Everything You Need To Know To Choose The Perfect Engagement Ring With Confidence. From Diamond Shapes To Ring Settings, We've Got You Covered.
At Washington Diamond, our experts guide you through every detail — from diamond selection to design — helping you find the ring that beautifully reflects your forever commitment.
Step 1.
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.
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
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.
Detailed grading report for the 4Cs
✓ Plotting diagram of inclusions
✓ Proportion diagrams for cut quality
✓ Security features to prevent fraud
Step 2.
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.
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 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 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.
When to Buy Your Ring
Plan to purchase your engagement ring at least 3 months before your proposal to allow time for resizing, customization, and engraving. For custom designs, begin 4–6 months in advance to ensure every detail is perfect.
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.
Ring Care & Maintenance
Regular cleaning keeps your diamond sparkling. Use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft toothbrush for at-home care.
