Everything About Engagement Rings: Your Ultimate Guide

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

Symbolism and tradition

The engagement ring has been a symbol of love and commitment for centuries. Originally, it was a sign of financial security and 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 emotional value, but also social and cultural significance, as it often tells the outside world that you have entered into a commitment.

Expression of commitment

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

When you are 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 popular. As for the diamond cut, brilliant, princess, and oval are the most popular choices. Each of these diamond cuts has its own unique charm and appeal. Would you like 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 submit the application?

It is important to decide when you want to propose, as this affects when you need to buy the ring. Are you planning the proposal for a special occasion, such as a birthday, anniversary, or during the holidays? Allow enough time to find, try on, and, if necessary, resize the ring. It is advisable to start looking for a ring at least three to six months before the planned proposal. This will give you enough time to find the right ring and ensure that everything is ready in 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 can go faster. However, if you are not yet sure whether your partner has specific preferences, it can take a little longer. Most people take an average of three months to find the perfect ring.

How long do you have to get the ring made to size?

We have many engagement rings in stock, but if you choose to have a custom ring made, it is important to take production time into account. Making a custom engagement ring can take between three and six weeks, depending on the design and complexity. Make sure to factor this into your planning so that you are not caught by surprise and have the ring in time for the proposal.

In short, start looking for the perfect engagement ring early, so that you have plenty of time to choose, have the ring resized, or even personalize it for an extra special touch.

Choose the right style

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

Discover your partner's ring size

Found the perfect engagement ring? Great! Now you want to order it online or buy it in a store. Of course, the ring needs to fit. How can you secretly find out your loved one's ring size? The ideal option is to secretly borrow a ring and take it with you to the store. If that's not possible, you can try to measure the inside diameter of a ring when your loved one isn't looking. Does your loved one know about the proposal? Then find out their ring size at one of our stores, or order our free ring sizer to measure their ring size at home. Read here for more tips on how to measure a ring size.

Read up on materials and gemstones

The material of the ring and the choice of gemstone determine the look of the ring. Traditionally, an engagement ring contains a diamond. This is because the diamond symbolizes everlasting fidelity. But nowadays, many people also get down on one knee with an engagement ring featuring colored stones. Rings set with colored stones such as sapphire. Rings with gemstones are generally less expensive than diamonds and are therefore suitable if your budget is not sufficient for a diamond ring. Or if you know that your partner is a fan of a particular gemstone.

If you do choose a diamond engagement ring, determine the right balance between the size, shape and quality of the diamond(s). The four Cs are a good standard to use for this. It is a bit complicated, but we will explain it to you:

1. The colour (Colour) 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 which shape the diamond is cut.
3. The size (Carat) of the diamond indicates how large the diamond is. The greater the carat weight, the more valuable the ring.
4. The purity Clarity of the diamond. The fewer impurities (inclusions) in the diamond, the more valuable the ring.

It is also important to know the difference in gold karat. Want to know more about gold? Check out our blog about gold here.

Think about 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 grinding shape

And then there’s that one C: the Cut, or diamond cut. We’d like to emphasize this one a little more, as it requires some explanation and is not immediately obvious when looking at an engagement ring. The most common cut is the brilliant cut, which is always a good choice. Is your partner truly a princess? Then an engagement ring with a princess-cut diamond might be particularly fitting. For the truly classy lover, a cushion cut is more than dazzling. Are you going for the best of the best? Your partner will be absolutely floored when you tell them that the Hearts & Arrows diamond reveals a pattern of hearts and arrows. How romantic! Read here to learn more about different diamond cuts and the unique characteristics of each shape.  

The price of an engagement ring can vary widely, depending on the material, the type of gemstone, and whether the ring is custom-made. There are options for every budget, from more modest choices to luxurious, custom-made 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 it's initials, a special date, or a short message, an engraving adds sentimental value to the ring. Want to know what the engraving options are? Read more about engraving here.

Traditionally, the engagement ring is worn on the left ring finger because of 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 suits the wearer's preferences. After marriage, the wedding ring is often worn together with the engagement ring. Want to know what to 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 selection of beautiful engagement rings.

So? How did it go? Did you find the one? Remember: an engagement ring is the tangible symbol of your love. Everyone will think it’s special that you went to the effort of buying a beautiful engagement ring. Together with the proposal, this is a wonderful gesture that your partner will enjoy for years to come. You are, of course, more than welcome to visit one of the Diamond Point shops in de Bijenkorf for expert one-on-one advice. We will do everything we can to help you find the perfect ring for your big love.