Before the dress, cake tasting and renting of the venue, prior to booking your florist and sending out your wedding invitations, first comes the ring. What some wedding experts would say is the most important symbol of your marriage, the engagement ring represents both your relationship with your fiancé and reflects your personal style. You’re not only making a commitment at the altar, you're making a lifelong commitment to the ring. Here are a few considerations before saying “I do” to the perfect ring.
Find the Perfect Ring Style
Classic & Elegant: Timeless settings, like the classic solitaire, showcase the center diamond without distraction. This style, which features one diamond on a plain metal band, is one of the most popular and traditional styles. Many brides modernize this classic style by adding diamond accents to the band or what’s called peekaboo diamonds, which are not visible from the top. Another classic style is the three stone engagement ring. Each diamond represents your past, present and future with your soon-to-be spouse.
Bold & Glam: Brides who prefer a more dazzling look opt for glamorous styles that feature lots of bling with pave diamonds. The halo style, which adds a circle of smaller diamonds around the center diamond, adds plenty of sparkle and can even make the middle stone appear larger, a factor many glam brides look for.
Minimalistic: Simple brides who prefer to go without all of the bells and whistles often choose minimalistic rings, sometimes with no diamonds at all. If you live an active, outdoor lifestyle, this option may be best for you. If you want to add just a touch of sparkle to a simple, clean look, have the diamond set in a bezel setting that protects it or choose a setting that keeps the diamond lower on your hand.
Trendy: Fashion lovers often select engagement ring styles that are both unique and on trend. Recently, colored stones and bands made of rose gold have been popping up on trendy brides' ring fingers. These non-traditional rings look more like fashion jewelry than your grandmother’s engagement ring. Remember, styles change. Tread lightly when making a bold decision because you’re going to be wearing this ring for a while.
Know What the Ring Means to You
Classic brides view the ring as a symbol of their life together with their future spouse. While a more fashion forward bride thinks about if the ring matches her favorite watch and bangle set. Whatever the ring means to you and your fiance, follow your heart (and your head) to make the perfect decision.
Classic brides view the ring as a symbol of their life together with their future spouse. While a more fashion forward bride thinks about if the ring matches her favorite watch and bangle set. Whatever the ring means to you and your fiance, follow your heart (and your head) to make the perfect decision.
Build Your Own Ring
One thing that all brides have in common is wanting to personalize their ring. From glitzy and glam to classic to trendy, each bride-to-be has a picture of what the perfect ring looks like drawn up in her mind. Online retailers like Ritani have made it easy for brides and grooms to not only go ring shopping, but to build a custom engagement ring, too. Simply start with a diamond or a setting to begin creating a beautiful ring. Or, if you haven’t quite made up your mind, use the ring advisor to find inspiration and ideas. When you’re ready to see your ring in person, simply use the free in-store preview option. This way you can visit a local jewelry store to ensure the sizing and details are just right before you say "yes" to the ring.
One thing that all brides have in common is wanting to personalize their ring. From glitzy and glam to classic to trendy, each bride-to-be has a picture of what the perfect ring looks like drawn up in her mind. Online retailers like Ritani have made it easy for brides and grooms to not only go ring shopping, but to build a custom engagement ring, too. Simply start with a diamond or a setting to begin creating a beautiful ring. Or, if you haven’t quite made up your mind, use the ring advisor to find inspiration and ideas. When you’re ready to see your ring in person, simply use the free in-store preview option. This way you can visit a local jewelry store to ensure the sizing and details are just right before you say "yes" to the ring.
Know Where to Shop
Choosing where to go to look for an engagement ring can be just as difficult as choosing the ring itself. Rule number one is to start shopping local. Check out local businesses like Razny Jewelers, Benchmark, James & Sons Fine Jewelers, and Eve J. Alfillé Gallery & Studio. At local shops, they know how to treat a customer. They're trained to help you find something that's perfect for your soon-to-be fiancé(/fiancée) and they are open to helping you design something new, if that's the route you want to go. They can also help fit your ringer to ensure you get the right ring size from the get-go.
Ring shopping can seem like a huge, scary task, but really it's a fun way to find something perfect for that special someone. Rely on your vendor to help you pick an amazing option. We're sure she (or he) will love it!
