Engagement Buying Guide

About 4 C's ... Every diamond is a miracle of time and place and chance. Like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike.

There are a ton of options when you're shopping for engagement rings. Here at Colonial Jewelers, we love the opportunity to help you navigate the buying process. There is a lot to learn and that's where we come in. Firstly, have a price range in mind. There are beautiful options in all price ranges and having a budget will help us find you the right ring.

What jewelry does she already wear?
Know her ring size
Are her preferences hard to pin down?
Know what diamond shape suits her

By now you have noticed her distinctive style in fashion and jewelry. Is she sporty and simple or does she prefer to go bold and blinged out. Perhaps, she is simply elegant and sophisticated. When she is wearing her favorite jewelry have you noticed if the metal is white or yellow? Whatever her particular style happens to be, share this with your jeweler as they are experts on translating her current style into the perfect bridal ring.

If she has taken you window shopping for rings, she may have already shared this important information with you and your jeweler. If not, don’t sweat. There are several covert ways to get the size right. You might consider using one of her rings as a guide. Maybe she has a discreet friend or relative who might know her size.

If you are still concerned, it is alright to present the ring first and size later. In fact, rings today are stocked in the most common sizes anywhere between size 6 and 7. Most jewelers can have the ring sized in fast fashion. Because of the delicate nature of the setting, it is always best to have the ring sized once instead of twice due to a sizing mistake.

If the answer is yes, the best answer is to choose a classic solitaire. Choosing a solitaire engagement ring gives her the joy of showing off her new diamond while shopping with you for the perfect setting.

Shape is sometimes confused with Cut, one of the four C’s. Cut refers to how well a diamond reflects and disperses light. A well cut diamond will reflect light and create a beautiful sparkling effect, called “scintillation”. Cut has long been known as the most important “C”, however, her taste in shape will be as equally important in making your decision on which diamond to purchase.

Consider the following when shopping. Has she been hinting about her “Dream Diamond” and what shape it is? Has she admired someone else’s Diamond?

If you’re still unsure, consider the classic shapes Round and Princess. These shapes are timeless and compliment most styles of engagement ring settings. A third classic, the Emerald cut has clean lines and is designed to show off high quality diamonds.

Modified versions of the Round and Princess are very popular right now and can be seen in the Radiant cut. This shape is popular in both a square and rectangle.

Looking for a large diamond? The Marquise, Oval and Pear shape diamonds while beautiful in any size and suited well for most settings, make a stunning statement in sizes 1 Carat and larger.

Last but not least are the Trillion and Heart shaped diamonds. These shapes can be difficult to work with, but set in the right setting are perfect for the lady with an artistic flare.

What jewelry does she already wear?

By now you have noticed her distinctive style in fashion and jewelry. Is she sporty and simple or does she prefer to go bold and blinged out. Perhaps, she is simply elegant and sophisticated. When she is wearing her favorite jewelry have you noticed if the metal is white or yellow? Whatever her particular style happens to be, share this with your jeweler as they are experts on translating her current style into the perfect bridal ring.
Know her ring size

If she has taken you window shopping for rings, she may have already shared this important information with you and your jeweler. If not, don’t sweat. There are several covert ways to get the size right. You might consider using one of her rings as a guide. Maybe she has a discreet friend or relative who might know her size.

If you are still concerned, it is alright to present the ring first and size later. In fact, rings today are stocked in the most common sizes anywhere between size 6 and 7. Most jewelers can have the ring sized in fast fashion. Because of the delicate nature of the setting, it is always best to have the ring sized once instead of twice due to a sizing mistake.
Are her preferences hard to pin down?

If the answer is yes, the best answer is to choose a classic solitaire. Choosing a solitaire engagement ring gives her the joy of showing off her new diamond while shopping with you for the perfect setting.
Know what diamond shape suits her

Shape is sometimes confused with Cut, one of the four C’s. Cut refers to how well a diamond reflects and disperses light. A well cut diamond will reflect light and create a beautiful sparkling effect, called “scintillation”. Cut has long been known as the most important “C”, however, her taste in shape will be as equally important in making your decision on which diamond to purchase.

Consider the following when shopping. Has she been hinting about her “Dream Diamond” and what shape it is? Has she admired someone else’s Diamond?

If you’re still unsure, consider the classic shapes Round and Princess. These shapes are timeless and compliment most styles of engagement ring settings. A third classic, the Emerald cut has clean lines and is designed to show off high quality diamonds.

Modified versions of the Round and Princess are very popular right now and can be seen in the Radiant cut. This shape is popular in both a square and rectangle.

Looking for a large diamond? The Marquise, Oval and Pear shape diamonds while beautiful in any size and suited well for most settings, make a stunning statement in sizes 1 Carat and larger.

Last but not least are the Trillion and Heart shaped diamonds. These shapes can be difficult to work with, but set in the right setting are perfect for the lady with an artistic flare.