Ready to Wear Engagement Ring Buying Guide
When searching for your ideal engagement ring, the experience is meant to feel riveting from the moment you walk through the showroom doors at Roman Jewelers and try on the ring that makes you want to say yes to forever! Here, each couple will explore an exclusive display of lab-grown diamond rings that we have already set, styled, and made ready-to-wear.
Diamond Engagement Rings Styles Couples Love in 2026
At Roman Jewelers, a diamond engagement ring is not just chosen. It is carefully considered, down to every detail that makes it yours. Trends for diamond engagement rings in 2026 are embracing styles that feel both personal and enduring. From classic solitaires to innovative hidden halos, today’s most popular engagement rings are all about intentional design.
How to Choose the Perfect Diamond Engagement Ring?
In 2026, more couples will choose to mix and match various design elements to create unique and special engagement rings. Pairing a traditional diamond with an unusual or contemporary design is just one way to achieve this goal. Making the engagement ring reflect the couple’s personality using unique features, including engravings and gemstones to signify importance, is another option.
We increasingly see frequent visitors walk into our New Jersey showroom with ideas for their ring, then later leaving with an even more distinctive piece than they had originally envisioned. Below are a few ways you can define your engagement ring style before visiting.
When you start to imagine the center diamond size or the details of the setting, take a step back and think about what catches your eye. The right engagement ring should fit your style perfectly. You will know when you find it. It will feel easy to say yes. This is often where the conversation starts at Roman Jewelers. Not with specs, but with choice. What do you wear on a daily basis? What does it feel like to be you?
Narrow Down Your Engagement Ring Style:
1. Classic and Minimal: Solitaire engagement rings
Solitaire engagement rings are a wonderful choice for people who like clean lines and classic designs. There are no distractions around a single diamond. This style is ideal if you like jewelry that is simple, elegant, and goes with everything.
2. Shiny and Detailed: Halo Ring Styles
Halo settings are excellent if you prefer a little extra drama in your daily wear. A ring of smaller diamonds surrounds the center stone. This gives the center stone depth and shine from every angle. For good reason, these are some of the most well-liked engagement rings. They look bold, stand out, and have a lot of detail.
3. Sleek and Modern: Bezel and Hidden Halo Designs
Modern settings, such as bezel or hidden halo engagement rings, offer a unique option for a contemporary appearance. A bezel setting surrounds the diamond with a smooth metal edge, making the design look clean and strong. Hidden halos add a little extra sparkle under the center stone, giving you that extra detail without being obvious at first glance.
The goal is to avoid following trends, regardless of your preferences. You should pick a style that looks and feels appealing every time you look at your hand. If you're not certain, trying on different styles in person can help you figure out what works best for you.
Common Trends in 2026 Diamond Engagement Rings
1. Personal Style Comes First
Couples are picking diamond engagement rings in 2026 that feel special from the start. They aren't just following one trend; they're combining things they like. That could mean putting a classic diamond in a modern setting or adding small touches that make the ring feel like it’s made for you.
2. Old Things That Feel New Again
Rings that look like they came from a different time are popular right now, but they don't feel old. Soft edges and chunky diamond cuts that look like they came from an old-fashioned time are all coming back in a way that feels new and classy. Many people who want something romantic yet different from the most popular engagement rings today prefer these styles.
3. Yellow Gold Is Back in a Big Way
There will always be a place for white metals, but yellow gold is clearly in the lead right now. It makes women's engagement rings look warmer, more intriguing, and a little bit old-fashioned. Many couples are also mixing metals, which gives the ring more depth and makes it easier to wear with other jewelry.
4. Sleek Settings for Daily Use
Looks aren't the only thing that matters in design anymore. Comfort is important too. Low-profile settings, split shanks, bezel designs, and east-west styles are becoming popular because they sit closer to the hand and are more comfortable to wear every day. People's expectations for engagement ring styles are changing because of these new designs.
5. Bigger looks or smarter choices?
More couples are trying to maximize their money while maintaining style. That means picking diamonds and settings that make the most of their size, sparkle, and overall effect. Finding the best diamond engagement rings is all about making smart, confident choices, whether it's about the shape, setting, or design.
Find a Jeweler You Trust in New Jersey
When you have the right help, shopping for the diamond engagement ring of your dreams is a whole different experience. You can move forward with confidence instead of second-guessing your choices, knowing that every detail has been carefully thought out.
From the very first step, Roman Jewelers in Bridgewater, NJ, wants the process to feel personal. You're not just looking at rings. You are talking about what you like, what you don't like, and what you want this ring to mean. That knowledge helps the experts point you toward choices that really fit your style and needs.
Collaborating with an experienced jeweler provides you with the clarity needed to make informed decisions. Working one-on-one with us makes things easier when it can feel overwhelming, like knowing the quality of a diamond or comparing settings side by side. This exclusive process ensures you choose a beautiful, well-made ring.
If you’re seeking customization, that's where the experience really shines for people who want to make something more personal. Through a custom design, you can make an engagement ring that feels like it's yours by combining elements from different rings or starting from scratch with your imagination. No matter which route you choose, expert craftsmanship is the end result at Roman Jewelers.
Schedule your visit with Roman Jewelers today to find your perfect diamond engagement ring.
Design Your Own Ring: Custom Jewelry Design & Build Your Engagement Ring
Making your own ring is a creative way to express individuality in a relationship by bringing unique aspects of both partners into the ring design process. Creating a bespoke engagement ring allows you to explore the love, memories, and experiences associated with your relationship and find a way to bring that vision to life. Custom design is a big part of who we are at Roman Jewelers in Bridgewater, NJ, and our expert design team is very intentional and thorough with every aspect of a couple’s custom-made engagement ring. Expect an experience unlike the rest when you step into our showroom. We focus on creating a design experience that captures both partners personalities and reflects the future you’re building together. Let's discuss how to make your dream ring, with all the customizations a bride-to-be wants.
Why Choose the Process of Customization?
When you opt for a custom design engagement ring, you are able to design a piece of jewelry that is truly representative of your relationship, rather than just following the latest trend. Many couples now prefer personalized engagement rings because they place great importance on being unique and having an emotional connection to the ring, rather than just accepting a mass-produced ring style that doesn't speak volumes to her personality.
By creating your own custom engagement design, you can add a personal detail that references your shared journey together, whether it is through the use of a specific gemstone, a personal engraving, or a design based on a specific moment from your life together. Unlike generic, mass-produced rings that are designed with the expectation that they will fit the general population. This level of intentionality creates a lasting testament to the couple's values, sense of style, and commitment to one another.
How to Design Your Own Ring with Custom Jewelry Design Options
When you decide to design your own custom piece of jewelry, you may have some questions. You may be wondering will I go about doing this? The answer is much simpler than most people imagine it to be. At Roman Jewelers, we start the process of designing custom jewelry with a consultation, where we will listen to the vision, inspirations, and ideas for your unique piece.
Step-by-Step Guide to Build Your Own Engagement Ring
Working closely with our experienced jewelers through our collaborative design steps will translate your creative visions into cohesive designs. Through a combination of sketches and advanced design technologies, your ring design will take form, and you will be able to physically see your design for the first time. The final product will match the CAD design precisely, and it will reflect your desired characteristics to the fullest extent possible. In the end, instead of making a selection from the thousands of ready-to-wear designs, you will have designed and created your own unique piece of jewelry!
Step 1: Gathering Inspiration and Ring Design Ideas
Your search for inspiration has started. You can draw inspiration from the current trends in engagement rings or from something that holds personal significance for you. Couples love to bring their inspiration to custom design consultations! Such items include inspiration photos of rings they have seen, heirlooms, or symbols representing their story. These details will be the starting point for your unique ring design.
Step 2: Choosing a Meaningful Center Stone
Next, a bride's most favorite selection! The next step involves selecting a center stone for the engagement ring. While diamonds are always a safe option, more couples are willing to use different colored stones to express their personality and to give added meaning to their ring. Your custom design consultant will help you select the shape, size, cut, etc., to ensure that the stone you select matches your lifestyle and concept of the dream ring design.
Step 3: Setting and Metal for Your Ring
Now you need to choose the overall look of your ring. You have the option to select from a classic solitaire style, a glamorous halo setting, a sentimental three-stone ring, or a vintage-inspired design. While working with the custom design team at Roman Jewelers, we’ll ensure you choose the ring that fits your vision and lifestyle perfectly. You will also choose the metal that complements your design best—you may choose to use platinum, 14K or 18K white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold. Each type offers its advantages in terms of appearance and durability.
Step 4: Verify Your Final Design and Get Expert Craftsmanship
Prior to the start of production, you will have the opportunity to review detailed CAD visual representations of your design to confirm that everything meets your exact specifications. After you have approved your final design, Roman Jewelers’ skilled jewelers will work with you to bring your vision to life with flawless craftsmanship and extraordinary attention to detail. The moment you see your new engagement ring, the final step of craftsmanship will leave you thrilled!
Tips for Choosing Custom Jewelry Design Materials and Styles
When designing a custom piece of jewelry, careful consideration of form as well as function can result in a product that meets both your aesthetic desires and your practical needs. Your day-to-day life may impact which styles and materials work best for you, considering how often you wear jewelry and how active you are during the week through work and activities. Finances also play a role in how the piece is designed; they will guide your decision-making process for stone quality and size, along with metal used, and how it should be set. This approach allows for maximum meaning or quality while adhering to a realistic financial budget.
It is important to find balance in the design process between timelessness and personal style preference. Classic silhouette designs are appealing for their longevity, while unique features such as setting styles, the presence of various metals, or special engravings offer character and uniqueness. By merging these two elements together, the end result will be an engaging engagement ring that has the ability to last through generations while remaining true to you.
The design professionals at Roman Jewelers guide customers through every step of the process and provide honesty about every design aspect, including beauty vs. durability, modern vs. traditional design styles, and creative vs. practical ideas. This careful consideration allows customers to create a finished piece that tells their unique story as well as expressing who they are, their tastes, and how they intend on wearing the completed piece over time.
What Makes Roman Jewelers the Destination for Custom Design in Bridgewater, NJ?
At Roman Jewelers, designing custom jewelry is more than a service we provide; it’s part of our heritage. Our family has been designing custom engagement rings in Bridgewater for four generations and has been doing so with decades of experience, passion, and a personalized touch.
Having learned directly from her father, Roman Shor, as well as upholding the family tradition of artistic and thoughtful design, Lucy Zimmerman leads a talented design team at Roman Jewelers. Rather than placing order requests, Lucy will work with you to hear your story, identify your lifestyle, and create a custom engagement ring based on that information.
The experience of creating a custom design with Roman Jewelers is like having a conversation with family. The design team inspires creativity, answers your questions, and focuses on designing a beautiful engagement ring that reflects your personality and love for one another.
Start Designing Your Own Ring at Roman Jewelers
Are you interested in designing a unique and personalized ring? Make your vision a reality by scheduling your custom design consultation with Roman Jewelers today! When you come in, you will begin the creative process from wherever you feel most comfortable—whether you have specific ideas in mind or just some general things that you like.
Custom Ring Design FAQ’s
1. How do I design my own ring?
Scheduling a consultation with an expert designer at Roman Jewelers to create your custom-designed ring in Bridgewater, NJ. Discuss with Lucy about the inspiration for your ring and the story of how you and your partner fell in love. Lucy will help you choose the center stone, type of ring setting, metal materials, and all other custom components of your ring.
2. What are some ring design ideas?
Although many people are interested in the classic solitaire engagement ring with either a round or oval diamond set on a simple band, there are a number of different styles and designs that can be created. Some popular ideas include vintage-inspired looks, three-stone settings, halo settings, and modern designs. Including family heirloom diamonds or colored gemstones will create a thoughtful custom ring design.
3. Why choose a personalized engagement ring?
Designing a custom engagement ring in Bridgewater gives you an opportunity to express and showcase your relationship's individuality and uniqueness. Roman Jewelers allows couples to design their custom engagement rings, reflecting both partners' styles, interests, and lives.
Learn more about the custom design process at Roman Jewelers here.
Everything to Know: Ready to Wear Engagement Rings for a Valentines’ Day Proposal
Popping the question on Valentine’s Day is effortless when shopping Roman Jewelers’ ready to wear engagement ring collection featuring natural and lab grown diamonds. Offering beauty, quality, and convenience for a perfect proposal without the long wait of production time.
New Jersey’s Top Engagement Ring Trends for 2024
We work with New Jersey couples every single day to find their dream engagement rings and we’re excited to share the most sought-after styles. This year's most popular engagement rings merge traditional grace with contemporary flair to suit a variety of tastes. Join us as we explore 2024 engagement ring trends at Roman Jewelers, where every ring is a symbol of love's enduring promise.
Three Stone Engagement Rings with Fancy Shape Side Stones
A symbol of a couple's past, present, and future, we’re seeing a new twist on the classic three stone engagement in 2024, especially in New Jersey. The current trend incorporates fancy shape side stones, the most popular being pear and tapered baguette, offering a sleek and sophisticated look that enhances the center stone's brilliance. This design not only adds depth to the ring but also allows for personalization, making it a popular choice among couples looking for a meaningful symbol of their journey together.
Diamond Band Rings
The diamond band has evolved from a simple companion piece to a standout trend. In 2024, New Jersey couples are gravitating towards bands adorned with pave diamonds for that extra glitter or larger stones for a statement piece. These rings are both versatile and classy, easily transitioning from day to night wear, making them a practical yet luxurious choice.
Halo Rings
The halo setting continues to enchant with its timeless appeal, and in 2024, it remains a favorite among New Jersey couples. This style, known for its ring of diamonds that encircle the center stone, not only enhances the design’s overall sparkle but also makes the center stone appear larger. It's a perfect blend of glamour and sophistication, appealing to those who love a bit of vintage charm in their modern love story.
Pear-Shaped Center Stones
Pear-shaped diamonds have been rising in popularity for a few years but are stepping into the spotlight in 2024. This distinctive shape, combining the brilliance of a round cut with the chic point of a marquise, offers a flattering elongation effect on the finger. This shape is perfect for couples seeking something both timeless and on-trend.
Mixed Metals
Two-tone or mixed metal designs have been on New Jersey couples’ radars for a bit now, but this year we’re seeing a new style emerge. Combining yellow gold shanks with white gold heads or vice versa allows for a customized look that can match any jewelry collection. This trend reflects a couple's desire for a ring that truly represents their individual tastes and styles.
Twisted Bands
For those seeking a symbol of their intertwined lives, twisted band engagement rings are a beautiful representation. This style features bands that spiral around each other, often set with diamonds for added sparkle. It's a romantic choice that signifies the coming together of two lives into one harmonious union.
Toi et Moi Engagement Rings
This avant-guard design features two stones of the same size set side by side, symbolizing the union of two souls. Perhaps one of the most customizable of this year’s trends, the two stones may differ in shape, color, or both, like this stunning Norman Silverman Sapphire and Diamond design. Toi et Moi rings are a deeply romantic and highly personal choice, perfect for those looking to step away from tradition and forge their own paths. Celebrating the Most Loved Engagement Ring Styles At Roman Jewelers, we're committed to helping New Jersey couples find the perfect engagement rings for them. Each selection in our collection is crafted with care, embodying the spirit of love and the excitement of a future together. With Roman Jewelers, you're choosing more than just a ring; you're embracing a design that speaks to your unique bond and the adventures that lie ahead. Stop by our store in Bridgewater to experience our contemporary engagement ring styles in person. Or browse our collection online so you can start narrowing down which one fits your lifestyle and aesthetic.
Choosing Your Bridal Jewelry
Choose a dress. Pick wedding bands. Decide on centerpieces. Find the perfect flowers. The list of things to decide when prepping for your wedding day goes on and on. There are so many options to choose from that sometimes it feels overwhelming when it should feel exciting to plan your special day. Let Roman Jewelers help take some of that stress off with some of our best tips for choosing your wedding jewelry. Of course, you can always visit us and have one of our amazing sales staff do the heavy lifting to hand-pick styles you’ll love, but if you’re more of a DIY bride, here are some of our suggestions.
First of all, it goes without saying, but the jewelry you decide to wear for your wedding should show off your individual style. You don’t want to look back on pictures and feel like you’re wearing some elaborate costume. That being said, you don’t have to stick with what you wear every day. Your wedding is the time to splurge on something you might not typically wear or be a little more extravagant than you normally would. If you can’t add a little extra sparkle on your wedding day, when can you?
Secondly, buy wedding jewelry that you can continue to wear. Just like picking a special perfume for your wedding day, the jewelry you wear can be a reminder of that amazing day anytime you put it on. If you choose something that you can wear again, even if only on special occasions, you’ll get to re-live your wedding day in a small way over and over again.
Our owner, Lucy Zimmerman, styled industry influencer, Courtney Lynn, from The Finance Brides @thefinancebrides for a bridal photoshoot at The Estate at Florentine Gardens. Thanks to White House Bride for dresses, and makeup and hair by Magda Designs. Keep an eye out for our inside takes from the day!
Engagement Ring
If you’re choosing your bridal jewelry, maybe you already have an engagement ring, but for those of you who are ahead of the game and are still at that stage we’ll have a more in-depth blog post soon with tips on picking a style. Our biggest tip, though, is to pick something you’ll get excited to see everyday. Your ring’s biggest job is to symbolize the love between you and your fiancé, and though any ring can do that, you want to love the look of it too. Whether you’re picking the ring out with your boo or they’re finding it solo, make sure you’re both on the same page with the style you can imagine on your finger for years and years to come.
BEHIND THE SCENES: The most important piece of jewelry for the day was the stunning engagement ring Lucy hand-picked for Courtney. This ring is designed to demand your attention (and, obviously, looked amazing in pictures.) The 3-carat center oval cut diamond is complimented by the cascade of oval diamonds on either side, tapering to a smooth finish meeting the band. This ring complimented Courtney’s natural beauty and, though it’s definitely a stand-out piece, didn’t overpower her or the rest of the beautiful things she wore.
Necklace
The necklace you choose is very influenced by the style of dress or suit you choose. While you can wear anything, there are some necklines that lend themselves to specific styles.
A short diamond tennis necklace looks great with almost anything, from strapless dresses to high cowl neck style, and can look amazing peeking through a button-up shirt if that’s more your style. This type of necklace is simple but always eye-catching, so it can be an easy choice for a bit of extra sparkle along with becoming a go-to after your wedding!
For a dress with a low neckline without a lot of textures, you can opt to add interest to the look with an elaborate necklace. Something with a lot of stones or a filigree-style design can become a focal point if you’re looking for some extra embellishment.
Sweetheart and V-shape necklines, a long or pendant-style necklace is a great way to accentuate the lines that the dress creates. Go simple with a solitaire diamond pendant, add some glamour with an intricate design or bring in a hint of color with a gemstone that matches your wedding’s color palette. Pendants can also be an extremely personal addition, such as wearing a diamond paw-print to represent your pet, or a custom-engraved bar with a family member’s handwriting.
With low-back dresses, it’s become common for brides to wear a lariat-style necklace so that it sits short in the front and hangs down in the back, accentuating the length that the backless look creates. A long strand of pearls can also look incredible when worn like this!
BEHIND THE SCENES: With a strapless dress like Courtney’s, the options are almost endless. We chose to have her wear an exquisite 16” Norman Silverman necklace with set marquise diamonds. Having the necklace sit close to her neck brought attention to her face while showcasing the strapless silhouette of the dress.
Earrings
Like necklaces, earrings are somewhat dependent on what hairstyle you decide on. It can even go the other way and help you decide on a hairdo if you find earrings you really love first. Our biggest tip, though, is to find earrings that stay on securely so you can party the night away without worrying that you’ll lose one on the dancefloor.
Up-dos lend themselves nicely to dangling earrings, since they won’t be getting caught in your hair and can help to frame your face. They can also add a touch of movement to hairstyles that are more stationary. For a simpler look we love a dangling straight line of diamonds or for some added embellishment pick a pair with multiple moving pieces or a brightly colored gemstone!
With your hair down, we love the look of cluster stud earrings. This style shows hints of glimmer through your hair and adds a bit of sparkle to those close-up photos. The great thing about this style is that they come in all shapes and sizes. You truly can be as ornate or as simple as you want!
Whatever your hairstyle, you can always go with a pair of studs! Upgrade your pair of diamond studs or find a gemstone with a significance that’s important to you to bring you a little peace or happiness on your day!
BEHIND THE SCENES: You really can’t ever go wrong with diamond hoops, and our owner agreed, styling our beautiful bride in medium-sized hoops with a lot of sparkle. The earrings were the perfect size but add the maximum amount of glimmer since it’s set with larger round diamonds.
Bracelet
Bracelets aren’t always necessary or practical depending on your sleeves, but it can be fantastic to add some bling to balance out your incredible engagement ring and wedding band. They’re also one of the only pieces of your jewelry you’ll be able to see without looking in the mirror, so you can enjoy the sparkle along with your guests.
Just like a tennis necklace, a diamond tennis bracelet goes with anything. They also come in any carat weight you could want, from a thinner 1.00 carat total weight to 10 carats and above! They’ve also become a popular gift for a groom to give to their soon-to-be wife on the morning of the wedding so that she can have this special connection to a bracelet that can also be worn daily.
Customized bracelets are also a great way to add sentiment to your outfit. Similar to how you can incorporate something significant in a pendant necklace, you can get a bracelet that features a charm with meaning or something custom engraved to carry that with you down the aisle. Solid bangle bracelets have become very popular for this purpose.
BEHIND THE SCENES: The final staple of our photoshoot look was the stunning diamond bracelet that Courtney wore. With the mix of diamond shapes and the use of open space in the wide design it was perfect to complement the texture of the dress. It also balanced out the sparkle of the superb engagement ring on her other hand and matched the glitz of the necklace and earrings.
Extras
You don’t have to stick to the basics for your bridal jewelry! For a beach wedding or while wearing a dress with a leg slit you can dress up your lower half with a cute diamond anklet. Body jewelry like nose and lip piercings can also be an important part of your self-expression and getting a special piece to match your wedding look can be the metaphorical icing on the cake. You should accessorize with whatever makes you feel like the best version of you.
Jewelry for him
Jewelry truly is for everyone. Even if a groom doesn’t typically wear anything special, his wedding is a perfect time to accessorize. That can mean wearing something traditional like nice cufflinks or a new watch. That can also mean donning a flashy gold bracelet, an in-trend pearl necklace, or shiny diamond stud earrings.
Advice on Buying an Engagement Ring
Congratulations on your decision to purchase an engagement ring! Below are some important tips to keep in mind as you begin your search.
Set a Budget
Before you start shopping, establish a budget that you’re comfortable with. Engagement rings can be a significant investment, so consider your financial situation carefully and determine what you can realistically afford.
Research Diamond Quality
If you’re planning to purchase a diamond engagement ring, take time to learn about the 4Cs—cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. Each factor affects the value and appearance of a diamond. Be sure to understand the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds as well.
Consider the Style
Engagement rings come in many styles, from classic solitaires to intricate designs featuring multiple diamonds or gemstones. Think about your partner’s personal taste. You can ask friends or family for guidance or observe the jewelry they already wear.
Choose a Reputable Jeweler
Selecting a trusted jeweler—like Roman Jewelers—is essential. Look for positive reviews, a strong reputation, and certifications from organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which grades both natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Get the Ring Insured
After purchasing the ring, be sure to insure it. Insurance protects your investment in case of loss, theft, or damage. Some jewelers offer insurance options, or you may purchase coverage through a third-party provider.
Most importantly, choose a ring that your partner will love and cherish for a lifetime. Take your time, do your research, and enjoy the experience of selecting the perfect engagement ring.
Tips on Keeping your Diamond Engagement Ring Looking its Best
Your Engagement Ring. Things to consider…
When we think of a perfect engagement ring, we mostly think of the style of the ring and the shape and size of the diamond.The thought of the ring's durability hardly ever crosses our minds. However, what other piece of jewelry do you wear as often as your engagement ring?!Let's talk today about how you can keep your engagement ring's durability and for it to look great every day.Diamond rings, in general, and diamond engagement rings are meant to be enjoyed! That’s why so many of us wear our jewelry every day. When you wear your diamond ring this much, it becomes subject to wear and tear. Every time you bump, rub or scratch your jewelry you may be causing some harm. This happens mostly with rings…especially, engagement rings.
Purchasing an Engagement Ring that will last a lifetime.
When you're shopping for an engagement ring, keep in mind that this fine piece of jewelry will be worn every day. It should be comfortable, flattering, and durable enough to withstand the rigors of daily wear. Of course, you also want the ring to be a symbol of your love and commitment, which is why many couples choose a diamond engagement ring.Diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth, so they're very resistant to scratching and chipping. Diamonds' resistance does not mean it is indestructible. Diamonds can break, get scratched, or be chipped. That means that you will have to take good care of your diamond and your engagement ring so that you will be able to enjoy your ring for years to come.
See today's diamond availability and pricing
Diamond shapes
Round and oval diamonds
Diamond Shapes
Round diamonds are the most popular shape for engagement rings, and they are also the most durable. The round shape means that there are no sharp corners or edges that can get caught on things or break. As such, diamonds with no corners (round and oval shapes) or smooth corners (cushion cut) have less of a chance to be damaged.Princess cutPrincess cut diamonds are also very durable, but they have more edges than a round diamond, so they require a bit more attention.Emerald, pear, and marquise shape diamondsEmerald, pear, and marquise diamonds have pointed corners that can sometimes chip or break if they are hit hard enough. So if you're looking for a durable engagement ring, that is something you may want to consider. Speak with your jewelry consultant about a setting that will not only look lovely, but perhaps protect your diamond as well.
Metals
Precious Metal: Gold
When you're shopping for engagement rings, it's important to think about the durability of the setting. The setting is what holds the diamond in place, so you want to make sure it's strong enough to stand up to everyday wear and tear. 14K and 18K gold are both popular choices for engagement ring settings, but they differ in terms of strength and durability.To understand the strength and durability of metals most often used in engagement rings, let's talk about metallurgy - a study of metals - and briefly discuss the two metals most often used in jewelry making-- gold and platinum.GoldGold has been a popular choice for engagement rings for centuries, being a symbol of wealth and success. As such, the engagement ring setting made of gold conveys status and prestige. With all these benefits, it's no wonder that gold is such a popular choice for engagement rings. There are many reasons for this.Gold is an enduring metal that will last a lifetime, and it can be polished and repolished to restore its original luster. Gold is also a very malleable metal, which means it can be shaped into a wide variety of designs. In addition, gold is hypoallergenic, meaning it is unlikely to cause skin irritation or other allergic reactions (unless you are allergic to the metals in the alloys - a metal or a combination of metals added to the pure gold to make the metal more durable. And finally, gold is a timeless metal that looks beautiful with any type of stone. Whether you're looking for a classic solitaire or a modern halo setting, gold can provide the perfect backdrop for your engagement ring.Let's look at the composition of gold most often used for engagement rings. Pure gold is 24K gold. Pure gold is very soft and usually is not suitable for jewelry. 18K gold contains 75% of pure gold and 25% of alloys. 14K gold contains 58.3% of pure gold and 41.7% of alloys. The purer gold in a metal, the softer the metal is. That makes 18K gold softer and more susceptible to scratches and dents than 14K gold. 14K gold is less pure, so it's harder and more resistant to damage.Whether you choose yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold setting, gold is simply beautiful, giving engagement rings a timeless elegance. Just keep in mind that white gold starts as pure yellow gold and obtains its white color by adding specific alloys. Because of that, the white gold will eventually show its yellow tint and would need to be rhodium-plated to keep its white color.PlatinumPlatinum is a much rarer metal than gold, and it is also more durable and hypoallergenic. In addition, platinum has a natural silvery-white color that complements any diamond or gemstone. While gold engagement rings are certainly beautiful, they simply cannot match the beauty and prestige of a platinum engagement ring.Since we are talking about engagement rings' durability, platinum is extremely durable, meaning that it will withstand everyday wear and tear far better than gold. Platinum engagement rings are so tough that they can be passed down through generations as family heirlooms. So if you're looking for a high-quality ring that will last a lifetime, platinum may be the perfect metal for you.Ultimately, the best metal for engagement ring settings depends on your personal preferences and budget
You can find more information about precious metals on the IGS (International Gem Society) website.IGS - learn about precious metals
Engagement ring styles
Three-Stone Engagement Ring
An engagement ring's style can affect a ring's durability. When it comes to engagement rings, there are three main styles: solitaire, halo, and three-stone. Perhaps, you chose a custom engagement ring that does not fall into one of the traditional ring styles. There are only two aspects to a perfect engagement ring style; the beauty of the ring and its comfort and durability. Each style has its unique look, and each one comes with its own set of pros and cons in terms of durability.For example, solitaire engagement rings have a classic, timeless look that will never go out of style. However, because there is only one stone in the setting, a bit of care is required.Halo engagement rings are also quite popular, and they offer the added benefit of extra protection for the center stone.Three-stone engagement rings are another option, and they tend to be quite durable due to the simple setting. However, because three-stone engagement rings have three stones instead of just one, it is a good idea to have your jeweler periodically check all three stones to make sure they are nice a tight.The engagement ring's style is an important consideration when choosing an engagement ring. It is important to think about how you will wear your ring and what type of setting will best suit your lifestyle. If you are looking for a classic and timeless
Engagement rings are well loved, so require some care
Over time, any engagement ring is subject to wear and tear. Even the most well-made ring can start to show signs of damage after years of daily use. When you notice the damage that your engagement ring starts showing, do not blame yourself for it. Wear and tear is a normal process resulting from years of wearing and enjoying the ring.The good news is that there are some easy steps you can take to help keep your ring in great condition. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your engagement ring will retain its beauty for many years to come.
Tips to keep your diamond engagement ring in great shape longer
Make sure to remove your ring before doing any activities that could potentially damage it, such as gardening, going to the gym where you might be lifting weights, or cooking.
Be careful not to expose your ring to harsh chemicals, such as bleach or detergent.
When not in use, store your ring in a soft cloth pouch or jewelry box.
Have your ring professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year, or better yet, every six months.
Have your prongs that hold your diamonds professionally checked to make sure the prongs are wearing properly and are protecting your diamond from getting lost.
At Roman Jewelers, we strongly encourage our clients to bring their rings into the store every six months or so, to allow us to check the prongs to ensure they are wearing properly. We will also clean your jewelry while you wait, which always results in the same “Wow!” reaction.How to Clean your Diamond Engagement Ring at Home
One of the best ways to clean your engagement ring is also the simplest—and that’s just using soap and water. Mix a mild solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water and soak your ring for a few minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any dirt or grime that’s accumulated on the setting or diamond. Brush the inside of the ring and the area under your center diamond. Rinse your ring thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a soft lint-free cloth.You should never use harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, to clean your engagement ring. These chemicals can damage the metal and setting, and they may also dull the diamond. Abrasive cleaners, such as toothpaste or baking soda, can also damage the metal and setting. If you need to clean your ring more thoroughly, we recommend taking it to a professional jeweler.
Store Your Diamond Ring Carefully
Store your Jewelry when not wearing it
When you’re not wearing your engagement ring, store it in a soft cloth pouch or jewelry box. This will help protect the ring from scratches. Do not store your ring in a jewelry box next to other diamond jewelry as diamonds scratch diamonds. That is why placing your engagement ring into a soft cloth is recommended. This would also prevent the diamond in your engagement ring from scratching other pieces of jewelry in your jewelry box.
Have Your Ring Professionally Cleaned and Inspected Regularly
We recommend having your engagement ring professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year, or better yet, every six months. This will help ensure that the ring is in good condition and that any damage is caught early. At Roman Jewelers, we offer complimentary cleaning and inspection.By following these simple tips, you can help keep your engagement ring looking brand new for many years to come.
Insure your Engagement Ring
An engagement ring is a big investment, so you want to do everything you can to protect it. That's why insuring your engagement ring is a smart choice. Your ring will be covered in the event of loss, theft, or damage. The cost of ring insurance varies depending on the value of your ring, but it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.There are a few different ways to get insurance for an engagement ring, and the best option for you will depend on your circumstances. Many homeowners’ insurance policies will cover engagement rings, so if you have existing coverage, that may be the simplest option. You can also purchase a separate insurance policy for your engagement ring. This can be a good choice if you don't have other insurance coverage or if you want more comprehensive protection. Whichever option you choose, insuring your engagement ring is an important step in protecting your investment.
What does insurance cover?
But what does ring insurance cover? In most cases, engagement ring insurance will cover the cost of the ring if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. Some policies may also cover the cost of repairs if the ring is damaged. However, it's important to read the details of your policy carefully before you buy it, as some policies have exclusions and limits on what they will cover. For example, some policies might not cover engagement rings that are lost or stolen while you are traveling.
Roman Jewelers is Here for You
Roman Jewelers is always available to inspect your ring or provide any advice about caring for it. We offer a free professional evaluation of your ring to identify any areas of weakness and provide solutions to make sure your ring lasts a lifetime (or longer). Stop by our store today or call us at 908-575-1242 to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to help you keep your beautiful engagement ring looking its best for years to come!
What to do with an Heirloom Diamond Engagement Ring
A Ring from your Family's Past
What is the most emotionally valuable thing that you own? People often underestimate the emotional(or sentimental) value these items carry with them. However, it's often the items with sentimental value that we hold nearest and dearest to us throughout our lives.
One category of items that historically have had a high degree of sentimental value is jewelry. But not just any jewelry...Specifically, a heirloom engagement ring.
Heirloom engagement rings are usually passedpassed down through generations of a family before ending up in your possession. It is an incredibly sentimental item and often has great value, both emotionally and financially.
If you've been lucky enough to inherit an heirloom engagement ring,you may be wondering what to do with it. Before you decide, learn about the true value of the heirloom rings.
The Story Behind your Family Engagement Ring
Some family rings may have gone through the same hardships as your distant relatives. If only these family pieces could speak!Wars, famines, and natural disasters, just to name a few of the chapters in the story your family'sring might tell. And through all the hardships and all the obstacles... it finally ended up in your possession.
This presents a very special moment for you. You are in an invaluable position to be able to honor, respect, and celebrate this diamond engagement ring and, to a larger extent, your ancestors thatworked, sacrificed, and (in some heartbreaking cases) even died to be able to have this piece of jewelry passed down to their next generation.
Your heirloom ring might be financially similar to the ring you might buy today, but when you consider the additional sentimental value, suddenly your ring is now priceless in value.
With such an invaluable item in your possession, what are your options of what you can do with the engagement ring and/or the diamond in it? Fortunately, you have many options at your disposal and no choice is the “wrong” choice. It all comes down to erence and creativity.
The True Value of the Family Engagement Ring
Let's assume, for the sake of our discussion here, that you inherited an engagement ring set in platinum, with a center diamond surrounded by a diamond halo. Now that you have this lovely ring and the stunning diamond in the center of the ring… what is your next step?
There is something intrinsically magical about a family ring and the diamond that the ring carries. The beauty and brilliance of the diamond are only eclipsed by the rich history that lives within each of those diamonds in the ring. Each diamond is a new chapter that the diamonds took to finally end up with your family and, ultimately, with you.
There are many reasons why you may want to repurpose an heirloom piece of jewelry. Whatever your reasons, there are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to repurpose your family heirloom. Perhaps, the style of the ring is no longer your taste, or maybe you want to incorporate diamonds from the ring into a new piece of jewelry. So, when we talk about repurposing a family ring, what we are talking about is taking the incredible story of that family ring and giving it a new life. Heirloom engagement rings carrystoriesthat you have the honor to preserve and highlight. While repurposing the inherited heirloom engagement ring, you will keep your family story alive while also creating something new and beautiful that you can enjoy for years to come.
Later in this article we will talk about some specific ideas of how you can repurpose your family engagement ring and its diamonds.
Step-by-step, let's go over your journey in repurposing your family ring.
Find the Right Jewelry Store
Find a qualified jeweler to work on your heirloom ring
You will want to make sure you are working with a qualified, jewelry store and a professional jeweler. The right jeweler has the experience and expertise to help you create a piece of jewelry that not only looks amazing but will also stand the test of time. A knowledgeable jeweler will guide and advise you on your journey of either making changes to your family heirloom engagement ring or completely redesigning it into a new piece of jewelry.
If you are interested to learn more about Roman Jewelers' master jewelers and designers, click here Meet the jewelers and designers ready to work on your custom pieces.
Have the Ring Professionally Appraised and Diamonds Graded
Get the family heirloom ring appraised. This will help you to learn the financial value of the ring as well as give you a better idea of what type of setting and piece of jewelry would best suit your needs.
Ask for the center diamond and the semi-mount to be appraised
You might ask the appraiser to separately appraise the family center diamond in the heirloom engagement ring, especially if the diamond has not been graded before or if there is no appraisal that you can locate. Understanding what you have will greatly help you in where you ultimately want to go with your heirloom ring.
Have the Diamond Checked for Chips and Damage
Check your diamonds for chips and damage
You need to learn all the small details about your family heirloom. The more information you have, the easier it will be for you and your jeweler to work with the existing ring. Why is that important? Because you might decide to replace the chipped or damaged diamonds with new diamonds that would match the rest of the diamonds in the setting in size, color, and clarity.
Deciding What to Do with the Heirloom Engagement Ring and/or the Center Diamond
Let’s dive in a little deeper and discuss options and ideas of how you can use your family ring. The great news is that you can do anything, from a custom engagement ring to maybe even an entirely new piece of custom jewelry.
Let's talk about the “what” (as in, what to do with a family ring) and the “why” (as in why would you want to do anything with that family ring). What is all the fuss about the inherited engagement ring or the family diamond in it? Is a family diamond any more valuable than a diamond of the same carat weight, cut, clarity, and color as a diamond you could go out and buy today? The answer to that question is not as black and white as you might think.Learn more about the value and quality of diamonds
Whether you decide to remove the center diamond from its setting and create a new, custom engagement ring or repurpose it into another piece of custom jewelry, here are a few ideas of what you can do with your family heirloom. From doing nothing with the ring and wearing it as is, to creating a custom designed piece of jewelry.
Do Absolutely Nothing!
Let's start with not to changing anything in the family engagement ring. This might sound like a cop-out but, sometimes, the best thing you can do is to leave beautiful things as they are. If your family diamond is in good condition and you are happy with the way the ring looks, then there is no reason to change a thing! Just wear the engagement ring as is and enjoy! Or save the engagement ring for your next custom jewelry endeavor if that would suit and serve you better.
Reset the Diamond into a New Setting
One option is to reset the center diamond from your family diamond engagement ring into a new setting. This is a great way to update an old, damaged, or dated setting. Or perhaps you do not like the setting style. By resetting the diamond into a new setting, you will keep the tradition of wearing an engagement ring alive.
Perhaps, you prefer a setting to be in white gold to the one in yellow gold. You can keep the central round-cut diamond but instead of a halo, you can use those smaller diamonds to pave the band.
Design a New Custom, one-of-a-kind Engagement Ring ora Pendant, a Pair of Earrings or, Perhaps, a Cocktail Ring
Design a custom one-of-a-kind ring
This is probably the most popular option as it allows you to keep the tradition of the family engagement ring alive while also creating something unique and tailor-made for you. Take the round-cut diamond in all its brilliance and use it as the nucleus of a brand-new engagement ring. Change anything from the setting to the metals and everything in-between but as it stands, you know you have your diamond shining with a beautiful history.
Now you are ready to create something stunning and, at the same time,nostalgic,I’m going to present a few ideas for you to hopefully spark some inspiration as you read.
Keep in mind that, because this is all preference and individual taste, there is no wrong answer! Consult with your jeweler, talk about what inspires you and let your imagination run wild! The sky is truly the limit when it comes to what can be done, design-wise. But before you start working with your jeweleron designing that special one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, please download and read this e-guide titled Custom Jewelry Guide by Roman Jewelers. Free guide to Custom Jewelry Design.
Now it's time to get really creative!One thing's for sure. Your family will be happy to keep the heirloom piece of jewelry in the family, and for the family engagement ring to continue its journey.
In my previous example, we have taken our engagement ring and changed it...into another engagement ring. But what if we broke outside that box and instead, created multiple pieces of jewelry from our initial family engagement ring and the center diamond?
The smaller diamonds that once served as a halo around the round-cut diamond can serve many purposes to give you even more flexibility. You have the option to get creative with your jeweler to incorporate them into your new pair of gold earrings. You can create a custom one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry such as a necklace, bracelet, or a cocktail ring.You'llbe repurposing everything in your family engagement ring: the metal, the center diamond, and the small diamonds in the halo surrounding the center stone.
As you can see, there are a multitude of options when it comes to what you can do with an inherited diamond or a piece of heirloom jewelry. And, regardless of repurposing, your one piece offamily jewelry into one, two, or even three custom jewelry items, one constant needs to remain at the forefront of your mind...the diamonds.
The diamonds in your family jewelry are what makes the piece so special and unique. After all, diamonds are not only incredibly rare but they are also incredibly beautiful. They have been used throughout history to signify love, power, and status. So, when you are thinking about repurposing your family’s diamonds, make sure you are doing it in a way that is not only creative but also respectful to the diamonds and their history.
Determine what Metals you would like to Use
This is determined, largely, by what piece of jewelry you intend to craft. A plethora of possibilities is at your fingertips as there will always be a precious metal to accompany and complement the design. 14K or 18K gold in white, yellow or pink colors. Or maybe platinum?Possibly a combination of different metals?
To Sum Up...
I hope this article has given you some ideas of what you can do with your family heirloom engagement ring. Whether you decide to reset the diamond, create a new piece of jewelry, or simply leave it as is, the most important thing is that you are happy.
I don’t want you to think for a second that you are doing a disservice to the family jewelry by repurposing it in some fashion. By doing that, youare taking a precious diamond engagement ring that has been in your family for years and giving it a new life for generations to come.
Follow your heart and you will be overjoyed with the outcome. Think of the journey your family diamond or engagement ring took to end up in your possession and the result will be something that shows respect and love for those who came before you.
Honor the past and we help pave our way to a better future.
Contact Us.
If you've inherited a family heirloom and are interested in a consultation to decide what to do with it, please contact us at Roman Jewelers, 500 Commons Way, Bridgewater, NJ.