You’ve got the Pinterest boards ready and shared your ring size. Now it’s time for them to actually pull the trigger on your dream engagement ring! We talked with MK, owner and head wedding planner at Your Day By MK all about picking an engagement ring. So for all of the folks out there who are ring shopping here are some helpful tips to consider!

So where should you start?

There are actually two choices you’ll need to make when choosing an engagement ring - the setting and the center stone. The diamond is the most popular choice since it is considered to be one of the most precious and durable gems! So today we’ll talk only about diamonds but scroll to the end for other precious gems that are durable that you can consider if you’re looking for something different. 

All that being said, the setting of an engagement ring has its own price and then the center diamond has its own price. Settings are pretty straight forward - it’s just a matter of choosing one you like or working with a ring designer to create a custom setting. The 4C’s are going to determine the cost of the diamond itself. 

 

What are the 4 C’s of diamonds?

Cut - how symmetrical the cuts are on a diamond

Carat - weight/size

Clarity - Knicks or natural “flaws” in the diamond or the lack of natural inclusions.

Color - Yellow or not? Color ranges from D to Z, D is colorless and the most rare for naturally made diamonds.

The 4 c’s work in tandem to determine the price of the diamond. So if you have a 2 carat diamond that’s a bit yellowed, it’s probably similar in price to a 1ct diamond that’s super clean and pristine. 

 

What about lab made diamonds?

Lab made diamonds ARE diamonds. They are biologically the same and a gemologist wouldn’t know without seeing the “marking” labs put on them. 

 

So what’s the difference?

Natural diamonds are mined and looked at as “more valuable” since they’re excavating gems that are created from years and years of pressure in the earth. They’re also problematic because they usually exploit human labor amongst other things.

People still buy natural diamonds because they don’t know lab made diamonds exist and we were societally fed that “natural” diamonds are better.

Typically lab made diamonds are considered “conflict free” because they don’t involve poor mining practices and the exploitation of human labor. Some natural diamonds are also conflict free because they have better mining practices and labor practices. It’s a good idea to ask your partner if having a conflict free diamond is important to them before you start shopping!

Another great and ethical option is to use vintage and recycled jewelry! This means using gems and settings that had a previous owner and repurposing them. These can come in the form of family heirlooms, antique stores or estate sales! Some jewelers also have vintage rings for sale.

 

So there you have it! Use this to help you when picking the perfect engagement ring (or send to that special someone who might be shopping for you)!

 

Here are some of MK’s favorite jewelers!

Naturally Made Diamonds:

Catbird - offers antique and recycled diamonds and jewelry!

Valerie Madison Jewelry

Laura Lombardi

Mineralogy

Ana Luisa 

 

Chicago/Lab made diamonds:

Numined

Brilliant Earth

Ethan Lord Jewelers

Haute Carat - Woman and Chicago owned!

Other precious gems to consider:

Moissanite (clear like a diamond but cheaper)

Sapphire (typically royal blue but can also be a variety of colors)

Aquamarine (pale blue)

Morganite (pink/peach)

Emerald (green)

Ruby (red)

Amethyst (purple in color ranging from deep purple to light lavender)

 

Still need a wedding planner or day of coordinator? 

Your Day by MK offers everything from Full service planning to Month-Of-Coordination and 2 hour consultations on anything you need help with. 

MK, owner and lead planner, is a wiz when it comes to organization and prides herself on making sure that you have the wedding day of your dreams while being able to focus on all the right things - your love, your loved ones and celebrating! MK believes that “your wedding day should be as easy as showing up, sipping a mimosa and walking down the aisle”

Want to learn more? See more of what it looks like to work with their team HERE

Was this blog about picking an engagement ring helpful? Share it with your fiancé or someone in your life who is starting to shop around for engagement rings! And learn more about our engagement sessions HERE