For many couples, jewelry plays a large role in planning their big day, from the ring to “pop the question” with to walking down the aisle. Selecting dates and venues is intermingled with the excitement of picking out the engagement ring, wedding bands and other sparkly accessories.
When starting your search for wedding jewelry, you want to ensure the jewelry you purchase lasts a lifetime. Shop from a professional, trustworthy jeweler who will listen to your needs and take care of your pieces from start to finish. Finding a retailer who has demonstrated a commitment to professionalism and has an established reputation is easy when you shop with a Jewelers of America Member.
How to Buy an Engagement Ring
An engagement ring is one of the most important – and meaningful – items you will ever give or receive. While shopping for an engagement ring can seem daunting, it should be an exciting, creative and enjoyable experience. Use Jewelers of America’s steps to engagement ring shopping to guide you in this big step.
Diamond Engagement Ring
A.JAFFE
Emerald and Diamond Ring
AG Gems & Jewelry, Inc.
3 Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Gem Platinum
Pear Engagement Ring
Norma Wellington Designs
Pink Diamond Engagement Ring
Pompos Jewelry Corporation
Zambian Emerald Ring
AG Gems & Jewelry, Inc.
Cushion Sapphire Engagement Ring
Omi Privé
Black Diamond Engagement Ring
K. Mita
Halo Engagement Ring
Smiling Rocks INC
Purple Sapphire Ring
K. Mita
Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
Pompos Jewelry Corporation
Emerald Cut Engagement Ring
Pompos Jewelry Corporation
Cushion Cut Engagement Ring
Pompos Jewelry Corporation
Empyrean Diamond Engagement Ring
Lilly Street
3 Stone Radiant Engagement Ring
Gem Platinum
Previous Next Diamond Engagement Ring
A.JAFFE
Emerald and Diamond Ring
AG Gems & Jewelry, Inc.
3 Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Gem Platinum
Pear Engagement Ring
Norma Wellington Designs
Pink Diamond Engagement Ring
Pompos Jewelry Corporation
Zambian Emerald Ring
AG Gems & Jewelry, Inc.
Cushion Sapphire Engagement Ring
Omi Privé
Black Diamond Engagement Ring
K. Mita
Halo Engagement Ring
Smiling Rocks INC
Purple Sapphire Ring
K. Mita
Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
Pompos Jewelry Corporation
Emerald Cut Engagement Ring
Pompos Jewelry Corporation
Cushion Cut Engagement Ring
Pompos Jewelry Corporation
Empyrean Diamond Engagement Ring
Lilly Street
3 Stone Radiant Engagement Ring
Gem Platinum
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At the end of the day, where you shop is the most important factor. Either ask for a referral from your friends or look for a well-established jeweler who has an excellent reputation for integrity and service, like jewelry stores that are members of Jewelers of America, who uphold the highest professional practices. You can find reputable jewelry stores near you in our
Find a JA Jeweler directory.
How much to spend on an engagement ring is a personal matter. The traditional guideline of two month’s salary was developed to be a directional tool to help establish a budget, but this has no longer become the standard with so many new options. Choose a budget both you and your partner are comfortable with – but remember, if you want your piece to last a lifetime and retain a high value, be prepared to spend accordingly.
Once a budget is established, a professional jeweler will work with you to ensure you select the finest quality rings available at that price point. You should never feel pressured to spend more; a reputable jeweler will respect your budget and design opinions. Most jewelry stores also offer financing, lay away or other payment plans if needed, so research beforehand or ask your jeweler if any of these options are available.
You want to select a piece that is not only beautiful but also matches your partner’s personal taste. Take note if they prefer simple, classic looks or if they like to go outside the box. Check what color metals they gravitate toward – if they prefer the yellow tones of yellow gold, or silvery hues like white gold, silver and platinum, or even a rosy color like rose gold. Ask their close friends and family who know them well if they have any insight on styles your partner may prefer. Learn about types of ring styles with our guide
here.
Today, it has become normal for many couples to shop for and discuss engagement rings together before “popping the question,” which ensures both sides are happy with all aspects of the piece. Some couples are even choosing to go outside the tradition of an engagement ring – other options include watches, both partners getting an engagement piece, or using a family heirloom.
While diamonds have always been the traditional engagement ring centerpiece, more options and creative styles are rising in popularity. If you choose to go the classical route with a natural diamond, become familiar with the 4C’s (cut, color, clarity, carat). Pay special attention to the cut, as this relates more to a diamond’s brilliant sparkle. All four of these factors make up a unique diamond and affect the overall price of the stone. Learn more about diamonds in our
Diamond Buying Guide.
Alternate options for engagement ring stones include lab grown diamonds, which are created in a lab and mimic a diamond’s properties so closely it is near impossible to tell them apart from the naked eye. Lab grown diamonds are usually lower in price, but their value will not be retained like a natural diamond. Moissanite stones also make for a budget-friendly diamond look-alike. Colored gemstone options are a great choice for those who love bold color and a ring that truly stands out. If you go with a colored gemstone, be sure to talk with your jeweler about the stone’s durability, as gemstones range in hardness levels and will not be as strong as diamonds.
Ring size is an important but tricky aspect of purchasing an engagement ring. If you are discussing engagement rings with your partner, a jeweler will be able to size their finger or have them use a simple ring sizer.
If you are trying to be secretive about the engagement ring, try to sneak a ring you know fits their ring finger and take it to a jeweler for them to check the size. Press the ring into a soft bar of soap if you are short on time or can’t take the ring with you. A jeweler should be able to determine the ring size from the impression. After the proposal, a jeweler will be able to resize the ring to ensure a perfect fit, which is sometimes offered as a free service.
Take note of the jewelry store’s exchange or return policy. If your partner decides they want a different ring, you will want to make sure there are refund, exchange or customization options.. After finding the right ring, make sure you get it insured properly. Accidents happen, like losing a ring, a stone, or possible damage, and you don’t want to get stuck without insurance. Look into getting a rider on your homeowner’s insurance or a standalone policy such as the one offered by Jewelers Mutual Group. For more information on jewelry insurance, see our guide
here.
Bridal Jewelry
Every bride looks stunning on their wedding day – get inspiration for bridal jewelry that will shine!
Something Blue
The wedding tradition of “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” dates back to the early 1900s and still remains a popular and sentimental theme for the bride on her wedding day.
Many brides, traditional and nontraditional alike, look to incorporate each of the four items on their wedding day. Brides looking for their “something blue,”which is meant to signify purity, love and fidelity, should consider accessorizing with blue gemstone jewelry to add a pop of color to the wedding day ensemble.
From earrings to bracelets to necklaces and more, jewelry with blue gemstones add a delicate touch of color and tradition. Gemstones like sapphire or aquamarine come in a variety of blue hues. You can even seal your “I do” with a wedding band with blue gemstone accents. Wear a piece of blue gemstone jewelry passed down from a relative for a combination of “something old” and “something blue.” The best part? You will be able to cherish your “something blue” for a lifetime and generations to come.
Sapphire Heart Ring
Omi Privé
Art Deco Ring
Joryel Vera Enterprises Inc.
Windows to the Heart Ring
Fana Jewelry
London Blue Topaz Cocktail Ring
Lisa Nik Inc.
Blue Topaz Heart Pendant
Lisa Nik Inc.
Blue Tanzanite Heart Ring
AG Gems & Jewelry, Inc.
Portofino Ring
GiGi Ferranti Jewelry
Blue Spinel Ring
Omi Privé
Navy Rope Chain Bracelet
Royal Chain, Inc.
Modern Tennis Bracelet
Suzy Landa
Blue Sapphire Lariat Necklace
Sandy Leong
Aquamarine Cinderella Pendant
Silver Turquoise T-Bar Necklace
Chic Pistachio
Turquoise and Diamond Charm
Pamela Zamore
Cushion Sapphire Engagement Ring
Omi Privé
Previous Next Sapphire Heart Ring
Omi Privé
Art Deco Ring
Joryel Vera Enterprises Inc.
Windows to the Heart Ring
Fana Jewelry
London Blue Topaz Cocktail Ring
Lisa Nik Inc.
Blue Topaz Heart Pendant
Lisa Nik Inc.
Blue Tanzanite Heart Ring
AG Gems & Jewelry, Inc.
Portofino Ring
GiGi Ferranti Jewelry
Blue Spinel Ring
Omi Privé
Navy Rope Chain Bracelet
Royal Chain, Inc.
Modern Tennis Bracelet
Suzy Landa
Blue Sapphire Lariat Necklace
Sandy Leong
Aquamarine Cinderella Pendant
Silver Turquoise T-Bar Necklace
Chic Pistachio
Turquoise and Diamond Charm
Pamela Zamore
Cushion Sapphire Engagement Ring
Omi Privé
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Statement Earrings
Many people think the dress is the most important part of the wedding day look, but accessories play a huge role in the overall ensemble! Earrings are a popular choice among brides as you can pick the style that will best complement the neckline and hairstyle.
Earrings look great with just about every wedding dress neckline. For an elegant statement look, choose diamond chandelier or drop earrings that will draw attention to your face, best for lower necklines or strapless styles. Don’t forget – you don’t have to go for an all-diamond or all-metal look on your big day! Play with color and incorporate your favorite gemstone, birthstone or your something blue. If big earrings aren’t for you, choose a pair of statement studs that have a romantic and delicate appeal. Find an earring style that best complements your style and face shape
here.
Pearls
Pearls are a classic choice, especially for a wedding. Pearls passed down from generation to generation hold a special significance, making it a sentimental option for wedding day jewelry if you have an heirloom. If you don’t already own pearl jewelry, your wedding is a great time to make this purchase as this piece will become a staple in your wardrobe.
Go beyond the old-fashioned strand of pearls with eye-catching pearl earrings like studs, drop earrings or pearl front-back earrings to add an elegant flair. Bangles set with pearl ends have an understated and modern feel, or go the more traditional route with a pearl necklace or bracelet. Don’t forget, pearls don’t have to be white! Create contrast between a white wedding gown and a Tahitian pearl or golden pearl shade.
Stella Necklace
Shy Creation
Tourmaline Victoria Ring
Sonya K Fine Jewelry
Rose Gold Bangle
RIO Diamond Corp
Moonlight Bracelet
Gumuchian
Tourmaline Earrings
Just Jules
Spinel and Diamond Drop Earrings
Sonya K Fine Jewelry
Heart & Soul Necklace
Lilly Street
Ombre Faith Pendant
Le Vian
Black Bead Bracelet
Samuel B
Emerald Heart Necklace
Norma Wellington Designs
“Carousel” Necklace
Gumuchian
Mixed Sapphire Pendant
Lisa Nik Inc.
Bubbly Lab Grown Diamond Bracelet
Smiling Rocks INC
Gold and Dangle Interchangeable Hoops
Martha Seely Design
"A" Initial Necklace
Yael Designs
Previous Next Stella Necklace
Shy Creation
Tourmaline Victoria Ring
Sonya K Fine Jewelry
Rose Gold Bangle
RIO Diamond Corp
Moonlight Bracelet
Gumuchian
Tourmaline Earrings
Just Jules
Spinel and Diamond Drop Earrings
Sonya K Fine Jewelry
Heart & Soul Necklace
Lilly Street
Ombre Faith Pendant
Le Vian
Black Bead Bracelet
Samuel B
Emerald Heart Necklace
Norma Wellington Designs
“Carousel” Necklace
Gumuchian
Mixed Sapphire Pendant
Lisa Nik Inc.
Bubbly Lab Grown Diamond Bracelet
Smiling Rocks INC
Gold and Dangle Interchangeable Hoops
Martha Seely Design
"A" Initial Necklace
Yael Designs
Previous Next