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engagement ring buying guide

An engagement ring is one of the most important purchases you and your partner will ever make. Here's everything you need to know about choosing the perfect ring for your unique love story.

1 How to set a budget: engagement ring cost

there are no rules!

Despite the old adage of spending three months' salary, there's no hard-and-fast rule about how much you “should” pay for an engagement ring. Everyone's search is unique, and we understand engagement ring cost may be an important consideration in your journey. Our jewelry experts can help you find a diamond or other gemstone that balances size and quality at a price that fits within your budget.

2 How to choose an engagement ring stone

Learn the 4cs of diamonds

Understanding the 4Cs of diamonds will affect how you select your engagement ring. With any diamond, the 4Cs — cut, color, clarity and carat weight — work to decide value. Each factor plays a critical role in determining the brightness, fire and scintillation that gives a diamond that special sparkle.

Learn more about the 4cs

pick your diamond shape

From traditional to novel, engagement ring stone shapes help determine a ring's aesthetic. Choose from classic shapes, such as round, oval, cushion, princess and emerald — or explore more unique shapes, including pear, marquise, heart, radiant and Asscher.

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natural vs lab grown diamonds

Natural and lab grown diamonds possess the same physical, chemical and optical properties. The key difference between the two are their origins.

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gemstone engagement rings

There are a number of stunning stone choices for non-diamond engagement rings. A few of our most-loved gems include moissanite, morganite, blue sapphire, aquamarine and blue topaz.

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certification

Helzberg Diamonds is among a select few jewelers to meet the rigorous standards that come with being a member of the American Gem Society. A nonprofit trade association of fine jewelry professionals, the American Gem Society is dedicated to setting, maintaining and promoting the highest standards of professional behavior and ethical conduct.

3 How to choose a diamond ring setting

find your engagement ring style

Whether it's a halo, solitaire or three-stone, style refers to a ring's overall design aesthetic the setting helps create. Certain styles are simple and elegant, making them perfect for people who appreciate timeless beauty

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choose your metal

There are a variety of precious metals available for any style of engagement ring. The metal you choose will affect your rings design, durability and overall aesthetic.

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ring sizing guide

It's generally better to buy a ring a bit bigger, since sizing down is much easier than increasing a ring's size. We have some great tips and tools to help you measure or estimate the right ring size for your special someone.

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4 How to create your own engagement ring

Create your own

frequently asked questions

Diamonds can vary in cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Each one of these factors plays a key role in determining the look and style of a gem. These days, you can also choose from natural diamonds and lab grown diamonds that have the same chemical, optical and physical properties as their natural counterparts.

Create Your Own Helzberg Diamond Ring™ allows you to create a ring that's as unique as her. Our Custom Gemstone Jewelry lets you design a personalized piece of jewelry that includes a favorite gem, special birthstone or whatever you choose.

While diamonds are still the most popular options for engagement rings, some people prefer alternative engagement ring designs that showcase other types of rare gems. From precious rubies, sapphires and emeralds, to elegant aquamarine and blue topaz, there are a number of stunning stone choices for non-diamond engagement rings. Lab-created moissanite is also a beautiful diamond alternative for engagement rings. This magnificent gemstone delivers unsurpassed fire and brilliance and is second to only diamonds in hardness and scratch resistance, making it perfect for everyday wear.

Every graded diamond is inscribed with a unique grading number, assigned by the grading laboratory. This unique number links to a copy of the associated report held by the lab, which is often available online.

Many of our diamonds have been graded by some of the most trusted third-party labs in the industry, such as GIA® and GCAL. For every graded diamond we sell, we provide our customers with a grading report, which assesses a gem's quality based on several key factors

Yes. Helzberg Diamonds offers a great selection of beautiful jewelry that can be engraved, including engagement rings. When buying an engagement ring online, you will have an option to add a personalized engraving on the product page. You can also visit your nearest Helzberg Diamonds store to shop for engraved rings.

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shop lab grown diamonds

shop alternative engagement