The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Rings

If you’re thinking about proposing to your significant other but have little to no idea where to begin when it comes to picking out the perfect ring, then keep on scrolling! Picking out engagement rings and wedding bands is a huge step in the wedding process, but that doesn’t mean it has to be over complicated or break the bank! Here is a step-by-step guide filled with helpful tips on different ring cuts and settings, budget-friendly alternatives, and local jewelers in the Memphis area!

Engagement & Wedding Ring 101

First things first, let’s talk about the basics! There are 4 Cs when determining the quality of a diamond- carat, clarity, color, and cut. The 4 Cs determine the quality and value of the diamond. All four have different scales of measurement, but essentially the higher the 4 Cs, the more expensive, higher-quality diamond you’re purchasing. Any jeweler at a professional jewelry store can walk you through which diamonds possess higher and lower value.

Popular Engagement Ring Settings

The ring setting determines the ring’s price and how the diamond or main stone is positioned on the band. Picking the setting is step number one when picking out the perfect engagement ring. Because there are so many different options, we pulled together the most popular styles for you!

Solitaire

A Solitaire Setting means the main stone is the only stone for the entire ring. It is a popular choice when going with a high-carat stone or the bride is into minimalist jewelry! You can choose between a four or six-prong setting, with four being more subtle but six being more secure. It is an elegant, timeless choice and makes picking a wedding band easy because it pairs with everything!

Side Stone

The Side Stone Setting is for a bride who is wanting a little extra something! This option has the main stone surrounded by other stones (can be more diamonds or other gems for a pop of color)!

Three Stone

The description is in the name with the Three Stone Setting! It consists of one main stone with two smaller diamonds or other stones on each side! This set comes with a special meaning if you’re looking for something sentimental. Each stone represents the past, the present, and the future (cue the tears)!

Halo & Hidden Halo

This is the Halo Setting. This is a super popular setting because it is also the main stone to appear slightly bigger than it really is. It adds an additional sparkle to the ring as well!

This is the Hidden Halo. The only difference between Halo and Hidden Halo Setting is that Hidden Halo sits below the main stone. While adding sparkle and the illusion of a bigger stone, the Hidden Halo is more subtle than the Halo Setting.

Engagement Ring Cuts

Engagement ring cuts are often thought of as the shape of the diamond. By definition, it is actually how well the diamond interacts with light! Here are some examples of an assortment of cuts!

Round

The round diamond cut is probably the most recognizable and well-known of the cuts. If your significant other leans towards a more classic, traditional vibe, the round cut is a showstopper! It is also known for reflecting light for a dazzling display and pairs well with other multicolor jewels!

Princess

The Princess Cut offers a modern take on the round cut! If your significant other loves modern, clean, and sleek styles, the Princess Cut might be a winner! It is flexible to work with because of the square shape for any setting or wedding band!

Emerald

The Emerald Cut is a stand-alone beauty. The sleek and elegant beauty is gorgeous in a Solitaire Setting and stands out in any other setting. Because of the simplicity, the Emerald cut requires a higher clarity diamond. Look no further if your bride wants a modern and elegant look to her ring!

Cushion

Calling all vintage vibe lovers!! The recent rise in popularity with the Cushion Cut is attributed to the rise in popularity of vintage-styled jewelry! With a cushion cut diamond, you can achieve a more vintage look but still, create something new and unique for your special someone!

Radiant

The Radiant Cut screams BLING BLING! It has 70 facets to reflect the most amount of light possible giving it the name Radiant. If your bride wants to blind anyone who looks at her ring (and who doesn’t want love being extra) the Radiant Cut is a winner!

Asscher

Developed in 1902, the Asscher Cut screams “pick me” for any bride who loves a vintage/roaring 20s vibe! The Asscher Cut is a top pick among celebrities and is a popular cut!

Pear

Also known as the Teardrop Cut, the Pear Cut is sure to bring a tear to your eye (we couldn’t pass up a pun/cheesy moment)! Because of the unique shape, the Pear Cut is a little harder to pair in a multi-stone setting. But if your bride is into unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry, the Pear Cut is perfect!

Oval

The Oval Cut is another beauty perfect for a traditional and classic look! The proportional shape makes it so easy to pair with other stones and any setting! The Oval Cut is a popular choice for an engagement ring because it flatters everyone!

Marquise

One of the oldest cuts, the Marquise Cut is a timeless and elegant beauty! The elongated shape makes it perfect for any hand! The Marquise Cut’s shape pairs well in a multi-stone setting and is a beautiful pick for a boho/vintage vibe!

Budget-Conscious Diamond Alternatives

There are no secret engagement rings and wedding bands can cost upwards of a thousand dollars. If you’re wanting to propose to the love of your life, but are wanting to stay within a strict budget, or your partner simply doesn’t like traditional diamonds, here are some helpful diamond alternatives that are just as gorgeous, but more budget-friendly options.

Colored Diamonds

Because colored diamonds aren’t traditionally engagement and wedding band stones, colored diamonds are surprisingly less expensive than normal diamonds. Colored diamonds come in reds, blues, greens, blacks, browns, etc (pictured is a yellow diamond). Because they’re not valued as much as colorless diamonds, you can save almost 65-75%!

Moissanite

That’s right. What you’re seeing in the picture above is actually a mineral called Moissanite! It registers as a 9.5 on the Mohs scale (hardness scale for minerals), so it won’t chip, however it will lose its radiance over time. It’s the perfect solution if you’re ready to propose, don’t have a big budget, and want to save for the real thing later on!

Morganite & Quartz

Morganite and Quartz are two more minerals that are a perfect alternative to diamonds! While they aren’t as hard as Moissanite, they are perfectly great alternatives! Our suggestion is to definitely pick a sturdier setting with these minerals!

Lab Diamonds

Did you know lab-grown diamonds are chemically indistinguishable from a real diamond! They’re more budget-friendly, and if you are against diamonds on principle, you don’t have to worry about the origin story of these diamonds! They look and feel like the real thing without the hefty price tag!

Sapphire, Rubies, Emeralds

These alternative stones are great because while they are more budget-conscious, they rank between 8-9 on the Mohs scale! For brides who don’t like traditional diamonds, these are also great alternatives because they are still a traditional engagement stone but with a fun and unique twist!

Local Memphis Jewelers

Robert Irwin Jewelers

Robert Irwin Jewelers is a family-owned business that began in New York turned into the mid-south’s number one fine jewelers from engagement rings, wedding sets, and bands! They have five locations across Tennessee, North Mississippi, and Arkansas!

Mednikow Jewelers

Mednikow Jewelers began in 1891 and has remained a family-owned and operated business ever since. They are dedicated to giving their customers beautiful rings with integrity, imagination, and quality. They have two locations, one in Memphis, and another in Atlanta, GA!

Bob Richard’s Jewelry

Bob Richards Jewelry in Germantown began in 1927 with Rob Richard’s becoming the first watchmaker in the Richards family. Today, it has grown into a three-generational small business. With expertise in Rolex and engagement ring’s the Richards own and operate one of the best jewelry stores in Tennessee!

Helpful Tips

Lastly, when thinking about getting that special someone, consider their lifestyle and everyday habits! They’re going to possibly wear this ring 24/7, so you want to ensure it is not only the ring of their dreams but practical for their lifestyle. For example, if your significant other lives an active lifestyle or a more hands-on job, like in the medical profession, something more minimal or subtle might be the way to go so it doesn’t cause discomfort or snag on a glove or article of clothing!

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