How do we love white gold wedding rings? Let us count the ways! Available in multiple styles, a timeless yet trendy option pairs seamlessly with your engagement ring yet looks perfect standing alone. White gold wedding rings are an increasingly popular choice. Read on to find out why!

White gold looks amazing, but is it the right metal for your wedding ring? Let’s find out! White gold wedding rings are popular thanks to their icy color and how they enhance the shine of diamonds within the ring and adjacent rings. But beauty isn’t the only allure of white gold wedding rings. Their durability, as well as being lightweight, makes them the top choice of many with an active lifestyle.

Whether you want a white gold wedding ring to create a seamless look with your white gold engagement ring, you want to mix and match your metals, love the look of platinum but prefer a lower price point, or you simply love the look, we’ve got you covered!

What Is White Gold?

White gold happens naturally but is not a pure white metal, unlike platinum. (Want to know more about the differences? Check it out HERE). White gold is created when you mix yellow gold with nickel or zinc and is completed with rhodium plating. Essentially, white gold is a beautiful combination of alloys.

White Gold Wedding Rings Pros & Cons

White gold wedding rings are indeed fabulous! But like everything in life, they have pros and cons. Let\s dig in so you can make the most informed decision. After all, this is your wedding ring we’re talking about. It has to be PERFECT!

Classic White Gold Wedding Rings

There’s nothing like a classic! Classic white gold wedding rings are a simply sophisticated choice, perfect if you prefer a more minimalistic look. It is also a good choice if you want the focus to be on your fabulous engagement ring. Got small hands? This clean style will work well for you.

Diamond White Gold Wedding Rings

Looking to take the dazzle of your diamond engagement ring up a notch? You can’t go wrong with a diamond white gold wedding ring. The perfect way to up the dazzle and shine on that all important finger.

Did you forgo an engagement ring and you need your wedding ring to do the work of two? No problem! Diamond white gold wedding rings can do just that while highlighting your personal style.

Eternity Rings

Showcase your eternal love for your partner…and for sparkle with an eternity ring. Your go-to choice if you love endless sparkle, eternity rings feature diamonds that go all the way around the band offering, wait for it, eternal shine. If you need your rings to dazzle from every angle, you need an eternity ring.

Curved Wedding Rings

Curves. Are. In. Known as “V” or “Chevron rings,” these rings are designed with a curve to snuggly fit your diamond engagement ring (or any ring featuring a center stone). Available in multiple styles, these rings have one thing in common, they are fabulous! 

Curved wedding rings look great alone or paired with a perfect diamond ring, shine bright, and show off your unique style. 

Love this look? Shop these styles below and find more at JamesAllen.com.

Vintage White Gold Wedding Rings

Are you an old soul? Do you have a penchant for that old world charm? Do you want your something old to also be your something new? Enter vintage white gold wedding rings. While even rings as recent as the 1990s can be vintage, there are four popular eras of vintage rings: Victorian (1835-1900), Edwardian (1900-1920), Art Deco (1920-1940), and Retro (1940-1960).

Not to be confused with heirloom wedding rings, vintage indicates a nod to a certain era of time, while heirloom rings indicate they have been passed down through the generations. (We know what you are thinking, can a wedding ring be vintage and heirloom? Yep!)

Related post: Vintage Engagement Rings: Eras & Styles Explained

So get your vintage white gold wedding ring today because, as the saying goes, vintage is the new modern.

White Gold Wedding Ring Sets

Are you and your partner truly two peas in a pod? Have you become one of those couples that dress alike? Then you need to check out our matching wedding ring sets! Now when we say matching, we don’t mean the exact same ring (although you can do that too!), we are referring to rings that go together…kinda like you and your partner;-).

For the dazzling duo

The yin to their yang

The classic pair…with a twist

No matter your style or vibe as a couple, we have the white gold wedding rings to ensure you both shine bright.

How Much Do White Gold Wedding Rings Cost?

This is a great question but not an easy one to answer. The cost of a ring is personal and depends on the metal, in this case, 14K white gold vs 18K white gold, the style, and the number of diamonds or gemstones.

Classic wedding rings will be on the more budget-friendly side, starting at just over $200, while dazzling eternity rings will cost more thanks to the unending row of diamonds, and starting from around $2,000.

Another way to maximize your budget is to choose lab created diamonds, which will lower the price, as will choosing a design with fewer diamonds, for example, a half eternity ring that features diamonds on only the top half of the band.

Where Should You Buy A White Gold Wedding Ring?

Online shopping is not just convenient, it is often the most affordable option, particularly if you want to buy your engagement ring together with your wedding ring. This way, you can save money while being sure that your rings go together.

Shopping online also gives you access to an abundance of styles, customization options, and experts to answer your questions, often 24/7. Shopping online can be done alone, as a surprise, or done together as a couple.

Love the idea of online but aren’t sure it’s for you? Check out an in-person showroom of online retailers (such as our Washington, D.C. location), or if online isn’t for you, then head on over to your nearest jewelry retailer.

Wherever you choose to shop, make sure you get that perfect shine for that perfect partner.

Related post: The Best Place To Buy An Engagement Ring

FAQs

Is white gold OK for a wedding ring?

Of course it is! A white gold wedding ring will give a glowing, seamless look when paired with a white gold engagement ring. Or pair it with a yellow or rose gold ring to mix up your metals. And, of course, a white gold wedding ring can hold its own.

Do white gold wedding rings scratch easily? 

White gold wedding rings are popular thanks to their durability, making them great for everyday wear. However, they are still susceptible to scratching. White gold is less prone to scratching than yellow gold, yet more than platinum. The bottom line, wear your ring everyday, but wear it with care.

What do white gold wedding rings symbolize?

White gold symbolizes friendship, making it perfect for your wedding ring because, after all, you are marrying your best friend.

White Hot Thoughts

Beautiful, durable, and lightweight, white gold wedding rings are a great choice to seal forever with your love.  Match it to your white gold engagement ring, pair it with a yellow or rose gold ring, or let it shine on its own.

If you want a white gold wedding ring because it is a cost efficient alternative to platinum or you just love the way it shines, we have the style for you. So start shopping and find your perfect white gold wedding ring.

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Sarah Axelrad

With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.

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You’ve finally found “the one,” now you need to find “the ring.” This process can often have you feeling like Goldilocks. Looking at ring after ring, they are beautiful, but they aren’t quite right. So, it’s time to bring out your inner-designer and we are here to help!

We’ll walk you through the entire process (it’s WAY easier than you think!) and you’ll end up with the perfect ring. The only thing you will need to worry about, is how to pop the big question!

How Much Should You Spend On An Engagement Ring?

This is a loaded question if there ever was one. Here at James Allen, we believe you should spend as much as your budget allows. It doesn’t help that there are many myths on the topic: “You need to spend three months salary” or “the ring HAS to be big.”

Fear not, we are here to help guide you in creating beautiful, budget-friendly engagement rings. Because creating and buying an engagement ring should be an easy and even, dare we say, a fun process!

Related Post: How Much Should You Spend On An Engagement Ring?

How To Create An Engagement Ring Under $1000

Choose A Setting

First things first, you want to choose a setting. Solitaire settings are not only a great choice when working with a budget, but they are a classic, timeless style. They will also pair beautifully with just about any wedding ring.

Second, choose a setting under $300, which will allow you maximum wiggle room when choosing a diamond for your center stone, i.e. the main event!

Third, choose your metal. We recommend going for a 14K gold setting as these are not only the most budget-friendly, but they are durable, making them perfect for everyday wear. Looking for a metal that will not need replating? Go for yellow gold! 

If you feel like splurging a bit here, you can go for platinum. But keep in mind, this metal is as rare as it is beautiful, resulting in a higher price point. Love the look of platinum but not the price? Go for white gold, just keep in mind there will be future costs for replating. 

Related Post: White Gold Vs. Platinum: What’s The Difference?

Select A Diamond

Now for the star of the show, selecting your diamond. First off, we recommend going for a lab created diamond. Not only can it save you up to 30%, but it is 100% a real diamond in every single way. And just because you are on a budget, does NOT mean you have to compromise on color or clarity.

Want your diamond to punch above its weight? Go for an elongated fancy shape diamond, such as an emerald cut, oval, or marquise. These diamond shapes have large table surfaces, allowing them to appear larger than their actual carat size.

Related Post: How To Choose The Best Diamond Shape And Size For Your Finger

How To Create An Engagement Ring Under $1500

Choose A Setting

The first step is to choose a setting. Similar to the above, we recommend a solitaire setting of no more than $300. Not only are they beautiful and versatile, AND the most popular choice for engagement rings, they are also the most budget-friendly option around. Once you’ve chosen your solitaire style, you’ll need to pick a metal. 

Once again, we recommend going for gold here. 14K gold is popular, durable (making it an ideal choice for a ring that will be worn everyday), and available in yellow and white. If you prefer a more low-maintenance metal, go for yellow gold.

Love the look of white gold but want to spend a bit more? Or maybe you have very sensitive skin? Then go for platinum. This metal will be easier on your skin thanks to its purity, however keep in mind, this will also result in that higher price point.

Select A Diamond 

Now for the pièce de résistance! Selecting a diamond can be overwhelming, but we are here to help. We recommend choosing a round cut diamond. This diamond shape is not only incredibly popular and shines bright, but, when selecting a lab created diamond, you can choose a whole carat (or just under), and still get a high color and clarity grade.

Prefer an earth created diamond? The rules still apply, but you will need to select either a lower grade diamond or choose a carat weight under half a carat.

Related Post: Lab Grown Diamonds Vs. Earth Created Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

How To Create An Engagement Ring Under $2000 

Choose A Setting 

Designing an engagement ring with a higher budget allows for more options. In this case, you have two choices. You can go with a classic solitaire setting, choosing a budget of no more than $500 here, and use the rest of your budget to splurge on a big diamond. So if bigger is indeed better for your beloved, this might be the way to go.

Or, you can choose a setting with more sparkle, such as a pavé, halo, or side stone. These settings feature diamonds that will enhance the dazzle of your center stone. They will also come with a higher price point than the solitaire option, resulting in a smaller center stone diamond (if you plan to stay within budget of course).

In this case, you will need to choose a smaller diamond but can design a more unique looking ring. Whichever route you choose, your ring will shine bright!

Select A  Diamond

And of course, the main event! While a higher budget can mean you have more options when choosing a diamond, we still recommend going with a lab created option. Saving up to 30% will allow for a significantly bigger carat size and higher clarity grade.

If you prefer an earth created diamond, you will need to select a near-color diamond of SI1 or lower, and a carat size of 0.70 or smaller. We also recommend in this case, to stick to a solitaire setting so you are sure to stay within budget.

Factors To Keep In Mind When You Shop For An Engagement Ring Online 

There are multiple things to keep in mind when shopping for an engagement ring, especially online. Check out our tips below to ensure that buying your engagement ring is as seamless as possible…and even fun!

Related Post: The Ultimate Guide To Buying An Engagement Ring Online

Buying Online

Shopping online for an engagement ring has a number of benefits. First of all, if the proposal is a surprise, you can do your shopping whenever your partner is out. Midnight, lunchtime, while they are at work! The options are limitless.

And of course, buying an engagement ring online is great because of the seemingly endless selection of loose diamonds, settings, and ready-to-buy rings. Whatever you are searching for, shopping online will ensure a selection like no other.

Finally, shopping online allows you to take advantage of cutting-edge technology. At James Allen, you can view all our diamonds and rings in our highly magnified 360° HD Diamond Display Technology. This will allow you to look at every nook and cranny, so you can be sure you are buying your perfect diamond.

Access To 24/7 Customer Service 

Another great feature to shopping online, at least with James Allen, is access 24/7 to our excellent customer service team. Our experts are always available to answer any questions. So if you need to stealthily shop in the middle of the night, you can chat our experts with any to guide you through every step. Your secret will be safe!

More Engagement Ring & Diamond Variety 

As they say, variety is the spice of life. With online shopping, the selection of engagement rings and diamonds is seemingly infinite! Compare lab created with earth created diamonds, compare different styles of rings, and not just the ones limited to a display case. 

Thanks to online shopping, you can browse through literally hundreds upon hundreds of different styles, options, and combinations.

Added Technological Features

• 360° HD Diamond Display Technology: This technology allows you to view and compare diamond characteristics including: cut, color, and clarity, so you can make the best-informed decision.
• Real-Time Diamond Inspection: Browse loose diamonds with the assistance of one of our non-commissioned diamond and jewelry experts. Ask questions and review everything together, all for free!
• Virtual Try-ON: Don’t miss out on trying the ring on just because you are shopping online. See how the ring you design looks on your hand so you can make the most informed decision before such a big purchase. You really can try it before you buy!
• Free Engagement Ring Engraving: Give your engagement ring an added level of meaning with a personal engraving. Choose a special date or a private joke, and add it for free!
• Matching Bridal Sets: If you like things to match and you want your engagement ring to match seamlessly with your wedding ring, then online shopping is the way to go. Shopping online will allow you to easily see the recommended matching wedding ring when viewing the engagement ring of your choice.

FAQs

What factors do I need to consider when creating an engagement ring budget?

When creating an engagement ring it is important to remember the price of the setting is separate from the price of the diamond. A setting’s price will be affected by metal choice and style.

Styles with diamonds such as halo or side stone, will cost more than a metal-only setting such as solitaire. Additionally, a setting with more intricate details can cost me, even if no additional diamonds are involved.

When choosing a diamond, lab created options will cost less than earth created diamonds. And with diamonds, the higher the clarity grades and the heavier the carat weights, the higher the price point.

How can I save money when designing an engagement ring online?

Choose a simple yet stylish setting, such as a solitaire. This is by far the most budget-friendly setting (it is also quite popular). Then go for a lab created diamond, this will truly allow you to get more bang for your buck, saving you up to 30%.

Is it better to choose a diamond or a gemstone for my engagement ring?

This is a matter of personal taste. While diamonds are certainly the more traditional choice, more and more couples are choosing gemstones for a variety of reasons. Whether it is sentimental value, a desire to be different, or a wish to choose a birthstone, both diamonds and gemstones make great choices for engagement rings.

What do I need to keep in mind when choosing the style and setting for my engagement ring?

There are multiple factors to keep in mind when choosing a setting for your engagement ring. Cost, style preference, and of course, life style. If your intended plans to wear their ring every day and have a job that is very hands on, then they may want a sturdier setting, such as the bezel setting.

How can I be sure that I create an engagement ring my partner will love?

This can be tricky. Check out the style of rings and other jewelry your partner wears on a regular basis. Maybe get their friends and family involved. Have you had friends get engaged recently? Make sure to comment on their ring to your partner to get their reaction.

And of course, you can always design the ring together. Rather than ruining the surprise, creating a ring together can be a beautiful bonding experience.

Final Thoughts

At first glance, creating an engagement ring can seem like a daunting process. Even more so when you apply a budget to the situation. But thanks to our wide selection of settings, the options for lab created, as well as earth created diamonds, cutting-edge technology, and 24/7 assistance from our team of experts, making the engagement ring of your dreams is easier than ever. 

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Sarah Axelrad

With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.

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Emerald cut engagement rings are elegant, popular, and timeless. It is no wonder this distinctively glamorous shape has long been a favorite of royals, celebs, and of course, brides everywhere.

Emerald cut engagement rings favor an art deco style. Hugely popular in the 1920s, they are once again seeing a resurgence. Their long, clean lines, geometric shape, and brilliant reflections make them a fantastic choice. 

Named after the technique used to cut the center stone, emerald cut diamond engagement rings have an enduring style. Their many facts and straight lines also make them appear bigger and brighter than their carat size.

So whether you go for a classic halo setting or a modern east-west setting, your emerald cut engagement ring is sure to always be in fashion.

What Is An Emerald Cut Diamond?

So what exactly is an emerald cut diamond? Is it an emerald? Is it a diamond? Don’t worry, we’ll explain. We understand the name seems a bit confusing. Emerald cut diamonds derive their name from the technique used to cut the diamonds, which was originally used to cut emerald gemstones.

They feature long lines and a rectangular shape with cropped corners, which helps them be as durable as they are brilliant. Another reason they are so popular is that you can choose a larger size without a larger price tag. This is because of their lines, which show ample reflections and allow them to shine bright, showcasing their size better than their counterparts.

Glitz, glamor, and timeless elegance, an emerald cut engagement ring will never steer you wrong.

The History Of The Emerald Cut

Dating back to the 1500s, emerald cut diamonds are one of the oldest diamond shapes around. The technique for crafting emerald cut diamonds was originally used on emerald gemstones, to give more durability to the stone, long considered to be softer and more brittle.

The success of this technique caught the attention of jewelers and was quickly put into use for cutting diamonds. Eventually, the style of this cut created the name of the diamond we know today, emerald cut diamonds.

The cut then gained popularity in the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and has remained popular since then. From royals to your favorite celebrities, emerald cut diamond engagement rings are a style staple sure to impress.

Lab Created Emerald Cut Diamonds

Emerald cut diamonds are already more affordable thanks to the lower demand and losing the least amount of carat weight in the cutting process. Another way to save is to choose a lab created diamond.

Lab grown diamonds are popular for many reasons, including being a more affordable option than their earth created counterparts. Emerald cut diamonds, like all diamonds, whether they come from a lab or deep in the earth, have the same properties and visual appearance.

Another perk, lab created diamonds, including emerald cut diamonds, are far less environmentally problematic. Saving money, helping mother earth, and shining just as bright? Sign us up! Click here to check out our supply of lab created emerald diamonds!

Choosing An Emerald Cut Diamond: Pros & Cons

Pros Of Emerald Cut Diamonds:

• More bling for your buck
• Durable
• Slimming to your finger

Cons Of Emerald Cut Diamonds:

• More easily shows inclusions
• Better clarity requires a higher color grade
• Supply is not as plentiful as other cuts

Buying An Emerald Cut Engagement Ring

So you’ve chosen an emerald cut diamond, now for the ring. Where to begin? You’ve already completed a big hurdle by choosing your center stone. Now it’s time to choose the ring setting. Metal, side stones, styles, the choices can seem endless and overwhelming, but we are here to help.

While there’s really no setting emerald cut diamonds look bad in, below you can read about the settings that will best highlight your emerald cut diamond. Need some inspo? See examples in each section. From pavé to vintage, we’ve got you covered.

Pavé Emerald Cut Engagement Rings

A pavé engagement ring is a great choice as it will always up the sparkle. Keep the focus on your center stone while still having that extra wow factor. After all, bling begets bling, right? This elegant setting works in yellow or white gold, as well as rose and platinum. Amplify your emerald cut diamond while adding to its shine with a perfect pavé setting.

Solitaire Emerald Cut Engagement Rings

The solitaire setting is a fabulous choice as it keeps the focus on your emerald cut diamond. Simple and sophisticated, this setting works in yellow, white, and even rose gold, as well as platinum. A setting that is anything but basic, a solitaire engagement ring will always be in style.

Bonus, solitaires are a great setting for the budget-conscious as well.

Three Stone Emerald Cut Engagement Rings

If you love the bling of a pavé ring but want a bit more oomph, a three stone setting is for you. Go for a cohesive look by choosing emerald cut side stones or mix it up and contrast the emerald cut with shapes such as pear or Asscher cut.

Vintage Emerald Cut Engagement Rings

If your love of emerald cut diamonds comes from its Art Deco origins, the antique engagement ring is for you. Pay home to a by-gone era with an emerald cut engagement ring that captures that vintage feel with a modern flair. Make a statement with one of these sophisticated settings.

Emerald Cut Engagement Rings On A Hand

You love the shape of the stone but will it work on your hand?

Emerald cut diamonds have an elongating effect, making them incredibly flattering. If there is a concern or a desire to elongate the finger, then emerald cut diamond engagement rings are a great choice.

Because of their large table surface, they also appear larger than the actual carat size, so if you feel bigger is better, an emerald cut engagement ring will look fab on your hand.

Check out this inspo below and get your own!

FAQs About Emerald Cut Engagement Rings

1. Is emerald cut OK for engagement rings? 

The emerald cut is a great choice for engagement rings. Whether choosing a diamond or a gemstone, the emerald cut is elegant, timeless, and looks good alone or with additional sparkle.

2. Why are emerald cut diamonds cheaper? 

While historically popular and rising, emerald cut diamonds are not as in demand as more traditional round cut diamonds, for example. Therefore, the lower demand allows their price to be lower.

Another fun factor is that the technique used to create emerald cut diamonds loses minimal carat weight, so this low price comes with maximum shine.

3. Do emerald cut diamonds look better in white or yellow gold?

Emerald cut diamonds look great in both white and yellow gold so the real answer is, it is up to you! Yellow gold will bring out the color of a diamond more, while white gold will give your emerald cut diamond a cooler tone.

Many prefer white gold with diamonds because it will hide any possible inclusions the best. This is especially true for emerald cut diamonds with their large facets.

4. Is emerald cut classy?

The emerald cut is the epitome of class. Reminiscent of the many historical and current fashion icons who sport them, emerald cut diamonds and gemstones are as classy as they are iconic.

Final Thoughts

Emerald cut engagement rings offer timeless, elegant, and luxurious style. Bigger brilliance without the price to match, emerald cut engagement rings are perfect if you are looking for a center stone with a more durable cut, a diamond that shines above its carat weight, and a look that is classic yet modern.

Celebrate your love in style with an emerald cut engagement ring from James Allen.

Sarah Axelrad

With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.

More Posts

Our brides and grooms-to-be are choosing vintage engagement rings as their “something old.” 

As the saying goes, you can’t look to the future without embracing the past. Vintage engagement rings perfectly encapsulate the glitz and glamor of the time, transporting the wearer to a place of romance. Thanks to modern setting techniques and materials, the durability of these rings has greatly improved, allowing for more intricate craftsmanship.

Who doesn’t love a sparkly throwback? Our customers certainly do, which is why they’ve lavished the most praise on these vintage engagement rings. Let’s bring on the nostalgia and see why these antique beauties are making their way as the newest craze. 

Do Vintage Engagement Rings Have A Meaning?

True vintage engagement rings are usually recycled and passed down from generation to generation. That in itself holds significant meaning and symbolism for families and those who receive these stunning heirlooms.

You’re probably wondering if that means any ring can be a vintage ring if it’s 50 years or older. While any ring can be a family heirloom, vintage engagement rings are inspired by different eras from the past, and so the vintage title goes exclusively to these styles.

We’ll explain which era inspired your favorite vintage ring styles and how the designs have changed over time.

Eras And Inspiration For Vintage Engagement Rings

Aside from age, there’s not much to dictate style for vintage engagement rings. Even relatively modern rings from the 1990s can be considered “vintage.” But if you’re looking for a specific era’s inspirations, here are the four ages that modern vintage styles frequently emulate. See what catches your eye.

Victorian Era (1835-1900) 

In the Victorian Era, engagement rings vary widely in design and materials. Most Victorian rings were generally yellow or rose gold and often included diamonds. Rows, halos, and clusters of diamonds became popular during this era. So, in some ways, a yellow gold double-halo ring could be an example of a Victorian-inspired vintage engagement ring.

Edwardian Era (1900-1920)

If you’re into intricate, lacy designs, you’ll love jewelry from the Edwardian Era.

Rings from this period were generally platinum and included intricate metalwork called filigree in designs featuring scrolling, ribbons, and vines. Floral motifs were also popular. Although diamonds and pearls continued to be popular, colored gemstones appeared in jewelry more frequently. Old mine cuts, old European cuts, and rose cuts were the most common cuts for diamonds in this period.

Art Deco Era (1920-1940)

In contrast to the lacy lightness of Edwardian styles, Art Deco was all about bold geometry and repeating patterns. Instead of curvy, flowing filigree, Art Deco rings often included metalwork with repeating, sharp angles and tiny beads called milgrain. This style has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years. 

Step-cut diamonds like emerald and Asscher cuts became fashionable, and colored gemstones, especially rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, were especially popular.

Related post: Obsession-Worthy Art Deco Engagement Rings

Retro Era (1940-1960)

Before World War II, a few engagement rings featured a center diamond. However, after the highly successful De Beers diamond marketing campaign (to spend a month’s salary on the diamond center stone), which began in the 1940s, engagement rings almost exclusively featured diamonds. Unlike earlier rings, engagement rings from this “Retro Era” featured simpler designs. 

Solitaire rings and baguette side stones were quite popular, and the typical size of the center stone grew larger once the Depression ended.

Are Vintage Engagement Rings Expensive?

Authentic vintage or antique engagement rings can be seen as highly valuable, given some may be rare in design. However, they might still be considered second-hand and therefore not as desirable as a new engagement ring.

So how much will you spend on a vintage engagement ring? You’re looking at anything between $2,000 – $20,000. It all comes down to the 4C’s of your center stone and, of course, the ring setting itself (metal, added diamond accents, etc.)

If an authentic vintage engagement ring is too much maintenance or doesn’t fit your budget, we suggest buying a new one. There are plenty of stunning vintage-style rings available that will give you the aesthetic you want and can be customized to fit your exact preference. Buying your ring online can really get you the best ring for your buck with more options than in-store jewelers.

Vintage Is The New Modern

Vintage rings are appealing to many modern-day customers because they offer a wider range of styles. From Art Deco to Edwardian engagement rings, a vintage design on your finger will leave you feeling like you’re wearing a one-of-a-kind jewel. These 20th-century-inspired rings are a classic expression of the Victorian romantic era with their floral designs and lacey frames.

Alternative engagement rings are in fashion now more than ever. Why, you may ask? It might be the growing need for a sparkling ring that speaks to the wearer’s individuality, or perhaps because antique and vintage engagement rings are more sustainable overall. Both of these are true, but our favorite reason is that these period pieces are simply irresistible. 

Related post: Style Series: Inspired Vintage Engagement Rings

A Unique Aesthetic

Rare and timeless are just a few words to express just how unique your vintage engagement ring will appear, no matter the timeline. Whether your style changes in the future, the diversity of your ring’s personality and character will evolve with you. 

We all have our own tastes, and that is why you deserve to wear an engagement ring that embodies your unique traits through its detailed designs. 

More Than A Diamond

We know we’ve gone on and on about how unique vintage engagement rings are. However, when you take into account what your engagement ring means to you and your partner, there really isn’t a better way to express just how special and rare your love is than the very thing you’ll be wearing to show off that promise of forever. 

That being said, if you love the idea of a truly antique engagement ring, play around with different eras and do your research before you make the big decision. While a dazzling diamond sparkler might seem like the perfect choice, know that vintage engagement rings are also the ideal designs for gemstones too. 

Glamorous Beauty

Vintage jewelry tells a story and can be presented as a small piece of art on your finger. There’s something intimately appealing to the fact that your vintage engagement ring was created not only with the elements of the romantic era it is influenced by but the imagination behind its craftsmanship. 

Vintage-inspired jewelry certainly takes us back to a more glamorous time. We just need to watch films like ‘The Great Gatsby’ to be reminded of just how well a vintage engagement ring encompasses the very essence of what it means to be glamorous and in love. 

Your Style Statement

In a world where trendy engagement rings like sparkle-filled halos are becoming the norm, it’s breathtaking to stand out amongst the crowd with an embellished antique. 

Stars like Katie Holmes and Miley Cyrus have all worn stunning vintage engagement rings, with excerpt scrollwork, intricate detailing around the band, and center stones that would make anyone jealous.

Pros and Cons of a Vintage Setting

A vintage-style ring provides immense beauty and unique details. However, it’s always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s the right style for you.

Pros:

• Provides remarkable beauty and character
• Enhances the prominence of the center stone when well-designed
• Matches a time period or personal style preference
• Unique and intricately built

Cons: 

• Can require more cleaning and maintenance due to design details and crevices. 
• The setting can distract from the beauty and sparkle of the stone (if poorly designed.) 
• With an actual vintage setting (different from a new vintage style ring), additional time and expertise are necessary to ensure it’s well-maintained and securely holds the diamond.

FAQs About Vintage Engagement Rings 

1. What is considered a vintage engagement ring? 

A vintage engagement ring is a ring with an antique style, such as one that’s designed with inspiration from the Victorian, Edwardian, or Art Deco time periods.

2. Are vintage-style engagement rings popular?

Because of their timeless beauty, vintage engagement rings have always been popular.

3. What makes a ring vintage style?

Put simply, vintage rings are rings that have lasted through the years due to their beauty, craftsmanship, and distinct originality. While “antique” rings are generally defined as over 50 years old, the term vintage is thought to have a looser definition and can include rings from eras made after that threshold.

Closing Thoughts  

Inspired? We hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane and have come to love and appreciate the real vintage-inspired classics as much as we do. We’d love to let you in on a secret:

At James Allen, you can design your very own vintage engagement ring using our Ring Studio. Visit us here and have the time of your life customizing your unique sparkler. 

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.

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Ah, the beauty of a simple engagement ring! If you do it right, you don’t have to go over the top. After all, diamonds are the only way to achieve incredible sparkle. Simple engagement rings come in a huge range of designs. You can be assured that less is more.

What makes an engagement ring “simple”? For the most part, it means that it’s free of the more glitzy ring features such as pavè, engraved designs, halos, and multiple accent stones. Simple engagement rings are all about clean lines while also incorporating a limited amount of diamonds and gemstones.

This is the fun part: there are SO MANY types of simple engagement rings! Check them out below, and don’t forget to add your favorite to your wishlist on JamesAllen.com. 

Back To Basics

The Benefits of Minimalist Engagement Rings

1. Maintaining fewer diamonds is easier

More diamonds mean more sparkle but also more maintenance. Accent stones trap dirt and require regular cleaning, and the multiple prongs require tightening by a jeweler twice a year. The bottom line is: simple engagement rings are perfect for the no-fuss wearer.

2. All eyes on your diamond

Go all in on an eye-popping center stone. It will take center stage! There’s little to distract from your sparkling stone. Plus, with the money you save on accent stones, you can invest to the fullest in your dream diamond.

3. Your wedding ring has more pairing options

A simple engagement ring complements absolutely any style of a wedding ring. Your wedding set will look fabulous no matter which wedding ring to choose. Keep it simple? Glitz it up? Add gemstones? Play with diamond shapes? Yes yes yes yes. Flex your creativity!

4. Easier on the wallet

Less overall glitz means that there’s less upfront cost. There’s no need to spend a large part of your ring budget on a diamond-studded band. This frees you up to invest the lion’s share of your money in an incredible center diamond or gemstone! Pro tip: go for a lab created diamond to get a 30% larger diamond while staying in-budget!

We’ve put together a walk-through of our best and most creative simple engagement ring styles.

Solitaire Engagement Rings

Everyone loves the classics. And with good reason! Solitaire engagement rings are said to be the most simple engagement rings yet they remain perfectly elegant and timeless. The rings highlight the single-center diamond or gemstone like no other.

Unique Diamond Shapes

Diamonds come in a variety of stunning shapes, so if you’re thinking of adding some kind of wow factor to your simple engagement ring – this may be the way to go!  While round and princess cut diamonds are usually the most popular shapes for engagement rings, this may not appeal to every person.  

A simple band or ring setting will easily complement any diamond shape. Pick the one your heart desires, whether it be cushion, emerald, oval, Asscher, marquise, or pear. 

Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

Three stone engagement rings are the perfect way to keep it simple while still getting your diamond fix. The elegant combination of a large center stone and two smaller, identical side stones is undeniably minimalist. And yet, all those facets sparkle bright!

Now you may be thinking, how does this three stone engagement ring avoid overwhelming the eye? By sticking with a simple round cut diamond, you get a symmetrical, straightforward, and stunning ring.

Bezel-Set Engagement Rings

Did you know that bezel-set engagement rings are the second most popular ring setting? Why, you ask? Well, this is mainly because of its simplicity and modern look. It is also known to be the perfect ring for people who lead an active lifestyle.

This type of setting provides excellent security and protection for the center stone. It’s so versatile that it perfectly accommodates every diamond shape. Did we mention bezel set engagement rings will never snag on fabric?

Gemstone Engagement Rings

These simple engagement rings are rich in gorgeous hues. For anyone who thinks “simple” is a synonym for “plain,” our gemstone engagement rings will prove otherwise.

Gemstone engagement rings aren’t a new trend. In fact, for centuries, we’ve seen the most glamorous royals and celebrities styled in all kinds of gemstone jewelry. Unlike diamonds, unique gemstones come in a variety of colors, so regardless of the setting or style, gemstones make stunning center stones. Ever considered a sapphire engagement ring?

Split Shank Engagement Rings

Looking for a simple, yet unique engagement ring? You’ve come to the right place! There are various types of split shank engagement rings, but the most common is where the shank (band) splits into two. This creates two separate metal pieces that stem from the center diamond.

Its sophisticated look has won over many A-list brides including Beyoncé, Megan Fox, and Blake Lively. 

Swirl And Twisted Bands

A simplistic design but not too basic. These bands aren’t packed with diamonds, but they are packed with plenty of personality! Swirl and twisted bands typically feature a prong setting where the metal band is crafted in a way that gives off a half-circular “swirl” effect around the center stone.

The result is a modern, unique look boasting a highly secure setting.  Whether you’re looking for a striking and minimalistic engagement ring or a thin dual band elegantly twisted together to achieve a natural “woven” look, the options are endless.

FAQs

What is the most important factor to consider when selecting a simple engagement ring?

When shopping for a simple engagement ring, the 4Cs should be prioritized by the color of the diamond.

Can I add stones to my simple engagement ring later on?

Yes. The classic solitaire setting is the perfect fit for a simple engagement band, especially if you intend to set diamonds later on. Experts suggest that if you are considering this, make sure the band is thick enough to accommodate diamonds later.

Can an engagement ring be a plain band?

Yes. Engagement rings can be any type of ring type or setting. It’s most important to choose a style that you or your partner will enjoy wearing.

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Adam

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Fancy color diamond engagement rings are rare and unique, not usually part of the traditional engagement ring styles category. If you have your heart set on a fancy color diamond and want to know more about your chosen color’s symbolism, perfect shape, and metal setting, keep reading to find out!

What Are Fancy Color Diamonds

Fancy color diamonds are rare precious gems that come in an array of different colors. There are only 12 different fancy colored diamonds. However, each color has nine levels of intensity and 90 secondary hues. This means you can purchase a colored diamond from a faint color grade to an intense and vivid color grade.

Fancy Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings

Yellow diamonds have a higher market demand than other fancy color diamonds, making them slightly more common. Depending on their color grade, they may be less expensive than their colorless counterparts. To get the best value and look for your yellow diamond engagement ring, you need to have the perfect diamond cut and metal color.

Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

If you’re considering a stunning yellow diamond engagement ring, here’s what your ring will symbolize. Yellow diamonds represent love, happiness, and optimism, while yellow diamond engagement rings mean the beginning or the continuation of a long and happy relationship.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Yellow Diamonds

Fancy yellow diamonds shine their brightest when cut into the cushion and radiant shapes. These particular diamond cuts maximize the saturation of the color while still maintaining a fiery brilliance.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Yellow Diamonds?

Fancy yellow diamonds can look incredible set in yellow gold or lighter metals like white gold and platinum. For darker metals, it’s better to use a faint to intense yellow diamond, whereas lighter metals look exceptional with vivid to darker yellow diamonds.

Fancy Pink Diamond Engagement Rings

Unlink other fancy color diamonds; gemologists still aren’t sure what makes pink diamonds pink. Pink diamonds are one of the rarest colored diamonds that exist, rarer than every type of colored diamond, apart from red diamonds. Their rarity means pink diamonds are exceedingly valuable. But what makes them perfect as center stones for engagement rings?

Pink Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

A pink diamond engagement ring speaks volumes about the beauty and rarity of the love you share with your partner. Pink diamonds exhibit the qualities of love, creativity, and romance. There’s also a level of mystery and intrigue about these colored diamond engagement rings because the exact reason for the pink color is not completely known.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Pink Diamonds

In order to enhance the color of a rare fancy pink diamond, these diamonds will often be found in fancy shapes like emerald, cushion, radiant, oval, and pear shapes. Some of the most sophisticated pink diamond engagement rings are set with emerald cut pale pink diamonds.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Pink Diamonds?

Choosing the metal for your pink diamond engagement ring depends on the color grade of your pink diamond. However, one quick trick of the trade is knowing that any light metal, like platinum or white gold, will make a paler pink diamond look more intense. Deep-colored pink diamonds can be set with darker metals for a bold look.

Fancy Blue Diamond Engagement Rings

Natural blue diamonds are far rarer than one might imagine. A fine blue diamond of any carat size can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. If a blue diamond is the dream center stone for your engagement ring, remember, you can always invest in a lab created blue diamond. Lab grown fancy color diamonds are just as real as mined diamonds but will likely always be the more budget-friendly option.

Blue Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

Blue diamond engagement rings are said to represent faith and trust, two very important elements in any relationship. Blue diamonds are believed to help protect against misunderstandings and unnecessary fights- also a huge plus for a newly married couple.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Blue Diamonds

Blue diamonds, like most fancy color diamonds, are cut to achieve the best color possible. But that doesn’t always mean diamond buyers want the most intense or dark blue tones for their diamond engagement ring. For a softer hue, go for a round cut blue diamond. If you want a more vivid blue, definitely aim for fancier shapes like pear, radiant, and cushion cuts.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Blue Diamonds?

The most popular metal color for blue diamonds is white metals like white gold and platinum. As we mentioned before, these lighter metals will always help to highlight the color of the diamond and make it appear more intense.

Given that blue is a dynamic color, darker blue diamonds can be set in yellow gold without the metal diluting the color of the diamond.

Fancy Orange Diamond Engagement Rings

Pure fancy orange diamonds, which are extremely rare, are also referred to as “pumpkin diamonds” because these diamonds occur in the same tone and intensity as the color of a pumpkin. If you love fall colors, an orange diamond engagement ring may be just up your alley.

Orange diamonds have less than a 25% saturation of the color orange, which makes the orange a secondary hue. The primary color for these diamonds is often yellow, brown, pink, or, more uncommonly, the much sought-after red.

Orange Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

Having an orange diamond engagement ring means you’ll own a diamond that represents courage, good energy, and enthusiasm.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Orange Diamonds

Like most fancy color diamonds, having them cut into fancy shapes is the best way to enhance the stone’s color. If you want a show-stopping orange diamond engagement ring, try to set your ring with a pear, radiant, cushion, or marquise cut orange diamond. If you’d prefer a softer orange tone, go for the ever-popular round cut shape.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Orange Diamonds?

Pairing white gold with an orange diamond creates a unique effect. The diamond and metal create a stunning contrast which makes the diamond stand out.

Orange diamonds are flexible and can be paired with yellow gold, too. The diamond and darker metal blend easily, with the transition from metal to diamond occurring smoothly.

Fancy Purple Diamond Engagement Rings

Natural fancy purple diamonds can vary across the color spectrum from a very light shade of lavender diamonds to much deeper shades of purple, including violet diamonds. The deeper the shade, the more valuable the loose diamond or center stone is likely to be.

Purple has been associated with nobility, wisdom, and power for centuries. Purple diamond engagement rings are one of the more popular choices for the upper echelons of society.

Purple Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

Purple is a color that symbolizes passion, mystery, magic, and royalty, making it the perfect addition to any engagement or promise ring. It is also said that purple jewelry can bring a feeling of calm and help bring balance to your life or relationship.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Purple Diamonds

Purple diamonds are often light and pastel in tone, even with intense and vivid grades. A fancy shape cut is encouraged to keep your diamond’s value as high as possible. Like pink diamonds, purple diamond engagement rings look exceptionally chic set with an emerald cut center stone.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Purple Diamonds?

Purple diamonds can honestly look incredible in light and dark metal ring settings. But we believe a truly royal-looking purple diamond engagement ring deserves a bold yellow gold band with added diamond accents.

Fancy Green Diamond Engagement Rings

Green diamonds rank among the rarest and most valuable of diamonds. Green diamonds get their color from additional exposure to atomic radiation during their formation, which only occurs in a tiny portion of natural diamonds.

A green diamond engagement ring may seem an odd choice, but these diamonds are as rare and magnificent as your love.

Green Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

Green diamonds are symbolic of the natural world and harmony. There are many variations of green diamonds, as some have blue or purple undertones. Green diamonds also symbolize abundance, long life, prosperity, and strength. To wear a green diamond engagement ring is a sure way to bring this beautiful and positive symbolism into your relationship.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Green Diamonds

The most popular shapes for green diamonds include princess, emerald, Asscher, pear, radiant, round, oval, marquise, heart, and cushion. If you’re looking for the most recommended shapes, try radiant and cushion, as they complement the diamond’s color for your engagement ring.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Green Diamonds?

Fortunately, green diamonds are highly versatile and go well with any metal color. Green diamonds can have a contemporary look when styled with lighter metals and a more vintage feel when paired with rose or yellow gold.

Fancy Red Diamond Engagement Rings

The rarest of all the rare fancy color diamonds are red diamonds. These diamonds are highly sought-after and often only found a handful of times a year. Given that they are so incredibly rare and expensive, many diamond buyers will opt for a lab grown red diamond to set with their favorite piece of jewelry or their dream engagement ring.

Red Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

Red diamonds are a symbol of intense passion, power, creativity., and eternal love. They also represent repetition and ritual, a lovely nod towards commitment and perseverance in a relationship. A red diamond engagement ring would be a perfect match for someone who wants to live life boldly and to its fullest.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Red Diamonds

As a rule of thumb, choose a cut that would maximize the light that passes through your red diamond to reflect its fiery color better. Shapes like Asscher, emerald, radiant and oval cuts will emphasize the red color best.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Red Diamonds?

You can finish the warm color of a red diamond with almost any metal color. Try a yellow gold setting to give your red diamond a timelessly elegant look. White gold and platinum are also great options if you want your red diamond to have a more modern feel.

Fancy Black Diamond Engagement Rings

Black diamonds have a bold, captivating look. Their rich, captivatingly deep color lends an air of mystery and passion to every piece of black diamond jewelry. Black diamonds have paved the way as a non-traditional engagement ring trend, offering their wearers an alternative or edgy look. These diamonds are unique, with the same hardness and shine as colorless diamonds.

Black Diamond Engagement Ring Symbolism

Black diamonds have all the same meanings as white (colorless) diamonds, like love, strength, and faithfulness. However, their color gives them additional meaning. Black diamonds also symbolize certainty, passion, and longevity, all unique and powerful characteristics in an engagement ring.

What Is The Best Diamond Cut For Black Diamonds

The most popular choices for black diamond shapes are round, oval, and princess. A round cut black diamond engagement ring is perfect for someone looking for a timeless look. Whereas princess or oval cut is ideal for those looking to emphasize the unique beauty of this dark gem.

What Is The Best Metal Color For Black Diamonds?

There are really no rules for which metal will look best for your black diamond engagement ring. White metals, like white gold and platinum, compliment the diamond and give it a cool look while enhancing its boldness. Warmer metals, like yellow and rose gold, will contrast the diamond’s color and really enhance the depth of the diamond.

Can You Get A Lab Grown Fancy Color Diamond? 

Yes! Lab grown fancy color diamonds are available in every color and are usually the more effective alternative to natural fancy color diamonds. We’ve mentioned before how some of the rarest fancy colored diamonds are too exclusive, rare, and expensive to get without a massive bank account and the right connections.

So, if you’re set on a specific diamond color, and you want to choose your favorite cut, size, and metal setting, all while staying within your engagement ring budget, give a lab created diamond a try! 

We’re Here To Help

Finding the perfect engagement ring comes with stress, questions, and a lot of second-guessing. At James Allen, we offer you 100% free advice and will assist you in understanding the best diamond quality for your budget and unique preferences. 

Contact our customer service team and chat with non-commissioned diamond and jewelry experts 24/7 regarding any questions you have about buying an engagement ring online and the process around it. 

Happy shopping! 

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.

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Earrings are a perfect accessory to wear every day, bringing any look from blah to beautiful. That is why you want to make sure you are wearing the most flattering pair. Read on to learn how to choose the best earrings for your face shape.

You are uniquely beautiful: your taste, your style, your face. This is why it is important to choose earrings that flatter and highlight your unique beauty. Often when choosing jewelry we take into account many things, does it go with our outfit, is it right for the occasion, can we afford it?

But face shape, which is key for something like earrings, is often left to the side. In this piece, we will explain how to choose the right earrings for your face shape, so that you shine as bright as the pieces you love.

How To Find Your Face Shape

While we are all different, there are five main face shapes: round, heart, square, diamond, and oval. Determining your face shape will allow you the freedom to play and choose the most flattering earrings that also match your personality, lifestyle, and taste in fashion.

How Do I Determine My Face Shape?

Unsure what your face shape is? You are not alone! But never fear because we are here to help you figure out your face shape in just a few easy steps!

1. Measure from the peak of one eyebrow arch to the other FOREHEAD
2. Measure from the point of your upper cheekbone to the other CHEEKBONES
3. Measure your jaw across at its widest point (approximately an inch below your ears) JAWLINE
4. Measure from the center of your hairline to the bottom of your chin FACE

If the numbers for 2 and 4 are similar and are higher than 1 and 3, you have a round shaped face. If 1 is higher than 3, and 2 is about the same as 1, with a narrow jawline, you have a heart shaped face.

If all your measurements are similar, you have a square shaped face. If 4 is the highest number, followed by 2 then 1, with 3 being the smallest, you have a diamond shaped face. If 4 is higher than 2, and 1 is higher than 3, you have an oval shaped face.

Round Face

Round-shaped faces are greatly flattered by long, dangling or drop earrings, which have a lengthening effect. Long, slim earrings will compliment the roundness of your face’s shape. Tassels are another great, stylistic way to add a lengthening effect using earrings.

Most experts recommend avoiding rounder, wide, and chunky earrings, as these shapes can enhance the roundness of your face.

Check out these options from James Allen and check out our entire earring collection for more!

Heart Face

Heart-shaped faces are most flattered by earrings with a wide bottom, creating a proportional balance. Your face’s shape screams love, grab earrings that do the same by choosing earrings that start slim at the top and get wide at the bottom.

Check out these options from James Allen and keep in mind that earrings that stick close to the face like studs and clusters flatter equally as well.

Square Face

Square-shaped faces look great with earrings that Softline your beautifully strong jawline. Go for earrings that are round or have flowing styles with fewer angles. It is best to choose earrings that balance the strength of your face’s angles; hoop earrings are a great option here.

Classic yellow gold hoops or sparkling gemstone hoops, the shape of this timeless style will enhance any look while flattering your face.

Diamond Face

The highlight of diamond-shaped faces is usually the eyes at the widest part of the face. Enhance this gorgeous feature with earrings such as studs that stay close to the ear to create balance.

The key with a diamond-shaped face is to balance out the widths and angles. Sticking to simple, classic styles, that are also versatile, will best achieve this. 

Oval Face

Oval-shaped faces are flattered by the largest variety of shapes, both a blessing and a curse. You can wear almost anything, but the options are enormous! Studs, hoops, small drops, huggies and more all highlight your face’s shape.

Try these fabulous styles from James Allen:

But be careful, earrings that dangle too much or have a large drop, as this can elongate the face more than is desired.

The Best Earrings For Your Face Shape

FAQs About Earrings For Your Face Shape

Got some more questions? You’re not alone! See below for some more info on finding the perfect earrings for your face shape!

What earrings look good on any face shape?

Hoop earrings are a universal classic. Coming in a variety of sizes and shapes! Go for large, small, long, or round, classic metals or dazzling diamonds, you are sure to find the perfect pair to flatter your face!

Simple studs are also a fantastic choice as they look good on everyone! A cute pair of gold clusters, a great pair of gemstone studs to mark your birthday or a perfect pair of diamond studs to match your tennis bracelet.

What about bone structure?

Your face’s bone structure, while a clear part of your face shape, has additional considerations. A general rule of thumb is that the finer your bone structure, the finer your earrings need to be.

If you have a thinner bone structure, go for earrings that are more delicate, gentle, and thin. Faces with more medium bone structure should be like goldilocks, go for earrings that are not too thin but not too thick. If you are rocking a large bone structure, then go for those chunky earrings you’ve been dreaming of, your bones will support them!

What earrings make your face look slimmer?

No one style slims every face shape, however, a good rule to follow is to avoid round, particularly large round earrings. This shape will give the appearance of widening your face and make it look fuller.

How do I know which earrings look best on me?

The earrings that will best be on your face are the ones that make you smile the brightest! Choosing an earring recommended for your face shape is a great way to start, take into account your personal style, the event, and your outfit, and will sparkle as bright as a diamond!

What other factors should I consider?

Lifestyle, environment, personality, and skintone are all factors to keep in mind when shopping for earrings or any fine jewelry.

Your office may have a more conservative vibe, in this case, stick to classic styles in gold and save the more artsy, dangly pieces for after work. If you are more active or physically busy throughout the day, small studs and other earrings close to the face will be best to avoid getting in the way while still shining bright.

Earrings are a great way to express your personality as well. If you are more artsy, you may prefer something more dangly with more intricate detail. If you live for the drama, go for bold colors and shapes. Are you a classic? Go for those classic shapes and styles.

And of course, skin tone. Different metals suit different skin tones better. Cooler skin tones look best with white gold or platinum, warmer skin tones look best with yellow gold, and neutral skin tone looks great with both. Want to know more, including figuring out your skin tone?

Check out our blog HERE to learn how to choose the right jewelry for your skin tone.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to fashion, the rule is there are no rules. As we have seen, different shapes flatter the uniqueness of different facial shapes.

The thing to keep in mind while shopping is to look at earrings whose features are the opposite of your face. This way, no matter what your face shape, the earrings will balance out proportions and highlight your best facial features.

But no matter what your face shape is, the most flattering earrings are the ones you love! Whether long and dangly, spectacular studs, classic hoops, dazzling diamonds, precious pearls, or gorgeous gemstones, James Allen has the earrings for you.

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Sarah Axelrad

With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.

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Choosing the perfect diamond is already hard enough (no pun intended!), but as a global community, we have become more aware of where what we buy comes from. Read on to learn how to be sure you are buying a conflict free, ethically sourced diamond. 

Diamonds are the gift that keeps on dazzling. Your diamond should represent love and other momentous occasions, unfortunately, diamonds that come from conflict zones or unsafe conditions take away that dazzle.

Read on to find out about conflict free and ethically sourced diamonds. So your only issue as a conscious consumer is which diamond to buy.

What IS A Conflict Free Diamond?

A conflict free diamond is a diamond that has not financed a civil war. This term is in response to the infamous blood diamonds. Made famous by the movie of the same name, blood diamonds are diamonds that are mined in war zones and used to finance civil wars.

What Is A Blood Diamond?

Blood diamonds come from areas controlled by rebel and terror groups, blood diamonds are problematic to both human rights and the environment.

The conditions and treatment of workers in these war zones are horrific. Workers are underpaid and subjected to intimidation tactics and threats. Miners of blood diamonds frequently utilize child labor as well.

In addition to the horrendous human rights violations, blood diamonds wreak havoc on the environment. Regulations to protect the earth and air, particularly for surrounding areas, are wholly ignored.

The only concern when it comes to blood diamonds is their value and using this value to finance violence. Blood diamonds have understandably become a pariah of the diamond industry. Neither customers nor reputable retailers want blood diamonds. 

Are Conflict Free Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Conflict free diamonds are absolutely real diamonds. They are simply diamonds that have not been used to finance a civil war. Conflict free diamonds are available in both earth-created and lab created diamonds.

Where Do Conflict Free Diamonds Come From?

Diamonds either come from the earth or a lab. Earth-created diamonds are formed far below the Earth’s surface. They are compressed over millions of years and ultimately form the diamonds we know today.

Conflict free diamonds are diamonds that have been mined responsibly. Coming from countries that are certified by what is known as The Kimberley Process (see below for more), conflict free diamonds cannot finance civil conflicts.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) offers origin reports on some of their certified diamonds. These reports help to identify the country a diamond was mined in, as an additional step to ensure a diamond’s ethical origin. All diamonds sold by James Allen are certified by either the GIA, the American Gem Society (AGS), or the International Gemological Institute (IGI).

Conflict Free VS Ethically Sourced Diamonds: What’s The Difference?

Conflict free diamonds do not finance civil conflicts. Ethically sourced diamonds go further.

Not financing a civil war is hugely important, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Ethically sourced diamonds go further to ensure that diamond miners do not utilize harmful practices.

Miners of diamonds considered to be ethically sourced must abide by regulations to protect human rights, civil rights, and the environment.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Ethically Sourced?

Yes! Lab grown diamonds are conflict free and ethically sourced. So unless Susan puts her fish in the microwave again, everything about lab created diamonds is conflict free and ethically sourced. 

Because as the name suggests, these diamonds are created artificially in a lab, there are far fewer people involved than a traditional mine, no back breaking labor, and minimal environmental impact.

Advanced technologies are utilized in a highly controlled laboratory environment, which is able to replicate the process and conditions that bring earth created diamonds.

Lab grown diamonds are just as real as mined diamonds, with the same characteristics, brilliance, and sparkle, but at a much lower price point. It is no wonder their popularity continues to increase. 

FAQs About Ethically Sourced Diamonds

At James Allen we share your commitment. This is why we only offer conflict free, ethically sourced, top-quality diamonds.

What Is The Kimberley Process?

The Kimberley Process was created to increase transparency and oversight in the diamond industry. It is an international, multi-stakeholder initiative that was created to end the trade of conflict diamonds sold by rebel groups or similar, which fund civil war and similar conflicts.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme or KPCS, outlines the rules and minimum requirements that govern the trade of rough diamonds.

How Can I Be Sure I Am Buying A Conflict Free Diamond?

Research, research, research. In order to ensure you are buying a conflict free diamond, you need to look at the jeweler, vendor, or retailer.

Many retailers claim they sell conflict free and ethically sourced diamonds. But you need to make sure to ask questions. Do they provide information on where their diamonds are sourced?  Have their diamonds been KPCS certified? Do they go above and beyond KPCS certification?

KPCS is a great place to start. But it is not a full-proof system and has many loopholes that can be exploited. This is why James Allen goes above and beyond the KPCS.

Are James Allen Engagement Rings Conflict Free?

James Allen surpasses accepted industry standards so that we can offer diamonds, including our engagement rings, that have been carefully selected for their ethical and environmentally responsible origins.

James Allen only works with vendors that sign and comply with our proprietary Diamond Responsible Sourcing Protocol (DRSP), which ensures that they are in compliance with the Kimberley Process and are also committed to social and labor ethics.

In addition, James Allen is a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the world’s leading standard setting organization for the jewelry and watch industry.  

At James Allen, we have over 500,000 diamonds, all of which are certified conflict free and we are proud to go above and beyond many of the current industry requirements and standards to ensure we are offering you the best quality diamonds from the most responsible sources.

Visit our Education Center to read everything you need to know about selecting the best center diamond for you. You can also learn all about loose diamonds, engagement rings, diamond jewelry, gemstone jewelry, insurance, and more! And take advantage of our expert diamond consultants when choosing your conflict free James Allen diamond.

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Sarah Axelrad

With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.

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Just got engaged and want to share the exciting news with all your friends and family? We all know the feeling of wanting to show off your brand new, sparkling engagement ring. Check out our guide on how to take a picture-perfect ring selfie. 

Time to find the best angle, breathtaking background, and strike the perfect pose. And what better way to celebrate National Selfie Day than snapping a stunning engagement ring selfie. We do know this technique comes with its own challenges as we all want the picture to be flawless, especially for social media. Luckily we’re here to give you all the best tips and tricks to help you capture that perfect ring selfie.  Keep reading to see how to get #RingSelfie ready!

Natural Lighting Is Everything 

Good lighting is the most important factor, especially if you want your ring to radiate. And, the best place to capture the perfect engagement ring selfie is outdoors in natural light. As no filters are needed here, nothing will show off your engagement ring’s cut, brilliance, and sparkle quite like sunlight

However, if you’re in a rush and not outdoors, make sure to set up your shot near a well-lit window for some natural light. Artificial lighting such as a dim or yellow-toned lit room can lead to blurry photos. Also, many people tend to forget that what may look good in person does not always translate well in photos. 

Pro tip: Whether you’re inside or out, watch out for tricky shadows.

Find The Perfect Background

If you’re snapping the shot right after the proposal, we suggest finding that Instagram-worthy skyline or backdrop. After all, your engagement ring is the centerpiece of your ring selfie, but there is no reason you can’t enhance it with a gorgeous backdrop. 

If you do not have the ultimate background, you could always go with the lovely idea of using a prop. In fact, this is a great hack when you want your pose to look more relaxed and super natural. Some of our favorite props are coffee mugs, a bridal magazine, a glass of bubbly (you’re celebrating, after all!), or even putting your hand around your fiancé’s arm. The best is to try a few different backgrounds or props so you have plenty of options to choose from when you post it.

Pro-tip: To make your engagement ring selfie POP, why not try using bold, eye-catching colors as your backdrop? This is specifically for people who did not opt for a fancy color diamond engagement ring or gemstone ring which already features beautiful hues.

Pay Attention To The Focus

Another important factor in this process is to pay attention to the focus of the image. To get the photo perfectly focused, it’s recommended not to rely on the auto-exposure feature on your phone. Instead, want the focus and attention to be on your engagement ring. Simply, touch where you want the camera to focus and hold down for a second or two to get the focus and exposure to lock in place. If you have your fiance’ in the background, this trick will blur them and show off your dazzling new rock.

Experiment With Angles

Angles are everything! Don’t be shy to play around with different perspectives and angles to make sure you capture all the details and personality of your ring. Additionally, depending on the cut of your diamond, different angles will catch different light and create more sparkle. 

Pro tips:

1.  To show off the ring’s setting opt for a side shot, whilst a shot taken from above will highlight the diamond’s shape. 
2. To make your engagement ring look appear bigger, experts recommend removing all other jewelry so that the focus is entirely on the ring.

Nail The Manicure 

Of course, if your proposal is a surprise you may not be prepared with a beautiful, fresh manicure. But, if you do have some kind of idea that the big question may be coming soon, we highly recommend that your nails look fabulous! 

Nothing shows off your engagement ring bling like a rockin’ manicure. And, if you ask us, this is for sure a top priority for that polished engagement ring selfie.  

Pro tip: Choose a color that compliments your skin tone, or some trendy nail art. Just make sure all the attention is not averted from the bling.

Include Your Fiancé

While the engagement ring selfie is all about the ring, it’s important not to forget that this special moment is really about both of you. Make sure to feature them in your post, whether it’s mentioning them in the caption or including them in your actual photo. Some of our favorite customer ring selfies feature the newly engaged couple, and we love to see their bliss and excitement shining through. 

Feature Furry Friends

Who doesn’t love sparkling diamonds and adorable pets? And what better way than combining the two to create your greatest engagement ring selfie post? 

This is a two-for-one special of Instagram-able pictures: sparkling rings and adorable pets! If you have a sweet dog or cat who loves to be in the spotlight, consider including them in your special moment as a cute way to announce your engagement. 

Caption Is Key

Now that you have the beautiful photo ready to post on social media, it’s time to caption it. The caption to your engagement ring selfie should convey both this once-in-a-lifetime moment and something special that captures the love of you and your fiance. 

It can be sentimental or personal, humorous, fun, or even romantic – after all, this is your moment! Feel free to use emojis too.

Here are some of our favorite captions from our customers: 

• “Mom and Dad may be engaged, but I still get all the treats!🤪” 
• “He asked. I said Yes!💍💙”
• “Cheers to our next chapter 🥂💍”
• “Something magical happened yesterday…💍 ✨”
• “Does this ring make me look engaged?💍💎❤”

Additional Pro Engagement Ring Selfie Tips 

Now that you know how to take the magnificent engagement ring selfie using our tips above, keep these engagement ring selfie etiquette rules in mind.

• DO NOT zoom in – your picture will almost always come out blurry, out of focus, or pixelated. 
• Don’t be shy to edit the photo before posting it. There are many great apps and filters to help elevate the quality of your picture and make your ring truly pop. A little editing can go a long way!  
• Don’t forget to relax your hand. Trust us, we know the excitement but the ring selfie pose is supposed to be as natural as possible.  
• Avoid unsolicited bragging. By all means, show off that stunning sparkler but do so without going overboard. For example, don’t mention how many carats your diamond has or how much it costs. Of course, discuss this with close friends and family but preferably not on social media. 

Ring Selfie Ideas And Inspiration 

Show us your ring selfies! We love seeing your gorgeous JamesAllen.com engagement ring shots! Keep sharing them with us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first order!

Tarryn Snoyman

An experienced content writer with four years' experience, Tarryn enjoys educating and guiding jewelry shoppers, providing them with valuable insights and best practices for making informed purchases.

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Find out everything you need to know about morganite engagement rings and fine jewelry, from the stone’s history to its romantic symbolism.

What Is Morganite?

Morganite is a pink semiprecious stone and belongs to the beryl family, along with emerald and aquamarine. This stone is a stunning diamond alternative and comes in hues from orange to coral to salmon to subtle pink, although you’ll notice light peachy pink is the most common. 

This stone is relatively free of inclusions, given its desirable clear appearance. Morganite is essentially colorless, but the presence of magnesium creates its pink effect while the presence of iron impurities gives a slight yellow or orange hue, combining for the iconic peachy color.

Morganite Origin & History 

Morganite was first discovered on the coast of Madagascar in the early 1900s. It is currently mined mainly in Afghanistan, Brazil, and Madagascar. It was first named pink beryl- but later renamed by a famous gemologist, George Frederick Kunz who wanted to honor his patron, John Pierpont Morgan.

Morganite Characteristics

Morganite owes its beautiful salmon pink color to the presence of manganese. Usually, Morganite is eye clean, which means that no inclusions are visible to the naked eye at a distance of about 15 cm. 

Primarily subtle and pale in color, some of the larger specimens demonstrate deeper saturation. Skilled cutters can also elicit richer colors by cutting the stones a little deeper than the norm.

When he first discovered it, George Kunz conducted several different experiments with morganite to examine all of its unique properties. One such characteristic is its intense red fluorescence upon exposure to x-rays. 

Morganite Symbolism 

With its soft pinkish hue, morganite is often associated with innocence, sweetness, romance, and love. In general, morganite is connected to the heart and is attuned to the heart chakra– talk about a perfect engagement ring center stone. Morganite is believed to bring healing, compassion, and promise to those who wear it. 

Morganite is said to open its wearers to unconditional love while dissolving the ego. Though not an actual birthstone, morganite is said to be an excellent stone for fine jewelry and non-traditional engagement rings. 

How Valuable is Morganite Jewelry?

Morganite fine jewelry is often scarce, which is why many avid collectors are on the lookout for high-quality morganite pieces.

A morganite carat can cost between $200 and $400 and remains an affordable option for couples who want this stone as the center of their dream engagement ring.

When shopping for morganite fine jewelry or your morganite engagement ring online, remember that cut, color, carat, and clarity are essential for consideration.

Morganite Necklaces 

A morganite pendant necklace will be a stunning gift for anyone who has a refined sense of style. This gemstone’s peachy radiance is even more captivating when paired with a sparkling halo setting.

Morganite Earrings

Morganite earrings are not something you hear about every day, but it has grown in popularity across the world due to their brilliance and appealing feminine colors. Their durability and affordability also make them great for daily wear. Their beautiful, demure hues offer an excellent centerpiece to anyone’s gem collection.

Morganite Fashion Rings 

Whether the occasion is a birthday or an anniversary, this piece of jewelry will never fail to gain attention or make a unique statement. When crafted in rose gold or yellow gold, a morganite’s elegance magnifies. 

With a variety of options available in shape, setting, and design, you will certainly be able to find something that complements your personality.

Should You Buy a Morganite Engagement Ring?

Morganite has become a popular choice for brides looking for an alternative to the traditional diamond. Of course, the primary allure of morganite is its pink and peachy hues. If you’re attracted to color gemstones, it comes as a refreshing alternative to a colorless diamond or a beautiful and affordable alternative to a pink diamond. 

Morganite stones offer intense brilliance and sparkle and are low-cost which makes them perfect as budget-friendly engagement ring options. Because the gemstone is fairly soft, it’s important to have your morganite stone set in a four or six-prong setting to avoid unwanted chipping. 

FAQs About Morganite

1) Is morganite a durable gemstone?

Morganite is a fairly durable gemstone having a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Moh’s scale.

2) Morganite vs pink tourmaline, what’s the difference?

Morganite has a peachy-pink hue, whereas pink tourmalines can range from pale pink to bright pink. Also, morganite is a member of the beryl family just like emerald and aquamarine, whereas tourmalines are made of boron silicate minerals.

3) How to clean morganite jewelry?

Like most jewelry, the best way to clean your stone at home is by using lukewarm soapy water and a soft toothbrush.

4) What are the major sources of morganites?

Morganites are mined in Afghanistan, Brazil, Namibia, China, Madagascar, and Mozambique.

5) What does morganite symbolize?

Morganite symbolizes love, passion, romance, and innocence. It is believed that morganites are connected to the heart chakra and can bring unconditional love to couples.

Final Thoughts

Morganite is a stunning vivid center stone and at James Allen, we have all the tools and convenience you need to browse and design your own engagement ring online and find the wedding ring of your dreams. Visit us for all you need to know about diamond options, ring settings, your fine jewelry favorites, and more! 

Read on for more about this year’s top trends:

• Your Guide To Rose Gold Engagement Rings
• Unique Engagement Rings for the Non-Traditional Bride
• Fine Jewelry Trends To Look Out For In 2022
• 2022’s Top Engagement Ring Trends

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.

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Although you can never go wrong with a classic solitaire engagement ring, there are many brides who dream of an engagement ring that screams unique. We along with many brides-to-be are completely smitten with the non-traditional engagement rings trend, and we think it’s here to stay! 

Diamonds may be some girls’ best friends, but the truth is they’re not for everyone. Like your personal style, many women want to stand out with a unique or unconventional engagement ring. Although you can never go wrong with classic solitaire or pavé band, today those wanting to veer off the traditional path have no shortage of gorgeous engagement rings to choose from.

As we are loving the move toward gemstone engagement rings and alternative options, we’ve pulled together some of our favorite non-traditional diamond engagement ring styles. From contemporary settings to dazzling gemstones and everything in between, these rings will definitely be the statement you’re looking for. 

Shape Shifters

Did you know that diamonds come in a variety of beautiful shapes? While round and princess cut diamonds are amongst the most popular shapes for engagement rings, this may not appeal to every person but luckily there are many other shapes that are stunning and full of sparkle. 

If you’re thinking of going for something super unexpected with a ring with an extreme wow-factor you can choose from diamond shapes like pear, emerald, cushion, marquise, heart, Asscher, or even radiant cut.  

Thin Channel Set Marquise Shaped Engagement Ring

Cathedral Crossover Emerald Shaped Engagement Ring

Marquise Row Halo Engagement Ring

Comfort-Fit Bezel Set Solitaire Engagement Ring

Your “Something Blue”

Thanks to old traditions that have been passed down many generations, the color blue has been connected to weddings for centuries. It is believed that a bride should have  “something new, something borrowed, and something blue” to bring her good luck on the big day.

Luckily nowadays there are so many lovely ways to incorporate this custom into any wedding. Whether it be a small headpiece, beautiful nail polish, statement shoes, or an elegant blue James Allen engagement ring. 

If your desired shade of blue is sapphire, you will be guaranteed a one-of-a-kind engagement ring as no two sapphires are alike. Not only are sapphires commonly associated with royalty but they also have a symbolic meaning. Known as the ‘wisdom stone’, sapphires are said to protect against negative energies, attract blessing and indeed enhance wisdom.

So, why not be bold and different and choose a sapphire engagement ring? The perfect balance between classical beauty and contemporary expression

Sapphire Accented Falling Edge Engagement Ring

Vintage Round And Marquise Sapphire Engagement Ring

Another fabulous blue hue is Topaz. With its dazzling array of colors and luxe clarity, Topaz is also becoming an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings. Also known as the December birthstone, blue topaz is often perceived as a gift of eternal and committed love. It is also believed to symbolize loyalty, deep emotional attachment, and communication.

Blue topaz engagement rings are not only feminine, contemporary, and great for everyday wear, but they are also more affordable than diamond engagement rings. 

Blue Topaz And Diamond Accent Birthstone Ring

Bezel Sky Blue Topaz Cocktail Ring

Vintage 

Vintage engagement rings capture the perfect mix of “something old” and “something new”. No matter the style or design that captures your heart, vintage-style engagement rings certainly make a stunning, non-traditional choice. With intricate detailing and distinctive elegance, you as a non-traditional bride will be guaranteed a timeless engagement ring. 

Open Lace Pavé Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

Art Deco Inspired Octagonal Halo Engagement Ring

A Pop Of Color 

Colored gemstones can be a gorgeous alternative to a classic diamond engagement ring. In fact, gemstone engagement rings have been popular amongst many celebs and royalty for quite some time.

Not only do we love this magnificent trend, but stars like Elizbeth Hurley, Megan Fox, Kate Middleton, and Victoria Beckham are rocking beautiful gemstone engagement rings. In fact, colored gemstones have re-emerged as a popular choice for the modern bride.

At James Allen, we stock a stunning selection of gemstone engagement rings to choose from. 

Twisted Pavé Kite-Set Engagement Ring

Reverse Taper Milgrain Engagement Ring

Tapered Bezel Engagement Ring

Entangled Vines Engagement Ring

The Look: Girl With a Pearl

Much like other unique engagement rings, pearl engagement rings carry a lot of symbolism and meaning. Pearls are believed to signify purity, generosity, knowledge, and sincerity which are all important in a relationship with your partner.

Pearl engagement rings are now being worn by women of every age as they are not just a beautiful choice but are also totally timeless and chic. Whether you choose an exquisite antique design or a modern ring setting, there is definitely a variety of gorgeous choices when it comes to pearl engagement rings. 

Freshwater Pearl And Diamond Trio Ring

Freshwater Cultured Pearl Wire Leaf Ring 

Stand Out From The Crowd

Choosing an engagement ring that matches your one-of-a-kind personality is actually a lot more simple than many people think. Another alternative for non-traditional brides is opting for a different metal type, such as rose gold. Rose gold engagement rings are not only trendy and super popular right now but they are also available in a variety of styles and designs that are sure to make a distinctive statement.

Baguette Ballerina Halo Ring

Intertwined Bypass Tension Ring 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to picking the right fancy-shaped diamond for you, James Allen has all the tools and convenience you need to browse and design your own engagement ring online. Visit our education center for all you need to know about diamond shapes to fine jewelry, and more! 

Searching for more unique ring ideas? Browse on!

1. 9 Unique Wedding Rings That Make A Statement
2. Gemstone Engagement Rings: Things You Need to Know 
3. Fancy Shaped Diamonds: Discover Your Unique Style 
4. 10 Timeless Vintage Engagement Rings 

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Tarryn Snoyman

An experienced content writer with four years' experience, Tarryn enjoys educating and guiding jewelry shoppers, providing them with valuable insights and best practices for making informed purchases.

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When it comes to popping the question, anything goes. But what about the ring? Something as personal as an engagement ring needs some extra thought, and that’s where we come in. Join us as we explore the perfect engagement ring duos for same-sex couples! 

We’re grateful that love is anyone’s game, and each player gets their own unique story. What better way to express your personal love story and style than with your engagement ring?

But first, the usual questions. Who proposes to who? Are you both jumping on the trend of wearing engagement rings together? If yes, are you going the cute route with matching rings? 

Overwhelmed? Don’t stress. There’s really no right answer on how to propose or what engagement ring to get. All we can do is inspire you. 

Here’s a look at our top engagement rings for same-sex couples. 

Same-Sex Engagement Rings For Women

Now, it’s important to remember that anything goes with your unique proposal and the same should be said about your engagement ring. Here are a few categories we’ve outlined about engagement rings for same-sex partners. 

Traditional

For a classic proposal, one person would have a desire to be proposed to while the other would like to be the one who pops the question. If you and your partner fall into this category you’ll both appreciate the more traditional approach. 

Traditional rings are anything but boring. Classic solitaire engagement rings are a style that will be around forever. What we love about these rings is that you can pair this setting with just about any diamond shape and metal color. You can also opt for different prong settings to suit your individual style.

In the past, it was customary for women to wear the engagement ring as men would be the ones who typically proposed. However, for same-sex couples, there are really no hard and fast rules about this.

If you’d like to keep it within the traditional standard then your partner to whom you proposed to will be the one sporting the diamond ring you picked especially for them. Then you will get your wedding band once you’re married. 

Dual Proposals

In today’s society, it’s super normal to have the marriage talk as a couple and to decide together that it’s time to get engaged. That being said, it’s not completely uncommon for same-sex couples to propose to one another. In fact, it’s a growing trend that both partners will wear an engagement ring and we’re absolutely loving it! 

So what kind of engagement ring should you and your partner choose if you both plan to propose and be proposed to? 

We’ve got two answers. First, you could always do matching rings to make the moment even more memorable. Picking out matching rings is a process the two of you won’t easily forget. Also, knowing your partner has a ring exactly like yours will always remind you of them when you catch a glimpse of your sparkler. 

If you don’t want to match completely, you can always keep them similar by choosing the same type of ring setting and then adding in your preferred center stone of choice. 

Second, you can both buy rings that showcase your significant other’s personal style and preferences. Going with this option means that you both have more options to choose from in terms of ring styles and also customization. Say you love halo engagement rings but you’d prefer a gemstone center stone instead of a traditional diamond- your partner can make that happen by designing your ring online. 

P.S. If you love the idea of creating a customized ring from scratch, try out our ring studio for the ultimate ring designing experience. 

Same-Sex Engagement Rings For Men

Men’s engagement rings are a little more tricky than womens since they’re only just now becoming increasingly popular. That’s not to say they aren’t a thing yet, because they very much are on the rise. It’s more of a question of their style and what that’s supposed to look like.

Do men’s engagement rings keep up the concept that a diamond or gemstone needs to be involved in the ring’s design, or does anything go? 

We’d like to think it’s up to the individual. And for same-sex couples, the sky is the limit to the type of engagement ring style you wish to present your partner with. If you want to keep it traditional- diamonds really are for everyone! One of the most popular styles are comfort fit rings with added diamond or gemstone accents. 

Men’s Eternity Rings

Diamonds already symbolize love, commitment, and above all, strength. Now when they’re fitted in an eternity ring, your partner will know you’re in it for the long haul!

Eternity rings can be customized to suit your significant other’s personal style, from diamond cut preference to favorite metal color choice. The best part, they’ll be shining from every angle. 

An eternity ring is also the perfect style for matching same-sex couples’ engagement rings as they represent not only the time you’ve already spent together, but the long life you’ll enjoy together as a married couple. 

Alternative Metal Men’s Engagement Rings 

Gold may be the most popular metal but alternative metals like tantalum offer a more rich and masculine color which is extraordinarily appealing.

Tantalum rings for same-sex couples offer durability, comfort, and it’s a low-maintenance metal. This metal is also a budget-friendly option as it’s cheaper than platinum and hypoallergenic. As an engagement ring option, they’re perfect for easy customization. 

How Do I Find Out My Partner’s Ring Size?

Getting your partner’s ring size is probably one of the most nerve-wracking exercises before your actual proposal. Lucky for you we have a few easy tips and tricks to help you get it right the first time round. 

At JamesAllen.com you can request a free ring sizer from us which we’ll have sent to you to ensure you get the perfect fit! Or you can have a go at our virtual try-on, which should come with disclosure because it’s highly addictive!

Same-Sex Engagement Ring FAQs

1. Do we need matching engagement rings? 

The short answer is no. Matching engagement rings for same-sex partners is no more mandatory than it is for heterosexual couples. Matching rings is a personal choice you and your partner can make together. 

1. Which hand do we wear our rings on?

Same-sex couples have been known to wear their rings in a number of different ways. From the traditional way with the ring worn on the left hand, to both partners wearing their rings on their right hands. In the end, you should decide on the hand that is most comfortable for you. 

3. Should we shop together for engagement rings? 

You can shop together if you’ve both planned the style of your engagement rings or you’d like to be there to choose your own. Of course, if you want it to be a surprise you can always drop a hint to your partner and hope for the best. 

4. Do we have to buy each other engagement rings?

You and your significant other don’t have to buy engagement rings. Whether you don’t believe in the symbolism or you’re not jewelry folks, it’s always up to you! There are no right or wrong ways to propose, and it can certainly be done without a ring. 

What Are You Waiting For?

When it comes to picking the right engagement ring for you, your partner, or both of you, James Allen has all the tools and convenience you need to find the perfect fit. Visit our site for all you need to know about the different metals, styles, designs, and more!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.

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