You’ve found The One – the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Now it’s time to say “I do” to the perfect diamond engagement ring! Where should you start?
At Samuelson’s Diamonds, we’ve been helping Baltimore couples find their dream engagement rings for over 100 years – and we’d love to help you, too. Use this article as your go-to guide for picking the perfect ring, or give us a call at (410) 837-0290 to learn more.
Find Your Dream Engagement Ring at Samuelson’s Diamonds.
Learn Why We’re Baltimore’s #1 Diamond Store!
Before you begin: set your budget
One question we often hear is, “how much should I spend on an engagement ring?”
This is a great question that has no right answer. How much you spend on a ring should completely depend on your personal budget and what you feel comfortable spending.
Of course, if you’ve never purchased a diamond before, you might not know what price range to expect. If you go in blind, you’ll likely spend more than you can afford. That’s why we always recommend starting your search for a ring by:
1. Researching ring prices
A quick online search and you’ll see a wide range of diamond ring prices. Rather than basing your price range on what you find online, we recommend calling or meeting with an experienced Baltimore jeweler.
Your jeweler will help you understand the cost of a diamond, give you an idea of accurate price ranges, and answer any other questions.
2. Identify your budget
Once you’re equipped with some first-hand research, you can look at your finances and determine your budget. It’s best to choose a range (no matter how small), rather than a firm price.
You should also think about whether or not you’ll need to work with a jeweler who offers financing, or if you’re able to pay up front.
Remember: A high-quality diamond ring will never wear out or loose it’s shine. This will be an investment that lasts forever.
Where to shop for an engagement ring
The jewelry store you work with makes all the difference in your ability to find a ring you love within your budget. Look for a store offering a high-quality shopping experience, hand-selected diamonds, and a trusted, knowledgeable team.
A few other important requirements the store should meet include:
- GIA certified gemologists on staff
- Offers ring appraisals and complimentary resizing
- Reputation of excellent customer service and great reviews
- Locally-owned company
Working with Samuelson’s Diamonds to find your dream engagement ring is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In addition to meeting all the above requirements, we offer an incredible selection of exquisite diamonds and a personalized shopping experience.
Vintage or designer? Which type of engagement ring is right for you
As your search begins, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether you want a vintage ring or a designer ring. Your jeweler can show you the difference between these two types of rings, but here’s what you should know up front.
Vintage engagement rings
There’s nothing quite like the timeless romance of a stunning vintage engagement ring. Vintage rings are those typically 20 to 50+ years old and fit into one of the following eras:
- Georgian
- Victorian
- Edwardian
- Art Deco
- Retro
There are unique characteristics represented with each of these eras. An experienced jeweler can help you understand these differences and identify which style you like best.
Keep in mind that a vintage engagement ring often needs time with an experienced gemologist to restore its original look and shine. Choose a jeweler who carefully curates their collection and can tell you about the era and history of the ring.
View our hand-selected online collection of vintage rings.
Shop Our Etsy Collection
Designer engagement rings
Many couples prefer a modern engagement ring setting. In this case, a expertly crafted and beautiful designer engagement ring is a great choice.
There are countless world-renowned designers to choose from, so ask your jeweler for their recommendation. You’ll gain valuable insight into what a designer is known for, why couples love their designs, and what price range to expect.
Choose the right diamond shape
The shape of your diamond plays a big role in the overall look and personality of a ring. With over a dozen ring shapes available, it can be difficult to choose!
Here’s a quick overview of the 10 most popular diamond shapes:
| Shape | Characteristic |
| Round | Classic and simple (very popular!) |
| Cushion | Found in both vintage and modern rings |
| Emerald | Striking with an oversized table |
| Radiant | Intricate with exquisitely shaped corners |
| Pear | Looks like the shape of a teardrop |
| Princess | The sharp edges help it stand out in a crowd |
| Oval | A classic and very popular shape |
| Heart | Symbolic and very unique |
| Asscher | Bold, unique, and a favorite among celebrities |
| Marquise | Perfect for those wanting a diamond that looks larger than its carat weight |
Read more about diamond shapes.
Other things to think about: Do you prefer an engagement ring with multiple diamonds, or a single solitaire?
What Diamond Shape Looks Best On Your Finger?
Find out here!
Understand the 4 Cs
The quality of a ring is judged by 4 characteristics: Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut. These are often referred to as the 4Cs. Let’s take a closer look at each of these characteristics.
1. Carat – How much a diamond weighs. Every carat is made up of points, with 100 points equalling 1 carat, and 1 carat equalling 0.2 grams.
2. Color – Amount of light able to pass through the diamond. The less color, the more light can pass through (making your ring sparkle!) and the more valuable the diamond.
3. Clarity – Number of inclusions and blemishes on the diamond
4. Cut – The symmetry, proportioning, and polish of a diamond. This is what really makes a diamond shine
Your jeweler will help you help you understand the 4Cs and demonstrate the differences these characteristics make in a ring’s appearance.
There’s a lot of science and expertise behind evaluating a diamond and its characteristics and determining its worth, but in the end, what really matters is what you think. You’re the only one who knows whether a ring represents your love and tells your story, so trust your instincts!
Questions to ask before you say yes to the ring
Throughout the entire shopping experience, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Asking questions is the best way to ensure you end up with the perfect ring.
Here are a few things to think about and learn from your jeweler:
- The process for ring appraisals
- Ability to resize or modify the ring
- Whether or not the store has an on-site gemologist
- How to care for the ring (cleaning, maintenance, etc.)
- Warranties and exchange policy
- Payment or financing options available
Let Samuelson’s Diamonds help you buy the perfect diamond engagement ring
At Samuelson’s Diamonds, our team of experienced jewelers have helped thousands of couples find the engagement ring that perfectly represent their love. We’d love to help you, too!
If you live in the Baltimore area, give us a call to schedule a private consultation. We’re here to answer all your questions, show you our collection of beautiful diamond engagement rings, and help you celebrate this exciting time in your life.
Our goal is for you to walk away with a ring you and your partner will cherish forever.
Ready to propose?
Read our list of 15 best places to propose in Baltimore!
