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Choosing an engagement ring can be overwhelming; the moment you walk in a store, you’re flooded with information about diamond grades, certifications, clarity, and settings. To top things off, there’s a lot at stake (I’m looking at you, bank account!). Oh, and let’s not forget the fact that you (or the person you’re proposing to) will wear the ring daily for years to come.

Sooo, you know, no pressure!

Before you start having nightmares about purchasing an asscher cut instead of an oval cut, consider narrowing down your options by attribute. Choose your top two most important attributes from the list below and use those characteristics to help you guide your decision-making process.

Diamond Type (Mined vs. Lab Grown)

Choosing a diamond type is a relatively new step in the engagement ring purchasing process. Thanks to advancements in science and technology, couples can choose either a man-made diamond that was mined from the Earth or a lab-grown diamond that was created by using technology that replicates the natural diamond growing process.

Since cultured diamonds are a relatively new industry, it’s worth educating yourself on the basics. In general, lab-grown diamonds are 20-40% less expensive than mined stones and are often more ethical and/or environmentally friendly. Choose a ring based on the type of diamond if the receiver is a traditionalist (i.e. they would prefer a mined diamond) or if they would prefer a diamond that is easier on the environment and has a lower social impact.

Color

Believe it or not, diamonds come in a variety of colors. A traditional diamond is white, but there are also pink, blue, and yellow diamonds (which are usually more expensive because of their rarity). Choose an engagement ring based on the color if you’re looking for something unique and non-traditional.

Shape

The best thing you can do to help you decide on a diamond shape is to try each shape on. The most common shapes to choose from are round, heart, cushion (square), rectangular, pear, marquise, and oval. But the choices don’t stop there; depending on the shape, there are often different styles within that shape. For example, princess, asscher, emerald, and radiant styles are all diamond shapes that fall under the rectangle shaped family.

Budget

If you’re money-conscious and/or on a strict budget, there’s nothing wrong with choosing a ring based on the cost. Narrow down your choices by what fits in your budget, then start picking favorites based on the appearance, style, and other factors of importance to you.

Style

This may seem like an obvious one, but there so many styles to consider: vintage, modern, traditional, and halo, to name a few. In addition to choosing an overall style, it’s important to consider the wedding band and the engagement ring (even if you don’t purchase them at the same time). Do you want a mix-and-match style (i.e. a gold band and a silver engagement ring)? Or would you prefer a matching set? Are you looking for an interlocking set or two rings that can be worn separately? Keeping these factors in mind will help you narrow down your search.

Choosing an engagement ring can feel overwhelming, but by breaking down attributes that are important to you, you’ll find a ring that’s a perfect fit.

Clean Origin has quickly become both a thought and industry leader in the lab-grown diamond vertical. Offering 100% man-made diamond jewelry, our #1 priority is and always will be our happy customers. At Clean Origin, we’re proud to provide a 100% ethically sourced diamond option for couples who want peace of mind in their hearts and on their hands.