Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It can feel overwhelming to select an engagement ring that perfectly represents your unique love and commitment. With endless options available today, many people don’t know where to start. There are several things to consider when choosing an engagement ring such as lifestyle, budget, and personal taste.

Discover how to pick a VRAI created diamond engagement ring with expert advice from GIA Graduate Gemologist, Queena Chang, below. For further personalized guidance, book a complimentary appointment with our VRAI diamond experts.

What to Know When Choosing an Engagement Ring

Whether you’re choosing an engagement ring together or picking one for your partner, use these essential tips to help you select the ideal ring.

1. Know the Ring Size

Before you start ring shopping, make sure you know the correct ring size. “I recommend having your ring size checked at least twice at different times of day. Your ring size can fluctuate depending on many variables,” explains Queena Chang, VRAI’s Lead Diamond Expert. “The fit that I look for is a ring that slips on easily but takes a little wiggle or turn at the knuckle to take off. The ring shouldn’t easily come off of the finger, nor should it feel like you have to pull to take it off. When in doubt, go slightly looser.”

If you’re not sure how to find your ring size, order a complimentary VRAI ring sizer. VRAI offers engagement rings in sizes 3-11 with custom sizing available.

2. Set a Budget

It’s important to know how much you should spend on an engagement ring, as well as how much you can spend. While an engagement ring is a lifetime investment, it shouldn’t cause you to go into debt.

“I always recommend figuring out the goal size of the diamond and then planning the rest of the ring around it. Having a range of sizes helps so that there is more flexibility in the setting, but the most important C’s to focus on for budget would be color and carat,” advises Chang. VRAI engagement rings are available at a large range of price points and carat weights. Our VRAI Diamond Experts can help you find a ring that suits both your taste and budget.

3. Meet With a Trusted Diamond Expert

If you’re not sure how to find an engagement ring, start by speaking with a diamond expert at a trusted diamond retailer. VRAI offers complimentary appointments with a diamond expert online or at our showrooms. They’ll walk you through each step of the process and provide in-depth diamond education and expert advice.

“In our modern day, there are so many choices for diamond shapes and settings. I always recommend customers book an appointment just so that they can begin the journey,” suggests Chang. “Some clients will discover their favorite ring in one visit, while others may have a few favorites that they need time to review. There is no wrong way to go about it, but getting that baseline knowledge with a diamond expert will make everything so much easier.”

4. Consider Lifestyle and Preferences

When deciding how to choose an engagement ring, consider your lifestyle and taste. Since most people wear their engagement ring daily, the ring you choose should suit you. “When it comes to considering your style, I like to have my clients view their favorite rings in a mirror. That way they can truly see the ring on themselves and see if they can see themselves wearing it every day in any outfit” advises Chang.

If you’re shopping for your partner, take note of their preferences and style and our diamond experts can help you select the best options for them.

Style aside, your ring should also be comfortable to wear during your daily activities. If you live an active lifestyle or work with your hands, the details you choose should complement that.

5. Decide on a Carat Weight

Engagement ring shoppers often prioritize carat weight above all else. Carat weight influences the size, brilliance, and style of your ring. While carat weight is important, several factors determine the right carat weight for you. Certain diamond shapes maximize their carat weight while other shapes have peak brilliance at higher carat weights.

Diamond carat size greatly impacts the total cost of your ring, so the best carat weight for you depends on the diamond shape, setting, and budget. Our diamond experts can help you determine the ideal carat weight for your preferred look.

6. Understand the Diamond 4Cs

The diamond 4cs will help you make an informed decision when choosing a diamond. Cut, carat, clarity, and color determine the appearance, brilliance, and value of your diamond. Certain Cs are more important than others (depending on the diamond shape).

Our diamond experts will provide further diamond education so you can choose the optimal diamond grade for you.

7. Determine Your Ideal Diamond Shape

Each diamond shape has its own unique beauty, meaning, and price. When choosing a diamond for an engagement ring, consider the style and look you love over what’s popular. While a Round Brilliant cut diamond is the most sought-after shape, this classic and versatile shape isn’t the best choice for everyone.

Those with modern tastes may prefer a linear-shaped diamond like an Emerald or Princess, while those with vintage tastes may gravitate towards an Oval or Pear cut diamond. Explore all 30 VRAI created diamond shapes to find your ideal center diamond.

8. Select the Right Engagement Ring Setting

, narrowing down an engagement ring setting can feel like a formidable decision. The setting you choose will determine the overall look of your ring, with certain settings better suited to certain styles.

Different settings offer different benefits as well. For example, a Bezel setting is the most secure ring setting while a Halo setting is preferred by those who seek additional brilliance. Our diamond experts will direct you to the best ring setting for your style, preferences, and diamond shape.

9. Choose a Metal Color

The most common metals for engagement rings are platinum, yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. Consider the metal you like best as well as your center diamond and style. If you choose a diamond with a lower color grade, you may prefer yellow or rose gold. White gold and platinum will look best on colorless or near-colorless diamonds.

The metal color also highlights the overall ring style with certain choices better suited for modern or classic tastes.

10. Keep Your Future Wedding Band in Mind

If you’re planning on wearing your engagement ring with your wedding ring, consider how your rings will stack. Each ring should pair flush so that you can comfortably and securely wear them together without chipping or rubbing.

One easy way to ensure a perfect pair is by choosing a wedding ring set. Our diamond experts can help you choose designs that pair well together.

11. Verify Diamond Certification

, verify that you’re buying a certified diamond. This confirms the quality and value of your diamond.

All VRAI created diamonds come with our proprietary diamond certification, including a lifetime warranty.

12. Know the Value of the Ring

Not all diamond retailers price their engagement rings according to value. Knowing the value of your ring will help you verify that the price you’re paying reflects the worth of your diamond.

VRAI offers some of the most competitive diamond prices in the industry. Our diamonds are grown in our zero-emission foundry, in-house, with no middlemen markups. As such, we can guarantee the origin and worth of your diamond.

Why Should You Choose Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings?

When you select a lab-grown diamond engagement ring, you’re choosing to honor your love and your values. All VRAI created diamonds are grown in our zero-emission foundry, with no human or environmental impact.

When you buy a VRAI created diamond engagement ring, there’s no question that can’t be answered. Unlike mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds have a guaranteed point of origin. With VRAI created diamonds, you truly know their value and impact.

How to Buy an Engagement Ring

To buy an engagement ring, book an appointment with a VRAI diamond expert. Let us guide you through each step of the process with personalized assistance and education.

If you prefer to buy your ring without speaking to a diamond expert, you can easily do so online. Explore our full inventory of VRAI created diamonds and engagement ring settings. Select the one you love, your metal choice, band preference, and ring size. Once you check out, your ring will be made-to-order and shipped directly to you.

Shop All VRAI Created Diamond Engagement Rings

Discover all VRAI engagement rings or design a custom engagement ring when you book an appointment with a VRAI diamond expert.