The characteristics of an engagement ring are extremely important when determining the quality and value of the piece.
Learn more below about the most important things to look for as you research your engagement ring.
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– The “heart” of the ring and usually the most valuable component.
– Showcases the center stone. With thousands of choices, it’s the most stylish and unique aspect of the ring.
– The choice of metal determines color and durability.
– Stone, setting, and metal determine the price.
To complement the emotion that comes from getting engaged, comes the excitement of what the ring looks like. For most, the center stone is what will catch the eye. The Diamond on her finger should uniquely express how pure and everlasting the love between you truly is. So, when shopping for that special ring, for that special someone, it is important you know what to look for to make the right decision.
Plus, see our “The 4 C’s of Diamond Quality” for an in-depth look at what make this characteristic of a diamond so important.
The setting of the center stone is very important, as it can allow the stone to appear larger than it is. To that point, there are various ways in which the center stone can be placed on a ring, depending on the ring design. There are a variety of settings available in the jewelry industry, below are some of the most common settings for engagement rings.
Channel
In a channel setting the stones lay side-by-side forming a continuous row and are settled into a metal channel or pathway.
Bezel
A bezel setting is when the stone is completely enclosed by metal making it completely secure. It is usually known for its longevity and simplicity. This setting can accommodate any diamond shape.
Pave
The pave setting consists of many small stones being set close together, creating a brilliant surface. A good setting will not have any stones raised above the surface, the surface should be completely smooth and the stones evenly set.
Prong
This is the most common and traditional setting used for an engagement ring. This setting exposes the stone, allowing the maximum amount of light to enter the diamond. The prong is lifted above the shank, making the stone completely visible and attractive.
Because of the demands to be durable, not all metals can be used in its purest form when used in jewelry. Some metals can be either too hard or too weak and usually must be combined or alloyed with other metals. Other metals are rare and more expensive while some are more common and affordable. Yet, each metal has unique characteristics that can make it appealing to any individual.
Platinum 
• Its hardness and strength do not allow the metal to chip.
Gold 
• Gold is an enduring metal that is naturally yellow, but it is also the most malleable.
White Gold 
• Popular for having a similar look to platinum, but more affordable.
Two Tone 
• Unique pieces having a combination of the different metals.
Platinum 
The durability of platinum is what makes this metal so desirable. In jewelry it is used almost in its pure form. Unlike other metals, platinum is resistant to most damage. Although it can still be scratched like other metals, it is not damaged the same way as the rest. Its hardness and strength do not allow the metal to chip and will allow it to maintain its color and brilliance the same.
Unlike white gold, platinum is a mostly white metal that does not need to be plated. Since platinum is a rare metal and isn’t easily found, it is usually more expensive and more valuable than gold. Platinum weighs a lot more than gold and its durability makes it last a lifetime.
Gold 
Surprisingly to many, gold is combined with a mixture of other metals to make it more durable gold. In its pure form is too soft for everyday use. Gold is an enduring metal that is naturally yellow, but it is also the most malleable. The natural beauty of gold is its workability, high value and is one of the world’s most important metals when it comes to jewelry.
Gold is a good conductor of heat and electricity and is unaffected by air and most reagents. Heat, moisture, oxygen, and most corrosive agents have little effect on gold. To ensure you are getting real gold, be sure that your piece is stamped. By law real gold should have a karat stamp on the piece. (Karat is the measurement used for gold, not to be confused with Carats which is used for diamond weight).
White Gold 
With a look similar to platinum, white gold has become popular because of this trait and its greater affordability. White gold has the same components as yellow gold, however it is mixed with different metals such as nickel, zinc and palladium, which give it the whitish color.
White gold is usually plated with rhodium, which is a hard element. Although rhodium can begin to wear away with time, and the yellow gold it contains can make it develop a yellow tarnished tint, white gold can always be re-plated and restored to its original appearance.
Two-Tone 
Jewelry can also be designed for a combination of different metals. For example, the ring may have white gold and yellow gold or white gold and rose gold giving it a two-tone look. Or some may even have more than two different metals combined.
At Stuart Benjamin and Company Jewelry Designs we understand that love alone does not determine the size or style of the purchase. Price plays an important factor in determining your special purchase. You want to make sure you get the best that you are able to, for such a significant moment in your life.
As you shop for your ring you will see that all the components from the stone you choose, to the setting you like and which metal you prefer, will all take part in how much you will spend. It is important you know your budget, what you can afford and what you are willing to spend. This will put you a step ahead in the process of choosing that special piece for the one you love.