• Step 1: Choose A Diamond

  • Step 2: Select A Setting

  • Step 3: The Finishing Touch

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Step 1.

Choose Your Perfect Diamond

Selecting the Ideal Diamond Shape

The shape of your diamond engagement ring sets the foundation for its overall style. From classic round brilliants to romantic pear shapes, each cut offers unique characteristics that complement different personalities and lifestyles.

The round brilliant remains the most popular choice for engagement rings, offering maximum sparkle and timeless appeal. However, fancy shapes like oval, cushion, and emerald cuts have grown in popularity for those seeking distinctive elegance.

Explore Diamond Shapes

Popular Diamond Shapes

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Understand the 4 C's

When shopping for diamond engagement rings, you'll encounter the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. These grading factors determine a diamond's quality and value, helping you make an informed decision within your budget.

✧ CUT - Determines the diamond's sparkle and brilliance

✧ COLOR - Measures absence of color in white diamonds

✧ CLARITY - Evaluates internal and external imperfections

✧ CARAT - The weight measurement of the diamond

Discover The Four C's

The Importance of GIA Certification

  • At Washington Diamond, we exclusively offer GIA certified diamonds. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world's most trusted diamond grading laboratory, providing consistent and reliable assessments of diamond quality.

    A GIA diamond certificate gives you peace of mind, verifying that your diamond is natural, untreated, and ethically sourced. It's your assurance of quality and value in your diamond engagement ring purchase.

  • GIA Certified Diamonds Include:

    ✓ Detailed grading report for the 4Cs

    ✓ Plotting diagram of inclusions

    ✓ Proportion diagrams for cut quality

    ✓ Security features to prevent fraud
About Diamond Certification

Step 2.

Select Your Ring Setting

Popular Engagement Ring Settings

The setting you choose for your diamond engagement ring dramatically impacts its overall appearance and security. From classic solitaires to intricate halo designs, each style offers unique benefits that can complement your diamond and personal taste.

Consider your partner's lifestyle when selecting a setting. Active individuals may prefer lower-profile settings like bezels, while those who love maximum sparkle might gravitate toward pave or halo designs.

View All Setting Styles

Popular Setting Styles

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Choosing Between Platinum and Gold

The metal you select for your engagement ring setting affects its durability, appearance, and maintenance requirements. Platinum and gold (available in white, yellow, and rose) are the most popular choices for fine jewelry.

  • Platinum Benefits

    Platinum is naturally white, extremely durable, and hypoallergenic. It's the most prestigious metal for engagement rings, offering a luxurious weight and timeless appeal that complements diamonds beautifully.

  • Gold Benefits

    Gold offers warm, traditional appeal with more budget-friendly options. Available in white, yellow, and rose varieties, gold can be alloyed for different hardness levels and comes in various karat purities (10k, 14k, 18k).

Step 3.

The Finishing Touches

  • When to Buy Your Ring

    Plan to purchase your engagement ring at least 3 months before your proposal. This allows time for resizing, customizations, and any special engraving you might want to add.

    If you're considering a custom design, start the process 4-6 months in advance to ensure your vision is perfectly realized.

  • Keeping the Proposal Secret

    Measure her ring size discreetly by borrowing a ring she wears or using an online ring sizer. Consider proposing with a loose diamond if you're unsure about settings.

    Pay attention to her style preferences in jewelry and clothing to guide your selection.

  • Ring Care & Maintenance

    Regular cleaning keeps your diamond sparkling. Use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush for at-home care.

    Bring your ring to Washington Diamond every 6 months for professional cleaning and inspection to maintain its beauty and security.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I spend on an engagement ring?

While the traditional "two months' salary" rule is often cited, the right budget depends on your personal financial situation. At Washington Diamond, we believe you should spend what feels comfortable while still selecting a quality diamond that will last a lifetime. Our diamond price calculator can help you understand pricing at different quality levels.

What's the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds?

Natural diamonds formed over billions of years in the earth, while lab-grown diamonds are created in weeks using technological processes. Both have identical physical and chemical properties, but natural diamonds typically hold their value better. Washington Diamond specializes in natural, GIA-certified diamonds that are responsibly sourced, as well as certified lab-grown diamonds. Learn more about our exceptional diamond collection today!

Should I ensure my engagement ring?

Yes, we highly recommend insuring your engagement ring. Jewelry insurance protects against loss, theft, or damage. Many homeowners or renters insurance policies can be extended to cover fine jewelry, or you can purchase separate jewelry insurance. We provide all the documentation you'll need for insurance purposes. We highly recommend Jewelers Mutual for your jewelry insurance as it covers loss, damage, theft, and more!

Can I customize or design my own ring?

Absolutely! Our custom design service lets you create a one-of-a-kind engagement ring. Work with our master jewelers to select every detail, from the diamond to the setting and metal type. Custom designs typically take 4-6 weeks to complete. Schedule a consultation to begin your unique design process today!

What if the ring doesn't fit?

Most rings can be resized after the proposal if needed. We offer complimentary resizing for rings purchased from Washington Diamond within the first six months of purchase. Some styles like eternity bands have sizing limitations, this is an essential factor to consider when selecting your ring.

Ready to Find the Perfect Engagement Ring?

With over 50 years of experience, Washington Diamond has helped thousands of couples find their dream rings. Let our experts guide you through the process.

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