Engagement Rings
Maybe finding an engagement ring feels like the most exciting thing in the world, or maybe it’s the task you’ve been dreading ever since you met your partner’s parents and realized this was the real deal. Either way, the Engagement Rings Web Guide makes it easier than ever to research and buy engagement rings.
Expand All Guide SectionsChoosing an Engagement Ring
Although it’s hard to find the perfect ring, the process of choosing an engagement ring can be smoother and more successful when you know where and how to look.
Insights for Choosing an Engagement Ring
- Even if you plan to surprise your girlfriend with a ring, it’s a good idea to find out what she likes by casually browsing together. Start with the Engagement Ring Builder to virtually create the ideal ring.
Top Sites for Choosing an Engagement Ring
For boyfriends getting ready to propose …
Let’s Get Engaged
explains how boyfriends can “step into the ring” with a mix of silly reminders (don’t cut off her finger to get her ring size) and helpful tips.
Adiamor
has a complete engagement ring guide that includes tips on how to choose a ring she'll like, even if it’s a surprise proposal. Adiamor is an online diamond dealer, but the advice is useful wherever you decide to buy.
For couples choosing an engagement ring together …
The Knot
is the Web site equivalent of a candy store for engaged people. Start with “Rules of Engagement” and move on to more complex topics, such as how to design an engagement ring.
New York Magazine’s
engagement ring buying guide explains and explores new ring trends as well as classic styles.
Who knew?
Vogue UK
reveals just how fabulous an engagement ring can be, especially when you lead a life of luxury like model and actress Elizabeth Hurley.
Buying an Engagement Ring
What should you know before buying an engagement ring? Where should you buy it? Explore the buying guides and online stores below for answers.
Insights for Buying an Engagement Ring
- Sometimes stores hike up the price on premade rings. Save money by buying your own diamond and hiring a jeweler to make the ring. You can even bring a picture of a ring you saw in another store.
- If you’d like to buy your diamond or engagement ring in person, the buying advice here can still be of value to you as you evaluate quality. Also visit the “Conflict-Free Diamonds” section of this guide to ensure you’re buying from an ethical dealer.
- Diamonds should be certified by the Gemological Institute of America or the American Gem Society. A certified diamond comes with a diamond grading report, providing proof of the quality of your diamond.
Top Sites for Buying an Engagement Ring
Blue Nile
takes you through each step of purchasing a ring, and its section on “Diamond Education” shows you how to evaluate a diamond. Engagement rings are also available for sale.
Union Diamond
sells certified engagement rings and certified loose diamonds. Find a guide on “How to Choose the Right Diamond” and an explanation of the 4 Cs (clarity, cut, carat and color).
Who knew?
New York Wedding Ring
is a company that lets you make your own—as in, literally craft your own—engagement ring. What better way to say, “I’m willing to work hard for this relationship?”
Conflict-Free Diamonds
There has been rising concern about the trade of conflict diamonds, or diamonds from African countries where the industry’s profits are used to support and fund wars. Now, various reforms ensure that you can purchase a conflict-free diamond.
Insights for Conflict-Free Diamonds
- A New York Times article, “Measuring a Diamond’s True Price,” discusses the controversy over diamonds purchased from African countries.
- The 2006 movie “Blood Diamond” thrust conflict diamonds into the spotlight; watch or download a trailer from the Apple Web site. Donna Leon’s popular Commissario Brunetti mystery series also dealt with the subject in “Blood from a Stone.”
Top Sites for Conflict-Free Diamonds
To learn about the initiative …
The Kimberley Process
unites individual governments and the international diamond industry to prevent the sale of conflict diamonds. Read about proposals and projects, and view a map of participating countries.
To buy conflict-free diamonds …
DiamondFacts.org
is the Web site of the World Diamond Council, a group of diamond industry members committed to regulating diamond trade. Find information about conflict diamonds, suggestions for making a difference and a buying guide.
Amnesty International UK
publishes a guide to buying diamonds that explains how you can avoid purchasing conflict diamonds. Don’t miss a section called “What the diamond industry has agreed to do” to ensure your dealer is adhering to the rules.
To help stop the sale of conflict diamonds…
Amnesty International USA
offers a PDF guide on conflict diamonds detailing actions consumers can take to ensure that retailers follow the standards and are honest about their product.
© 2009 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
