An engagement ring comes down to three choices: the setting (how the stone is held), the metal (which gold color and karat), and the size (so it fits from day one). Pick a setting that fits their lifestyle, a metal that suits their skin tone and other jewelry, and confirm the ring size before you order.
Once those three are settled, choosing the stone gets much easier. Here is how to think through each one.
What are the most common engagement ring settings?
The setting is the metal that holds the center stone. It changes how big the stone looks, how much light gets in, and how well it holds up to daily life.
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Solitaire: one stone on a plain band. Classic, easy to clean, and it lets the stone stand out.
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Prong: small metal claws hold the stone. Four prongs show more of the diamond; six prongs hold it more securely.
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Bezel: a rim of metal wraps around the stone. Very secure and smooth, a good fit for people who work with their hands.
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Halo: a ring of small diamonds circles the center stone and makes it look larger.
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Pavé: tiny diamonds set along the band for extra sparkle.
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Three-stone: a center stone with one stone on each side.
Think about daily life. A high prong setting catches on gloves and sweaters. A lower profile or bezel is more practical for nurses, mechanics, athletes and parents of small kids.
Which metal is best for an engagement ring?
Gold is the most popular choice. The karat tells you how much pure gold is in the metal:
| Karat |
Pure gold |
What to know |
| 10K |
41.7% |
Hardest and most durable; lighter yellow color |
| 14K |
58.3% |
Good balance of color, strength and value |
| 18K |
75% |
Richer yellow color; softer, shows scratches sooner |
Then pick a color:
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Yellow gold is warm and classic, and it's forgiving with diamonds that have a little warmth in color.
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White gold is gold mixed with white metals and usually coated with rhodium for a bright finish. The coating wears over time and can be redone.
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Rose gold gets its pink tone from copper and looks soft and warm.
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Platinum is naturally white, dense and heavy, and costs more than gold.
A good trick: look at the jewelry they already wear. If they always wear yellow gold, start there. Plan for the wedding band too, since the two rings will sit side by side.
How do I figure out their ring size?
Getting the size right means the ring is comfortable and secure on the first day. If you can, borrow a ring they wear on the correct finger and measure it. Our guide to finding your ring size at home has a size chart and step-by-step instructions.
- Measure the ring finger of the hand they will wear it on. Hands can differ.
- If you are between sizes, go with the larger one.
- Ask before you buy if the ring can be sized later. Rings with stones all the way around are harder to size.
We do ring sizing in our store. Call or text for details on your ring.
What about the center stone?
Once the setting and metal are picked, you can choose the stone. Learn the 4Cs in our diamond basics guide, and decide whether you want a natural diamond, a lab-grown diamond or another stone. Put cut first for sparkle, then pick the carat size that looks right on their hand.
Can I get a custom engagement ring?
Yes. We do custom work in our store, and custom pieces are made to order in 10–14 business days. Custom and personalized pieces are final sale, but we'll work with you to make sure you're happy with it. In-stock pieces can be returned within 30 days of delivery if unworn, undamaged and in the original packaging.
Browse our rings collection, where every listing shows the metal, karat, weight and stones. If you are working with a budget, our under $1,000 collection is a good place to start.
Visit or text us
We are happy to walk you through settings and metals in person. Visit our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open 7 days, or call or text (973) 673-3800. Start with our rings collection.
Engagement Ring Basics: Setting, Metal and Size
An engagement ring comes down to three choices: the setting (how the stone is held), the metal (which gold color and karat), and the size (so it fits from day one). Pick a setting that fits their lifestyle, a metal that suits their skin tone and other jewelry, and confirm the ring size before you order.
Once those three are settled, choosing the stone gets much easier. Here is how to think through each one.
What are the most common engagement ring settings?
The setting is the metal that holds the center stone. It changes how big the stone looks, how much light gets in, and how well it holds up to daily life.
Think about daily life. A high prong setting catches on gloves and sweaters. A lower profile or bezel is more practical for nurses, mechanics, athletes and parents of small kids.
Which metal is best for an engagement ring?
Gold is the most popular choice. The karat tells you how much pure gold is in the metal:
Then pick a color:
A good trick: look at the jewelry they already wear. If they always wear yellow gold, start there. Plan for the wedding band too, since the two rings will sit side by side.
How do I figure out their ring size?
Getting the size right means the ring is comfortable and secure on the first day. If you can, borrow a ring they wear on the correct finger and measure it. Our guide to finding your ring size at home has a size chart and step-by-step instructions.
We do ring sizing in our store. Call or text for details on your ring.
What about the center stone?
Once the setting and metal are picked, you can choose the stone. Learn the 4Cs in our diamond basics guide, and decide whether you want a natural diamond, a lab-grown diamond or another stone. Put cut first for sparkle, then pick the carat size that looks right on their hand.
Can I get a custom engagement ring?
Yes. We do custom work in our store, and custom pieces are made to order in 10–14 business days. Custom and personalized pieces are final sale, but we'll work with you to make sure you're happy with it. In-stock pieces can be returned within 30 days of delivery if unworn, undamaged and in the original packaging.
Browse our rings collection, where every listing shows the metal, karat, weight and stones. If you are working with a budget, our under $1,000 collection is a good place to start.
Visit or text us
We are happy to walk you through settings and metals in person. Visit our family-owned store at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, open 7 days, or call or text (973) 673-3800. Start with our rings collection.