ENGAGEMENT RINGS

A classic diamond engagement ring with one elegant center stone usually weighs about one carat, while a slightly larger, two-carat diamond is also a popular weight. But there is no "right" size for a diamond or gemstone engagement ring. The best size for you depends on your budget, style and unique personality.

The amount you spend on an engagement ring is a personal choice that should take your finances and priorities into account. Beautiful engagement rings are available for a range of budgets, and our experts are happy to help you find the best value at a price you're comfortable with.

When shopping for a diamond engagement ring, keep in mind that the shape and cut of a gemstone are more important than its size. Even more important is your personal style and your lifestyle. Choose a diamond ring that fits your personality, whether that's a pink cushion diamond in a vintage gold setting or a classic round diamond in a sleek and modern platinum setting. And if you're very active, choose a durable ring with a low profile.

Traditionally, an engagement ring is what’s presented during a marriage proposal and a wedding ring is what partners give to each other during the wedding ceremony. It’s also common for an engagement ring to be more ornate than a wedding ring. One of our best selling combinations is a round diamond solitaire engagement ring paired with a diamond pavé wedding band. On the flipside, we have many customers who love to turn tradition on its head: some customers forgo the engagement ring altogether and choose matching bands. Other couples double up on sparkle, with stacking rings that bookend the engagement ring.

Diamonds for engagement rings and other jewelry come in round and fancy shapes. With nearly 60 facets to reflect light, round-cut diamonds have unsurpassed brilliance. Each of the fancy shapes—princess, emerald, Asscher, marquise, oval, radiant, pear, heart and cushion—is beloved for its own, distinctive look and style. There is no single best diamond shape for your engagment ring—choose the shape that speaks to your heart.

A popular engagement ring metal among Blue Nile customers is definitely platinum (or white gold for people who want a platinum-look at a lower cost). Over the last few years, however, rose gold engagement rings are a fast-rising trend. Rose gold was often used in settings in the late nineteenth century, and is appreciated today for its naturally romantic appeal that particularly suits rings with vintage-inspired styles. Most recently, yellow gold engagement rings are capturing the attention of people who appreciate the way this metal’s beautiful warm glow complements engagement ring settings with colored gemstones.

The 4Cs are the four main quality factors that determine the value of a diamond: color, cut, clarity and carat. The sparkle of a diamond comes from its cut and symmetry, while the carat size determines how big it'll look on your finger. Use the 4Cs to help guide your engagement ring choice, but—as always—the "right" ring is the one that reaches out to you, whether or not it's deemed a "perfect" specimen by experts.

Find your ring size from home using household items, or you can request a free plastic ring sizer to make sure your fit is perfect. Measure your finger at the end of the day when your fingers are warm, and don't forget to measure a few times for accuracy.