How to Start Engagement Ring Shopping

Shopping for an engagement ring is one of the most exciting and meaningful experiences in life. But with countless styles, diamond shapes, settings, and metal choices, where do you start?

At White Diamonds, we believe every engagement ring should be as unique as the love story it represents. Whether you envision a classic solitaire, a custom-designed masterpiece, or a modern mixed-metal setting, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect ring.

Step 1: Set a Budget That Works for You

There’s no strict rule on how much you should spend on an engagement ring—it’s all about what feels right for you. Some couples prefer to invest in a larger center diamond, while others focus on intricate custom designs or a more detailed setting.

Flexible Financing Options: At White Diamonds, we offer special financing plans to make your dream ring more accessible.

Step 2: Choose a Diamond or Gemstone

The center stone is the star of the ring. While diamonds are the most popular choice, more couples are embracing gemstones for a personalized touch.

Popular Diamond Shapes & What They Represent

Round Brilliant: The most classic and sparkly shape, symbolizing timeless love.
Oval: Elegant and elongating, perfect for a modern yet feminine look.
Cushion Cut: Soft, vintage appeal with a contemporary touch.
Emerald Cut: Sleek and sophisticated with step-cut facets for a dramatic effect.
Princess Cut: A modern square shape with brilliant sparkle.
Pear & Marquise: Unique and bold, ideal for those who want something different.
Radiant & Asscher: A blend of vintage and modern, offering stunning brilliance.

Alternative Gemstones for a Unique Touch

Sapphires: A deep blue hue symbolizing loyalty and wisdom.
Rubies: Passionate red for fiery love stories.
Emeralds: A rich green stone that exudes elegance and mystery.
Moissanite: A budget-friendly diamond alternative with incredible sparkle.

Custom Options: At White Diamonds, you can choose a lab-grown or natural diamond, or even incorporate a family heirloom gemstone into a new design.

Step 3: Find the Perfect Setting

The setting is what defines the ring’s personality, security, and overall aesthetic. Here are some of the most popular styles:

Classic Solitaire Engagement Rings – Timeless and elegant, with the diamond as the focal point.
Halo Engagement Rings – A center diamond surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds, adding extra brilliance.
Three-Stone Rings – Representing the past, present, and future of your love story.
Hidden Halo Rings – A delicate halo under the center stone, giving subtle extra sparkle.
Cathedral Settings – The diamond is elevated by arches for an elegant and regal feel.
Bezel Settings – A sleek and modern look with the stone fully enclosed for extra security.
Tension & Floating Diamond Rings – Giving the illusion that the diamond is suspended in air.
Split Shank Rings – A band that splits before meeting the center stone, adding extra detail.

Personalized Design: Our jewelers can help you design a custom engagement ring that blends multiple styles or features unique elements like hand-engraving, filigree details, or colored gemstone accents.

Step 4: Select the Right Metal

The metal choice not only affects the ring’s appearance but also its durability and maintenance.

Platinum: Hypoallergenic, naturally white, and extremely durable.
White Gold: Sleek and modern, often plated with rhodium for extra shine.
Yellow Gold: A timeless metal that pairs beautifully with vintage and classic settings.
Rose Gold: A romantic and warm hue that complements all skin tones.

Mixed Metals: Combine two tones for a contemporary, custom look—for example, a white gold setting with a rose gold band.

Popular Combinations: Platinum with a round diamond for a sleek look, yellow gold with a vintage-inspired cushion-cut stone, or rose gold with a hidden halo setting for a soft, romantic feel.

Step 5: Get the Perfect Fit

If you’re unsure about your partner’s ring size, consider:

Borrowing a ring they wear on their ring finger and having it measured.
Asking family or friends if they know their size.
Using a White Diamonds sizing tool to find an accurate fit.

Complimentary Resizing Available: We offer one free resizing on select rings to ensure a perfect fit.

Step 6: Match It with a Wedding Band

Planning ahead for a matching wedding band can make it easier to create a seamless, elegant look.

Classic Diamond Bands: Timeless and pairs well with most engagement rings.
Eternity Bands: Diamonds set all the way around for maximum sparkle.
Contoured & Curved Bands: Designed to fit snugly against your engagement ring.
Stackable Bands: Create a unique, layered look by mixing different metals and stones.
Custom Wedding Bands: Want a band that’s as unique as your engagement ring? Work with our custom design experts to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

Step 7: What Comes Next?

After choosing the perfect engagement ring, here’s what to do next:

Ring Insurance – Protect your investment against loss or damage.
Appraisal Services – Ensure your ring’s value is properly documented.
Routine Maintenance – Schedule regular cleaning and prong inspections.
Engraving Options – Add a meaningful inscription to personalize your ring.

White Diamonds Offers: Ring resizing, jewelry cleaning, engraving, and lifetime maintenance to keep your ring looking its best.

Start Your Engagement Ring Journey at White Diamonds

Finding the perfect engagement ring should be a fun and exciting experience. At White Diamonds, we offer:

A curated selection of classic and modern engagement rings.
Custom design services for one-of-a-kind creations.
Flexible financing options to suit your budget.
Expert guidance from knowledgeable jewelers.

Browse our engagement ring collection

Book an appointment with our expert jewelers

Explore our custom design services

Let’s find (or create) the perfect engagement ring that will tell your love story for a lifetime!