ENGAGEMENT RINGS FAQ

Engagement Ring FAQs

An engagement ring is likely one of the most valuable pieces you will own or purchase in your lifetime. It represents the intention to marry and the enduring and impenetrable love you share. High-quality metals, glittering diamonds, and vibrant gemstones all come together as rings built to last a lifetime. Shopping for an engagement ring is not a task to be undertaken without serious consideration. Our experts at Morgan Jewelers have put together a list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive here to help make your shopping experience easier.

Why Do We Wear Engagement Rings?

As far back as ancient Egypt, rings were commonly worn and given to represent eternal love, as their circular shape was a visual depiction of never-ending affection. In 13th-century Rome, the Pope mandated a waiting period between betrothal and marriage, which prompted the wearing of rings to indicate the upcoming nuptials. In 1477, the Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned the first diamond engagement ring for Mary of Burgundy, reportedly requesting the diamonds be arranged in the shape of an “M” as a personal touch. Victorian England ushered in more ornate designs. Nowadays, engagement rings are typically given as more of a romantic gesture and a symbol of commitment.

What Are the Most Popular Engagement Ring Cuts?

An engagement ring’s cut refers to the shape of the center stone and the arrangement and number of facets it contains. The stone’s cut helps to determine the overall aesthetic of the ring and its overall brilliance. The following are some of the most popular engagement ring cuts you are likely to encounter when engagement ring shopping.

Round: The classic round cut is the most popular, making up over 75% of all engagement rings sold. It is characterized by a perfectly circular silhouette with 58 individual facets.

Princess: The princess cut features a square silhouette that gives a wonderfully contemporary and architectural feel.

Cushion: Similar to the princess cut, the cushion cut is square but is distinguished by softly rounded corners, resembling a cushion, hence its name.

Oval: Wonderfully feminine and romantic, the oval cut features an elegantly elongated shape that retains much of the classic round cut’s brilliance.

Radiant: As one of the most brilliant cuts in the industry, the radiant cut features 70 individual facets and is characterized by a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

Emerald: Reminiscent of the Art Deco era, the emerald cut is rectangular. Its parallel facets create a mesmerizing “hall of mirrors” effect.

Pear Shape: As a wonderfully unique cut, the pear shape features one rounded and one pointed end, resembling a teardrop.

What Are the Most Popular Engagement Ring Settings

Everything other than the engagement ring’s center stone is characterized as the setting. A ring’s setting is designed to highlight the center stone's beauty and express the wearer's unique personality and aesthetic preferences. These are some of the most popular engagement ring settings you will have to choose from.

Solitaire: As a timeless setting, the solitaire features only the center stone and the band. This setting is popular and looks flattering on any bride’s hand.

Three Stone: These rings feature a large center stone flanked by two smaller stones, typically arranged symmetrically. This setting represents the past, present, and future of a relationship.

Halo: Halo rings are characterized by a center stone surrounded by smaller accent stones that increase the ring’s brilliance and make it appear larger.

Side Stone: Side stone rings feature accent stones inlaid in the band by pave, channel, bezel, and prong settings.

How Can I Save Money On My Engagement Ring?

Quality engagement rings come at no small cost, and many shoppers come in looking for ways to get the most for their money. There are many ways you can achieve elegance, brilliance, and boldness at a more reasonable cost. For one, you can avoid the more popular diamond cuts like round, radiant, or princess. These cuts are more expensive due to their demand.

You may also seek out diamonds with a slightly lower grade in color or clarity. This distinction is mainly imperceptible to the naked or untrained eye but can help you save a decent amount. You will also want to avoid micropave, as this design element packs lots of extra accent stones into small spaces. Three stone rings will typically come with a higher price tag because of the combined price of the three large gems.

How Much Should I Spend?

You may have heard the “rule” that one should spend two months’ salary on an engagement ring. For some, however, this parameter may feel too exacting or even restricting. A marketing company developed this perceived guideline for a DeBeers campaign to convince the world of the supremacy of a diamond engagement ring. However, we believe that the amount each couple should spend is unique to them. Perhaps you and your partner would buy a less expensive ring and spend more on a down payment on a house or an extended honeymoon. Whatever your preferences, it is vital that you sit down as a couple and discuss the budget you feel works best for both of you.

How Can I Make the Center Stone Appear Larger?

Several thoughtful design choices can make your stone appear more prominent if you want to play up the beauty and brilliance of your center stone without paying more for a higher-carat gem. Halo settings, for instance, create more surface area and shine around the center stone, giving it the illusion of a broader perimeter. You might also opt for center stone cuts with elongated silhouettes such as emerald or oval cuts. These stones take up more space on the finger and even serve to make your finger appear longer and more slender.

Shop Engagement Rings at Morgan Jewelers

Take the next step in your unique love story with the help of our team here at Morgan Jewelers. Each of our 17 jewelry stores is stocked with designer engagement ring collections that are certain to inspire awe. We are confident you will find your partner’s dream ring in our inventory, and our highly experienced and amiable personnel would be more than happy to guide you expertly through it. Set a reservation at your nearest location for a personalized consultation, or feel free to browse our products online.