Engagement Ring Guide
How much should happily ever after cost?
The standard rule of thumb has always been two months’ salary. But some people look at the equation in terms of other investments they’ve made, such as the cost of their car. Whatever price range you select, feel comfortable knowing that a diamond is something of inherent value. It’s one of the few gifts that will last a lifetime! And, we not only have a
Layaway Program, but a
Helzberg Credit Card with flexible financing options.
What ring will you choose? What ring would she choose?Step One: Choose the metal that looks best on her.Yellow gold, white gold, or platinum? It’s the first step in how to buy an engagement ring. And it begins with a peek into her jewelry box, and paying attention to what jewelry she wears everyday. Does she always choose white gold, or are her necklaces and bracelets yellow gold-toned? Does she wear a sporty silver watch? If she has diamond earrings already — what are they set in? Most women prefer either white or yellow metal, and want an engagement ring to match their other jewelry. About Gold: The most common type of gold in our engagement rings is 14 or 18 karat. The karat determines the purity, durability, color and price. Pure gold (24 kt) is simply too soft to handle the wear of daily use. It must be alloyed, or mixed, with other metals like copper, silver, nickel or zinc to enhance its strength. Engagement rings come in two colors of gold. Yellow Gold can look slightly different, based on the alloy. As the amount of gold increases, so does the brightness of the color. Some women with gold tones in their skin or hair feel they look best in yellow gold. |  |  Ask her best friend to browse our site and send you an e-hint — an email with a photo of the ring she thinks her friend would prefer. |  | |
White Gold: When yellow gold is used with nickel and zinc as alloys, it becomes white gold. White gold is often finished by plating it with rhodium which will give it an even whiter, more brilliant appearance. Women with dark hair and cool or pink undertones to their skin often prefer white gold or platinum rather than yellow gold.
Platinum: The most durable of all precious metals, platinum was the setting of choice for wedding rings during the early 1900s, and it’s still considered a classic choice. In the United States, most platinum used in jewelry is 90 to 95 percent pure. The remaining 5 to 10 percent is also a precious metal — usually iridium or ruthenium — making platinum jewelry 100 percent precious metal. It’s harder and more dense than gold, and it feels heavier when you hold it in your hand. Even after years of daily wear, it will show few signs of age For this reason, platinum is sometimes used for prongs even when the remainder of the piece is made of white gold. Because it’s more rare, platinum is significantly more expensive than gold.
Whichever precious metal you choose, rest assured, all three provide strength and lasting beauty. The rest is just personal preference.
Step Two: Choose the carat size that fits your budget — and her left hand.
Looking for something classic? Try one carat.One carat is the most popular size — for very good reason. It’s large enough to have a commanding sparkle, and it’s a size that looks balanced on many women’s hands.
Going for razzle-dazzle? You’re a candidate for two carats.
Two carats make more of a statement. Perfect if you’re marrying someone who likes to make an entrance!
If her hands are delicate, or you’re on a budget, start smaller.
The right cut can make a ½ carat or smaller diamond extremely radiant. And many people prefer a smaller, higher quality diamond to one that’s larger, yet might have more visible inclusions or may not be cut as well. Fortunately, with our generous Trade-In policy, it’s easy to start small and upgrade her diamond whenever you’re ready.
Play around with our interactive carat weight tool and see what size is perfect for you.
Of course, there are plenty of in-betweens. We have beautiful diamonds in 1/3 carat and 2½ carat sizes, and everything in between. And remember, a style with surrounding or cascading additional diamonds can add drama and dazzle to smaller sizes. Deciding on the carat size of the center diamond is merely a way of narrowing down the choices.
Step Three: Prove you’re Mr. Right with the right type of ring.
Style first. There are four basic styles of rings. A
diamond solitaire engagement ring is a single diamond set in a plain mounting.
Engagement rings combine more than one stone. A
bridal set refers to an engagement ring that fits together with a matching band. And a
three-stone ring has three diamonds, symbolizing your past, present and future together.
Then, Shape. The center stone can be many different shapes — ranging from traditional to dramatic to modern. A round diamond is the most popular shape and the safest bet. Some of the most popular shapes are shown below.
When you slip it on her finger, make sure it fits.
If you want to surprise her, learn her ring size. Start by printing out our ring sizer.
You can wrap it around one of her rings or her finger while she’s sleeping. You can always borrow one of her rings and bring it to one of our stores to be sized. Or ask her mother or sister - you’d be surprised what girls know about each other!
Before you buy, consider another commitment: the right jeweler.
At Helzberg Diamonds, we’re deeply engaged with our customers — we’ve been helping them with the most important decision of their lives since 1915. But experience is just one of the reasons to choose us.
- Quality: Our experts hand-inspect the craftsmanship and quality of every diamond we sell. We’re known in the industry for having extremely strict standards for diamond cutting. And many of our diamonds come with the ultimate assurance: a certificate of authenticity from GIA, IGI or Gemex.
- Exclusivity: When you want a ring that doesn’t look like everyone else’s, look for Helzberg Exclusives.
- Guidance: There’s a person behind every ring. Visit us in-store and take advantage of the Diamond Room. Or call us at 800-HELZBERG.
- Straightforward Pricing, Secure Shipping: We give you our best price first, every time. And we promise fast, affordable and secure shipping.
- Environmentally-Minded: We’re committed to doing what’s good for customers — and what’s good for the earth. Learn more about our corporate and social responsibility.
- Extensive Guarantee: We’ve been delivering 100% customer satisfaction since 1915 — with a guarantee that’s one of the best in the business. For 60 days, you may receive a refund or exchange for your engagement ring. And if at any time the diamond is lost from its original mounting during normal wear, it will be replaced free. All you have to do is bring your ring to a Helzberg Diamonds store every six months for an inspection, and it’s guaranteed for life.
- Trade-In, Trade Up!: Our generous trade-in privilege gives you the opportunity to upgrade your diamond engagement ring any time. (Imagine what a great fifth anniversary gift that would make!) You’ll get full credit for the original purchase price, as long as its applied toward the new purchase of another diamond ring that’s double the original price.
- Lifetime ECP: Keep your jewelry sparkling like new with our Lifetime Extended Care Plan. At Helzberg Diamonds, our success is based on building lasting relationships. We understand that a jewelry purchase is an investment — in yourself or in someone you care for. So we stand behind your purchase with a guarantee which demonstrates to you that we believe in the quality of our jewelry and value your continued business. Developed at the request of our customers, the Helzberg Diamonds Lifetime Extended Care Plan is an extension of this commitment.
- Insurance Replacement Estimate: We’re happy to provide you with an IRE, which is a quotation of the customary selling price and a description of your ring. It will satisfy an insurance company’s appraisal requirement and provide the information needed to establish a premium and settle claims, should you lose your ring.
- Financing Options: It’s a little easier to find the perfect ring when you find the perfect way to pay for it! The Helzberg Credit Card can smooth the way with special offers. Learn more here.
Are you as ready as you’ll ever be?
You’ve chosen a metal, an approximate carat size, a shape or two, and a style. You’ve figured out how much you can spend and what her ring size is. Now it’s time to find not just a ring, but
The Ring.
Check out our Engagement Ring Finder, an interactive tool to help you narrow down ring choices and find the perfect style. Or go for the tried and true: Shop our most popular solitaires.
Shop Helzberg Exclusives, for rings no one else has! And if you’re looking for a little assistance with the big question, we have 12 Creative Ways to Pop the Question. With the perfect ring and a great proposal, she’s sure to say yes!
