Engagement Rings FAQ

Engagement Ring FAQs

Your engagement ring is likely to be one of the most sentimentally and monetarily valuable pieces of jewelry you will own in your lifetime. Forged in high quality metals and typically inlaid with diamonds or other precious gemstones, these rings can be quite expensive. As symbols of your eternal commitment to your partner, your engagement ring is a piece you will be wearing for decades to come. It is essential, then, to do research on the type of ring that would best suit your unique needs. We have put together a list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we encounter here at Mitchum Jewelers to help make your shopping experience a breeze.

Why Do We Wear Engagement Rings?

Before you make this monumental purchase, you may want to consider whether the age-old practice of wearing engagement rings is something you feel aligns with your values. Since the days of Ancient Egypt, the circular shape of a ring has been known to symbolize never-ending love and commitment. In Victorian England, silver, wire, and precious gems were used to proclaim affections. The first diamond engagement ring is recorded to have been given by Archduke Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy. Today, diamond engagement rings are said to symbolize the strength, beauty, and everlasting nature of love and are given to represent one’s intentions to marry.

What Are The Most Common Engagement Ring Cuts?

An engagement ring’s “cut” refers to the shape its center stone is carved. Each cut has a unique silhouette and number of facets to reflect light and create eye-catching sparkle. The center stone’s cut serves to determine much of the ring’s overall aesthetic effect, as well as the price. The following are some of the most popular stone cuts you’ll encounter when shopping for an engagement ring.

• Round: The classic round cut is one of the most expensive and sought after cuts, making up around 75% of all engagement rings sold. It is perfectly circular in shape and has 58 individual facets for ultimate sparkle.

• Princess: Another of the most popular diamond cuts, the princess cut is characterized by a square silhouette when viewed from above, and an inverted pyramid silhouette when viewed from the profile.

• Cushion: The cushion cut is similar to the princess but features softly rounded corners for a shape resembling a cushion, hence its name.

• Emerald: Emerald cuts are uniquely shaped and one of the rarest diamond cuts available. They are rectangular and feature a stunning “hall of mirrors” effect created by parallel facets.

• Oval: The oval cut is essentially an elongated round cut, also featuring 58 facets and phenomenal brilliance. This cut gives the fingers a slender appearance.

• Pear Shape: This romantic cut is characterized by an elongated shape featuring one rounded and one pointed end. Pear shape cuts can range in proportion from short, wide stones, to longer, thinner ones.

• Radiant: Similar to an emerald cut in silhouette, radiant cuts feature softly rounded corners and have 70 individual, sparkling facets.

What Are The Most Common Engagement Ring Settings?

The ring’s “setting” is, essentially, everything other than the center stone. The setting’s job is to play up the beauty of the center stone and add even more personality and detail to the ring. There are a number of exquisite settings to choose from, each offering their own unique aesthetic effect.

• Solitaire: The most minimal engagement ring setting, solitaires feature only the center stone and an unadorned band. This setting allows the gem to truly take center stage.

• Three Stone: This setting is said to represent the past, present, and future of a relationship and features three stones: one large center stone with two smaller stones flanking it on either side. The center stone is the largest, so as to symbolize the importance of remaining present in the current moment.

• Halo: Halo settings are beloved for their ability to bring unparalleled brilliance to a ring. It is characterized by a center stone whose perimeter is lined with accent stones. This setting also serves to make the center stone appear larger.

• Side Stone: Side stones can be added to a ring via prong, pave, bezel, or channel settings. Side stones add visual interest to the band of the ring as well as extra glitter.

How Much Are You Supposed To Spend On Engagement Ring?

You may have heard the old rule of thumb that one should spend the equivalent of two months’ salary on an engagement ring. However, this “rule” was actually developed as a marketing ploy by the DeBeers Group to convince the world of the supremacy of the diamond engagement ring over other gems. In reality, the amount one spends on an engagement ring should be a price that ensures quality and reliability, but you should not put your new marriage in a difficult position financially. Discuss this with your partner because they may want to splurge instead on a lavish wedding, an international honeymoon, or a downpayment on a house.

How Do I Make My Center Stone Look Larger?

If you want a big, bold, sparkling center stone without the price tag, there are a number of ways to make your gem appear larger and brighter. One method is to pick an elongated cut. These stones serve to create the illusion of a bigger gem as well as make your finger appear long and slender. Halos also give the illusion of more surface area and add plenty of glitter and shine. Another hack is to opt for a thinner band, rather than a thick band, as this makes the stone look bigger in contrast.

Shop Engagement Rings at Mitchum Jewelers

It would be our pleasure to provide you with the engagement ring your beloved will be wearing for the rest of your days. Our Ozark jewelry store is stocked with a truly impeccable selection of carefully curated designer collections that reflect our high standards of excellence. Allow our team of amiable and experienced personnel to guide you through our inventory of bridal jewelry to help you find the ring that suits your personality, aesthetic preferences, budget, and lifestyle. Contact us for more information on our products and services, or browse our inventory online at your convenience.