Engagement Rings

Engagement rings: Traditionally feature a center stone. Diamond is classic; colored gems are trending.

Wedding bands: Worn daily for life. Prioritize comfort and durability.

Fashion rings: Style pieces for any finger. More freedom in design choices.

Stackable rings: Thin bands designed to be worn in multiples.

Signet rings: Flat top surface, often engraved. Classic, masculine style.

Eternity bands: Gemstones circle the entire band. Dramatic sparkle.

Ring size changes throughout the day and with temperature:

When to measure: End of day when fingers are largest. Avoid cold conditions.

Width matters: Wide bands fit tighter than thin ones. Size up half a size for wide bands.

Knuckle considerations: If your knuckle is larger than your finger base, size for the knuckle and consider sizing beads.

Between sizes: Go up, not down. Slightly loose is better than painfully tight.

Professional sizing: Jewelers can size you accurately. It's worth the trip.

10K gold: Most durable, least expensive. Good for rings that take abuse.

14K gold: The American standard. Balances durability with gold content.

18K gold: Richer color, softer. International luxury standard. Best for special pieces.

For daily wear rings like wedding bands, 14K offers the best combination of appearance and durability. 18K is fine if you're willing to accept that it'll show wear faster.

Comfort fit: Rounded interior slides on easily and feels less tight. Best for daily wear bands.

Standard fit: Flat interior. Traditional, costs less.

Flat bands: Modern, geometric look. Can feel less comfortable than curved profiles.

Domed/Court: Curved exterior, comfortable interior. Classic shape.

Knife edge: Pointed profile creates dramatic shadow lines. Stylish but can feel sharp.

For rings you'll wear constantly, comfort fit is worth the small premium.

High polish: Mirror-like shine. Classic, shows scratches more readily.

Matte/Brushed: Soft, non-reflective finish. Hides wear better.

Hammered: Textured surface with small indentations. Artisanal look, very forgiving of scratches.

Satin: Between polish and matte. Subtle sheen.

Combination: Mix of finishes for visual interest.

Consider your lifestyle. High polish looks great new but shows every scratch. Matte and textured finishes are more forgiving for active hands.

Resizing potential: Most gold rings can be sized up or down. Very wide bands or full eternity bands are harder to resize.

Daily wear: Your ring will get scratched. This is normal. Gold can be polished.

Active lifestyle: Consider removing rings for gym, sports, manual work. Or choose a more durable design.

Professional maintenance: Annual inspection and cleaning keeps rings in top shape.

Insurance: For valuable rings, get them appraised and insured. It's worth the peace of mind.