Sparkling Styles: Discover Your Dream Engagement Ring
Finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with is a one-of-a-kind journey, and choosing the perfect engagement ring is no different. This highly personal decision involves many factors, including your budget and your partner’s taste and style.
Olive Ave Jewelry's experts will guide you in selecting the ideal ring to reflect your love story. Our commitment to ethical sourcing, exceptional craftsmanship, and personalized service ensures that your chosen ring is extraordinary.
This comprehensive guide explains the many types of engagement rings, the 4Cs, how ring sizing works, and more. Everything you need for this important purchase can be found here.
Your Step-By-Step Guide to Shopping Engagement Styles
1. Define Your Style and Budget
You’re about to encounter a wide array of engagement ring options, all at different price points. Having specific budgetary parameters in mind will guide you toward the perfect engagement ring that fits your budget. While there’s a long-standing myth that an engagement ring should cost three months’ salary, the truth is there's no strict rule.
According to The Knot's 2023 Jewelry and Engagement Study, the average engagement ring cost in the United States is $5,500. This is just an average; many couples spend much less, and many spend more. Consider your budget and comfort level when making your decision.
With this budget in mind, you can browse many engagement ring styles with confidence. Having an idea of your partner’s preferences will help make this process easier. Pay attention to subtle hints about your partner’s personal style and consider what types of clothes and accessories they prefer. Olive Ave offers a stress-free 30-day return policy from the delivery date for any non-customized pieces, bringing peace of mind to the decision-making process.
2. Pick the Ideal Setting
The engagement ring setting encompasses everything in ring design except the center stone. This includes the prongs, gallery, band, and any accents. The setting significantly impacts the ring's appearance and structural integrity.
We offer a wide range of hundreds of different setting styles on our website, and our team is always available to assist in selecting or creating a custom design. Whether you’re looking for something from our collection or a completely unique piece, we’re here to help you find the perfect setting that complements your stone and style.
The setting should accentuate the brilliance of your chosen gem. For example, the timeless solitaire (a single, radiant center stone) surrounded by a golden prong setting and simple band exudes classic elegance. The simple setting allows the diamond to shine.
Alternatively, a three-stone setting offers a captivating, modern feel. Those whose partner desires a more intricate, feminine setting will love an option like our Polly ring.The setting options are endless, but with Olive Ave at your side, you will find a setting as unique as your partner.
3. Select the Perfect Metal
The metal chosen for an engagement ring is a delicate balance of aesthetics and personal preference. Just as a beautifully crafted diamond demands the perfect setting, the metal should complement your partner’s unique style and skin tone.
At Olive Ave Jewelry, we offer a range of classic and contemporary metals to suit every taste, including 14-karat yellow gold, 14-karat rose gold, and 14-karat white gold. We also offer custom platinum and two-tone settings for those seeking a more luxurious and enduring option. Our expert jewelry team can guide you in selecting the perfect metal to complement your chosen center stone and personal style.
The warm embrace of yellow gold often harmonizes with rich skin tones, while the cool luminosity of white gold or platinum complements cooler undertones. Rose gold's versatility and enchanting quality complement many styles for a touch of romantic elegance. Should your partner's vision extend beyond our standard offerings, our skilled artisans can create a truly bespoke piece.
4. Choose the Perfect Diamond
To pick the perfect lab or natural diamond, you’ll want to understand the 4Cs: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight. These are the industry standard for evaluating diamond quality and ensuring an accurate assessment of the diamond’s unique characteristics.
Color: Refers to the absence of color, which impacts the overall appearance of the diamond as well as its quality and price. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) color scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow, brown, or gray). Diamonds closer to D are considered rarer and more valuable. Here at Olive Ave, we recommend G color and above for Lab Diamond and H color and above for Natural Diamonds, as this will provide you with an overall white-looking stone.
Clarity: Measures the presence of inclusions and blemishes, affecting the diamond's appearance and value. The GIA clarity scale ranges from IF (internally flawless) to SI2 (slightly included). Diamonds with fewer inclusions and blemishes are generally considered more valuable. Olive Ave recommends VS2 and above when it comes to clarity, as this will help you have an eye-clean stone.
Cut: Describes how a diamond interacts with light, influencing its brilliance, fire, and overall design. The cut is determined by the proportions, symmetry, and polish of the diamond. A well-cut diamond reflects and refracts light effectively, maximizing its brilliance. The GIA grading scale for cut ranges from Excellent to Poor.
Carat Weight: Refers to the diamond’s weight, not the actual size, with one carat equal to 200 milligrams. By looking at the stone’s dimenstions, you can better visualize how it will appear when worn and find the size that truly suits your style. This approach ensures you choose a stone that meets your preferences.
Each facet, hue, and characteristic tells a unique story, contributing to the stone's overall allure. You’ll want to use the 4Cs to assess different diamond shapes. From the classic round brilliant, renowned for its fiery sparkle, to the elongated elegance of an oval cut, a stone's shape dramatically influences its appearance.
It's natural to prioritize different aspects of the 4 Cs. For instance, if you're drawn to a round stone, you'll want to focus on a higher cut for maximum brilliance. However, with an emerald-cut stone, clarity becomes more important, as its open facets can reveal more of the stone’s internal characteristics.
The emerald cut, with its rectangular facets, exudes a timeless sophistication, while the marquise cut offers a captivating elongated shape. The cushion cut is popular for those who prefer a softer, vintage-inspired look. The art deco-inspired Asscher cut and the radiant cut offer unique alternatives with their combination of square and emerald shapes.
Whatever shape you select, all our diamonds and gemstones are ethically sourced from trusted, responsible vendors. Whether you choose a lab-grown or natural diamond, rest assured that each center stone comes with certification, guaranteeing its authenticity and quality. We prioritize sourcing transparency so you can feel confident in the beauty and integrity of your piece.
5. Consider Alternative Stones
At Olive Ave Jewelry, we believe love knows no boundaries, and neither should your choice of stones. Gemstones are an extraordinary alternative to the classic center diamond and make gorgeous side stones.
Alternative gemstones unlock a realm of possibilities—imagine a larger carat weight, intricate designs, or a personalized piece adorned with your partner's birthstone.
Whether you're drawn to the fiery allure of a ruby, the enchanting depth of an emerald, or the serene beauty of a sapphire, we offer a curated selection of ethically sourced gemstones. Each stone carries symbolism and energy, adding a personal touch to your engagement ring.
Let your imagination run wild as we bring your vision to life with a made-to-order ring that will leave your partner speechless.
6. Determine the Right Size
Ensuring a perfect fit for your partner's engagement ring is essential for its comfort and beauty. Here are a few reliable methods to determine the correct size:
1. Use a Ring Sizer:
Olive Ave Ring Sizer: Purchase our high-quality ring sizer for an accurate measurement.
2. Visit a Local Jeweler:
For the best results, we recommend visiting a local jeweler to have your partner’s finger professionally sized. This ensures a precise measurement, giving you confidence that your ring will fit perfectly.
3. Always Opt for Bigger
If unsure between two sizes, opt for the larger size to ensure a comfortable fit.
We offer complimentary resizing within the first year of purchase, provided the ring falls under our general resizing policy. If you’ve opted for our care plan, resizing is always free. For more details on our resizing policy and eligibility, please visit our resizing policies page.
7. Live Happily Ever After!
Let us be the first to offer congratulations! Whatever ring you select and however you propose, take time to savor the joy of your engagement.
To ensure your cherished ring remains radiant for years to come, follow these simple care tips:
Preserve your ring's beauty by avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals.
Avoid exposing it to water, such as during swimming or exercise.
Schedule regular professional cleanings and gentle home care.
Store your ring in a safe, cushioned place when not wearing it.
At Olive Ave Jewelry, we are honored to be a part of your special moments. From the proposal to the wedding day and beyond, we are committed to providing exceptional jewelry and service, helping you make the perfect choice.
Enter the Next Chapter with Olive Ave Jewelry
Your engagement ring is a timeless symbol of your enduring love. We hope our guide has helped you find the perfect ring to celebrate your unique bond.
Embark on this remarkable journey to discover the ideal alternative gemstone or diamond engagement ring with Olive Ave Jewelry. Explore our exquisite collection or schedule a consultation with our expert jewelry team to bring your vision to life. Let your love story shine with a ring as extraordinary as your connection.
