A engagement ring is a piece of jewelry given during a marriage proposal as a symbol of love and devotion. It differs from a wedding ring, which is exchanged during the wedding ceremony and symbolizes marriage itself. The engagement ring often has a special meaning, because it marks the promise of a life together.

Symbolism and tradition

The engagement ring has been a symbol of love and devotion for centuries. Originally a sign of financial security, it was considered a kind of dowry. Today it is a romantic symbol of the promise of marriage and a tangible confirmation of a lifelong commitment. Wearing an engagement ring has not only an emotional value, but also a social and cultural meaning, often telling the outside world that you have made a commitment.

Statement of commitment

An engagement ring is a visual expression of your love and dedication. It marks an important moment in your relationship and has an unmistakable meaning. It is a way to show your dedication to friends, family and the outside world.

When looking for the perfect engagement ring, there are many styles to choose from. The diamond remains the most popular choice, but other gemstones such as sapphires and emeralds are also increasingly chosen. As for the diamond cut, brilliant, princess and oval are the most popular choices. Each of these cuts has its own unique charm and appearance. Do you want to know more about the different diamond cuts? Read more about diamond cuts here.

Buying an engagement ring is an important step, and it is essential to take enough time to find the perfect ring. But when is the right time to start looking? Here are a few considerations:

When do you want to make the proposal?

It is important to determine when you want to make the proposal as it affects when you have to buy the ring. Are you planning the proposal for a special occasion, such as a birthday, anniversary or during the holidays? Take into account the time you need to find, adjust and adjust if necessary. It is advisable to start looking for a ring at least three to six months before the planned proposal. This gives you enough time to find the right ring and make sure everything is ready on time.

How much time do you have to find the ring?

The search for the right engagement ring can vary depending on how quickly you find the perfect ring. If you already have a good idea of the style and design, the process may be faster. However, if you are not yet sure if your partner has specific preferences, it may take a little longer. Most people take an average of three months to find the perfect ring.

How much time do you have to have the ring custom made?

We have a lot of engagement rings in stock, but if you choose to have a ring made to measure, it is important to take the production time into account. Making a custom engagement ring can take between three and six weeks depending on the design and complexity. Make sure you include this in your schedule so that you are not faced with any surprises and you have the ring in time for the proposal.

In short, start looking for the perfect engagement ring in time, so you have the time to choose, adjust or even personalize the ring for an extra special touch.

Choose the right style

The engagement ring style should reflect your partner's personality and preferences. Take their taste and lifestyle into account. From classic designs to modern styles, there is something for everyone.

Discover your partner's ring size

Found the perfect engagement ring? Beautiful! Now you would like to order ‘ m online or purchase it in a store. The ring must of course fit. How do you secretly measure your loved one's ring size? The ideal option is to secretly steal a ring and take it to the store. If that does not work, you can attempt to measure the inner diameter of a ring at an unguarded moment. Does your loved one know about the proposal? Then measure the ring size one of our shops, or order our free ring sizer to measure the ring size at home. Read here more tips on how to measure the ring size.

Read up on materials and gemstones

The material of the ring and the choice of the gem determine the appearance of the ring. Traditionally, the engagement ring contains diamond. The diamond symbolizes everlasting fidelity. But nowadays many also get down on one knee with an engagement ring with color stones. Rings set with color stones such as sapphire. Rings with precious stones are generally less expensive than diamonds and therefore suitable when your budget is not sufficient for a diamond ring. Or if you know that your friend is a fan of a certain gem.

If you do choose a diamond engagement ring, determine the correct ratio between size, shape and quality of the diamond (s). The four C's are a good benchmark for looking at this. It is a bit complicated, but we are going to explain it to you:

1. The color (Color) determines how white the diamond is. The whiter the diamond, the more beautiful, and therefore the higher the price.
2. The cut (Cut) determines in what form the diamond is cut.
3. The size (Carat) of the diamond indicates how big the diamond is. The larger the carat weight, the more expensive the ring.
4. The purity Clarity of the diamond. The fewer impurities (inclusions) in the diamond, the more expensive the ring.

In addition, it is also important to know the difference in carat gold. Do you want to know more about gold? View our blog about gold here.

Think of your partner's lifestyle

An engagement ring should not only be beautiful, but also practical. Consider your partner's lifestyle. If they work a lot with their hands or have an active lifestyle, a low profile ring may be a better choice.

Choose the right cut

About that one C, the Cut, or the cut. We would like to emphasize this for a moment, because it requires some explanation and is not noticeable in addition to the engagement ring. The most common cut is the brilliant, which is always good. Is your friend really a princess? Perhaps an engagement ring with princess cut diamond is very appropriate. For the real classy lover, a cushion cut is more than beautiful. Are you going for the best-of-the-best? Your upcoming will kick back when you say that the Hearts & Arrows diamond shows a pattern of hearts and arrows. How romantic? Read here more about different cuts and the unique properties of each shape. 

The price of an engagement ring can vary greatly depending on the material, the type of gem, and whether the ring is custom made. There are options for every budget, from more modest choices to luxury, custom rings. It is important to choose a ring that suits both your budget and your partner's preferences.

An engraving makes the ring even more personal. Whether initials, a special date, or a short message, an engraving adds emotional value to the ring. Do you want to know what the possibilities are for engraving? Read more about engraving here.

Traditionally, the engagement ring is worn on the left ring finger, because it contains the so-called "vena amoris", the vein that leads directly to the heart. However, this is a personal choice and it is important that the ring matches the wearer's preferences. After marriage, the wedding ring is often worn together with the engagement ring. Do you want to know what you do with the engagement ring after getting married? Check out our blog about the wedding ring and engagement ring

Are you ready to buy the ring for that important question? Visit our engagement rings page for our range of beautiful engagement rings.

And? Was it not too bad? Have you found the engagement ring? Remember: an engagement ring is the tangible symbol of your love. Everyone thinks it is special that you have bothered to buy a beautiful engagement ring. Together with the marriage proposal, this is a great gesture that your friend will enjoy for years to come. For expert 1-on-1 advice, you are of course very welcome in one of the Diamond Point shops in the Bijenkorf. We do everything we can to help you with the perfect ring for you big love.