ENGAGEMENT RINGS FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Engagement Rings

Buying an engagement ring can be a daunting endeavor. These expensive pieces symbolize love and commitment. They are meant to be worn for a lifetime, only removed to protect them from the elements. There are endless engagement rings available, not to mention the plethora of diamond center stones. Engagement ring ownership is a journey requiring maintenance that can mystify new owners. Here are some of the questions we at BARONS Jewelers receive the most about engagement rings, but, if you have more questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

How Do I Wear My Bridal Jewelry?

How one wears their engagement ring largely depends on cultural tradition, but bridal jewelry is almost always worn on the ring finger. This stems from the Ancient Roman belief that the ring finger is attached to the “Vena Amoris,” or “vein of love,” that connects directly to the heart. Today, we know that every finger is connected to the circulatory system, but we still retain that tradition.

In North America, most wear their engagement ring on the left hand ring finger on top of the wedding band. In Eastern Europe, some wear bridal jewelry on the right hand. Brazilians will wear their engagement ring on the right during the engagement but swap sides after the vows. Some people stop wearing their engagement ring altogether, preferring instead to exclusively wear the wedding band after the wedding.

How Much Should I Spend?

There are two modes of thought when budgeting for engagement rings. Many hold to the tradition that the groom should spend three months of salary on the ring. This practice comes from a marketing campaign by a prominent diamond company. But you should consider your priorities. Do you want to spend more on the honeymoon or make a deposit on a house? Whatever they are, you can always upgrade the ring later.

When you establish a budget, consider narrowing it down further. How much will be allocated to the setting, and how much will go toward the center stone? They are significant parts of the total cost, and determining your budget will make finding the right ring easier.

What Diamond is Right for Me?

Ultimately, the right diamond is the one you love and can comfortably afford. Every diamond is guaranteed to be beautiful and enchanting. However, it is important to know what types of diamonds exist and the characteristics that distinguish them. Diamonds are graded per the four C's. When choosing a diamond, ruminate on them to determine what qualities are important to you. The four C's are cut, clarity, color, and carat.

Cut refers to the shape of the diamond as well as the precision of the cut. Round cut diamonds exhibit a peerless brilliance with a price to match, while non-round cuts feature a multitude of shapes exhibiting a range of distinctive styles. Clarity indicates a diamond's number of flaws or inclusions: the fewer, the better. Color describes the hue of a diamond. While the most desirable shade is colorless, the vast majority of diamonds have a tint of color to them. Lastly, carat refers to a diamond's size and weight.

How Often Do I Clean My Ring?

All jewelry should be cleaned occasionally. Precious metals and gemstones naturally accumulate dirt, grime, and dust from wearing them. This buildup leads to tarnishing and dulls the vibrance of these luxury materials. Since engagement rings are worn daily, they can get dirty quickly. In terms of frequency, you will want to clean the rings at home every week. Bring it to the jeweler twice a year for a more in-depth cleaning routine.

Cleaning an engagement ring at home is easy. You'll need a soft-bristled toothbrush, a bowl of warm, soapy water, and a microfiber cloth. Note the soft brush - precious metals are quick to scratch. Once you have all your materials together, let the ring sit in the water bowl for 40 minutes. Give it a thorough but gentle scrub with a brush, making sure to get every bit you can. Finally, dry it off with the microfiber cloth. While you won't be able to get under the prongs and other nooks and crannies, a jeweler can, which is why you must take it in every few months for a professional cleaning.

Can I Find My Ring Size at Home?

You can absolutely find your ring size at home. While jewelers can give the most accurate measurements, there's a simple method you can do yourself. You'll need a marker, a measuring tape, and an online size chart.

Wrap the measuring tape around the thickest point on your finger and mark where the ends meet. If the sharp tapes make you uncomfortable, you can also use a thin piece of yarn. Now that you've got the measurement, compare it to an online chart. There are many available online.

What's the History of Engagement Rings?

Engagement rings have a long and storied history. They were first found in Ancient Rome. While today we associate them with marriage, they were used to convey any significant relationship. It could have been a business partnership, a friendship, or a romantic relationship. They weren't usually made of precious metals but were usually sculpted from ivory, copper, and other materials. It wasn't until 850 AD that these gained a connection to marriage when Pope Nicolas I made their marital connotation official.

In 1477, the first truly modern engagement ring was invented when Archduke Maximillian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy. This brilliant ring made use of a brilliant diamond. However, diamonds weren't widely used until 1947. That is the year De Beers released their “Diamonds are Forever” campaign, which greatly influenced the engagement ring.

Why is BARONS Jewelers the Best Source for Engagement Rings?

BARONS Jewelers has long been the Bay Area's favorite jeweler. For decades, we have been purveyors of fine jewelry in Dublin, California. Our wide selection of gorgeous engagement rings by the best designer jewelry brands is carefully curated to appeal to our discerning community's customers. No matter you or your partner's tastes, we have the right engagement ring within our selection. To better serve our customers, we employ an experienced goldsmith with decades of experience. Can't find the engagement ring of your dreams? We can make it. Consult with our team to create your own engagement ring. We can also repair all of your favorite jewelry. Call (925) 344-8317 to learn more.