diamonds, allowing you to create a ring that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re drawn to a classic design or something more unique, we have options to match every preference. We also provide expert jewelry repair services to keep your ring looking its best for years to come. Schedule an appointment for a personalized consultation with one of our experts today.