12 Tips for Getting the Best Ring Design

Throughout history, rings have symbolized many different things. Love, unity, tradition, infinity, celebration, and much more. Rings commemorate special moments in your life, such as an engagement or school graduation. 

But how do you go about choosing the right ring for you? Continue reading to find out our top 12 tips for getting the best ring design you’ll cherish forever. 

1. Decide on a Shape

With ring design, the shape of the stone or diamond is traditionally called the cut. The cut is arguably the most notable feature of a ring. When choosing the cut, it’s important to think about your own style and a style that will stand the test of time. 

There are many different shapes to choose from. The most popular ring shapes include oval, round, cushion, princess, and pear. Each shape has a different tone and style associated with it.

If you like more of a modern style, you’ll want to go for the classic round cut or a more geometrically shaped princess cut. If you tend to lean traditional or vintage, you’ll want to go for a square cushion cut, a pear shape, or the not-so-popular oval shape. 

The shape of a ring is a huge determinate when it comes to designer rings. Be sure to figure out which shape you want first before deciding on other factors. 

2. Choose Your Metal

Nowadays there are many different metals that can be used to create a designer ring. Most engagement rings will either be durable platinum or gold. 

A gold ring design can come in yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold. When you design an engagement ring, you’ll also want to know how strong the metal is. A 14 karat or 18 karats gold metal will withstand everyday wear and tear and is much more resilient to scratches. 

Sterling silver is also a popular metal when it comes to ring design. Whether you’re graduating from college or buying a ring just because, you’ll know you will have a sturdy metal if you go with sterling silver. Unlike plated silver jewelry, sterling silver will not tarnish and won’t turn your finger green. 

3. Carat Size

When buying an engagement ring, size does matter. Diamonds come in a variety of sizes anywhere from .05carats to 5 carats. A carat is a measurement of weight, not of size. So, the bigger the carat, the heavier and more expensive the diamond becomes. 

When choosing the carat, you’ll also want to think about the ring setting. If you go with a classic solitaire setting, you may want to go a bit bigger with the diamond because it is more visible. You could also choose to buy a three-stone setting and go with a smaller carat. 

4. Stone or Diamond Color

Choosing a stone for your class ring is also an important decision. Most graduates either choose their birthstone color or a color that matches their college’s school colors. You also want to make sure the stone color matches the metal color you’ve chosen to go with. 

For class rings, there is a multitude of choices for stone colors including, quartz, amethyst, emerald, diamond, aquamarine, and much more. 

Diamonds also have different colors to choose from. You can choose a colorless diamond, a faint color, a faint yellow color, or a fancy yellow color.  

5. Clarity

When it comes to buying a diamond ring, you want to know it will sparkle. Be sure you know what kind of clarity your diamond has. Most diamonds are not perfect and have tiny imperfections that you may not even be able to see.

However, a VS1 or VS2 Clarity usually offers the best value for what can be seen with the naked eye. Inclusions and blemishes are normally not noticeable at these grades.

Be sure you talk to the jeweler about your stone or diamond’s clarity. Even though you may not be able to see any blemishes on your ring, it could devalue your ring over time. 

6. Getting the Right Size

Getting the right ring size is so important! A ring should feel snug yet comfortable. You don’t want your ring to get stuck on your finger but you also don’t want it falling off at every opportunity. 

Be sure to measure both of your ring fingers to get a more accurate size. Keep in mind that the cold can shrink your fingers while heat can puff them up. Jewelry stores will often have someone there who can measure you without any charge.

You can also use some home remedies to figure it out! Ring sizes can range from a size 3 to a size 13 or more. You’ll want to be sure that you get the correct size so you don’t have to go back to the jeweler and get it resized after purchase. 

7. Set Your Budget

With any big purchase, you want to be sure you have a budget in mind. The price of a ring can depend on many factors including size, metal, shape, and more.

Compare prices at different places so you know you’re getting the best deal you can. Some jewelers will even let you negotiate the price of your ring, especially if you pay cash. Don’t be afraid to try and talk them down in price.

8. Buy it Certified

Most diamonds will come with a certification. A diamond certification will evaluate the quality of a diamond based on the carat, color, clarity, and cut. Since diamonds are such a big investment, it is highly recommended that you only buy certified diamonds to be sure of the quality. 

Most professional jewelers have the certification information on your ring before your purchase, but be sure you ask before spending the money. 

9. Get a Warranty

When you buy a ring, it’s not just a purchase, it’s an investment. Like any investment, you want to make sure you’re protected. This is why it’s important to purchase a warranty on the ring. 

Some jewelers will include a warranty as part of your ring purchase. Other jewelers will allow you to purchase it separately. A jewelry warranty or guarantee usually covers the replacement of damaged or lost diamonds or certain gemstones for a lifetime.

Jewelers often suggest you have your ring inspected at regular intervals (every six months or so) and repaired if necessary. Be aware that some retail jewelers actually require this six-month inspection in order to keep your warranty. 

10. Engrave Your Ring

As mentioned earlier, rings are symbolic. They represent a special moment in time. Consider engraving your ring to make it even more meaningful. It’s common to write a special message or a special date ie: your wedding date, on the inside of your ring. 

Most jewelers will engrave your ring for you at an extra cost or include it in the price. If you’ve already purchased your ring without getting it engraved, don’t fret! You can always find a trustworthy engraver to take your ring to after the fact. 

11. Be Unique

Don’t be afraid to be unique with your ring design. Design your ring based on you or your loved one’s personality. Think outside of the box!

Add color and special designs to create a unique one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. For example, choose a floral diamond shape for your fiance if they love flowers. For class rings, add your school’s logo and colors on the side to help commemorate your great accomplishment. 

Try to stay away from trends. Trends will come and go in the fashion and jewelry world. Some styles that may be popular now may not be what you love in the future. Instead, think about what will matter to you or your loved one years from now. 

12. Do Research 

One of the best things you can do when purchasing a new ring is to do your research! Don’t rush into a big purchase without knowing exactly what you’re looking for. 

Ask the experts, do your online research, and shop around for different jewelers. Avoid pushy sellers! Remember that negotiations are easier when you have a better understanding of what you’re negotiating. 

The more you know about clarity, carat sizes, settings, and more, the better deal you’ll be able to make with the jewelers. 

Ring Design

A ring can symbolize so many things to you and your loved ones. Whether it’s to celebrate an engagement or a birthday or to commemorate and remember an accomplishment like college graduation. 

When you create your ring design, remember to think about the shape, color, clarity, cut, and budget. Be sure to get your certifications and warranties and do your research! Be unique to make this ring even more special for you or your loved one. 

For more information on ring design and to buy your own class ring, visit our blog today!