Diamond Engagement Rings and Engagement Ring Settings

Classic, radiant and eternal, a diamond engagement ring is meant to last forever. Only you can decide how much to spend, and it is important to clearly define your budget. Quality, however, should never be sacrificed. A smaller, well-crafted, classic and simple Affordable Engagement Ring may be more meaningful to you than a poorly-fashioned discounted piece that may not endure.

How Much Should You Spend on Engagement Rings? There is no right or wrong answer. Rather, the answer varies according to your personal finances and what you think is appropriate for spending on an engagement ring, Naturally, you would want the highest quality, most Inexpensive Engagement Ring you can find.

Once you outline a budget, you might decide to begin your ring search by choosing the centerpiece diamond. The diamond is the focal point of the Engagement Ring and the greatest part of your investment. When choosing a diamond, Zoara puts an emphasis on being an educated consumer. Define the characteristics that you find are the most important and work within your budget. We invite you to visit our Diamond Learning Center to learn more.

• Diamond Shape
  Diamond shape refers to the shape of the diamond when viewed from the top. Choosing a diamond shape depends first and foremost on personal taste. The most popular shape is round, but a number of other popular shapes include Princess (square), Pear, Oval, Heart, Asscher, Emerald, and more. Keep in mind that not all Settings are appropriate for all shapes. Some shapes require special mountings or more support in their settings. Make sure that the shape you choose fits the setting you have chosen, or vice versa.
  Learn more about Diamond Shapes

• The Four Cs
  

  
  

  A diamond's value is determined by four basic features: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat weight. These four features are referred to as The Four Cs.    

  
  

  Cut: The quality of a diamond's cut determines its brilliance. The best cuts are nearly perfect in their symmetry and proportion, causing the diamond to act as a prism and refract a high percentage of light.
  Learn more about Diamond Cut

  
  

  Clarity: Small cracks, fissures and scratches are almost always present in even the most perfectly formed diamonds. These cracks and scratches are referred to as 'inclusions' or 'blemishes', and can detract from a diamond's beauty and value. The highest quality diamonds are those with the fewest and smallest inclusions.
  Learn more about Diamond Clarity

  
  

  Color: Only the highest quality colorless, diamonds are 100% colorless. Diamonds with a low color grade may appear cloudy, milky, or yellowed.
  Learn more about Diamond Color

  
  

  Carat Weight: 'Carat' may be the most familiar term of The Four Cs. A diamond's weight is measured in carats. A diamond's price rises with its weight since larger diamonds are less common. While a diamond's diameter often increases with its weight, this does not always hold true.
  Learn more about Diamond Carat Weight

Rather than beginning by choosing a diamond, you might want to begin your ring search by choosing a Settings that fits your fiance's taste, character and lifestyle. Notice the jewelry she wears from day to day. Is it gold, silver, platinum? Does she prefer pearls, diamonds or gemstones? Get a sense of her personal taste by asking friends and family. Take note of her lifestyle as well. Is she active? If so, you may want to consider a more durable setting.

       

• Choose a Metal
  Platinum: The most durable, pure and hypoallergenic precious metal. Resistant to wear and tear. Relatively expensive.

             

  Yellow Gold: Traditional. Most common engagement ring metal. More malleable and susceptible to damage. Less expensive.

             

  White Gold: Classic, yet modern. More malleable and susceptible to damage than platinum, slightly more durable than yellow gold. Less expensive.

             

  Learn more about  Precious Metals

         
       

• Choose a Setting
  

  Solitaire: The most popular setting for a diamond engagement ring. Simple and classic. Features one centrally placed diamond typically held in place by prongs.

             

  Tension: Features one diamond that seemingly floats. The diamond is not mounted on the setting, but rather is suspended by pressure between two sides of a spring-loaded band. Small grooves in the band where the gem is held also act as a ledge upon which the diamond can sit.

             

  Side Stone: Features a centrally placed diamond accented by smaller diamonds along the sides of the ring on either side of the diamond.

             

  Three Stone: Showcases three diamonds meant to represent past, present and future.

             

  Pave: Pronounced "pa-vay". Features a band and/or diamond frame in which small diamonds are set very close together. The diamonds are embedded in small impressions made in the metal and held in place by tiny prongs or beads The effect is of a ring that appears to be paved with tiny diamonds.

             

  Wedding Set: An engagement ring specially set to fit with a matching Wedding Rings.

             

  Design Your Own Diamond Engagement Ring: Start with a Setting

         

Once you've picked out the perfect Setting and the right diamond, don't forget to order the ring in the right size. Read up on how to accurately or discreetly take her ring size in our Ring Size Guide.

For your convenience, we invite you to request a complimentary plastic ring sizer - simply Contact Us via e-mail or telephone and we will mail it to you right away.

Be sure to visit our Engagement Rings Financing page to learn how you can afford your very own affordable engagement ring.