How to Choose an Engagement Ring: The Complete Guide (2025)
Are you planning an engagement and don't know how to choose the right ring? Šárka Bencová, an expert in gemstones and their selection from the family-owned jewelry store Benc Klenoty (tradition since 1928), will give you step-by-step advice. Find out how to choose the perfect engagement ring that will symbolize your love for generations.
Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most important purchases of your life. It is not just a beautiful piece of jewelry, but a symbol of love that your partner will wear every day. After 15 years of working with diamonds and gemstones and alongside jeweler Zdeněk Bence in our family workshop (a tradition since 1928), I know that choosing the right one requires knowledge, time and a little planning.
In this complete guide, you'll learn everything you need to know to choose the perfect engagement ring - from budget to diamond quality to the secret sizing. I help dozens of couples find the perfect ring every year, and this article contains everything I advise them during my in-person consultations.
📋 Article content:
- Budget planning
- The 4Cs of Diamonds Explained
- Types of engagement rings
- Materials and metals
- Ring size
- Where to shop
- Timetable
- Most common mistakes
💰 Planning a budget for an engagement ring {#budget}
"How much should I spend on an engagement ring?" - this is the most common question I hear. Forget the "2-3 months' salary" myth. Your budget should reflect your financial capabilities and priorities.
Realistic budget categories in the Czech Republic (2025):
Basic category: 15,000 - 30,000 CZK
- Smaller diamond (0.15-0.30 ct), quality G/SI1
- 14K gold, simple design
- Ideal for young couples or second choice
Mid-range: 30,000 - 70,000 CZK
- Diamond 0.30-0.50 ct, quality G/VS1-VS2
- 14K or 18K gold, multiple appearance options
- The most popular choice in the Czech Republic
Premium category: 70,000 - 150,000 CZK
- Diamond 0.50-1.00 ct, quality FG/VVS2-VS1
- 18K gold, exceptional design
- For those who want something extraordinary
- Diamond 1.00+ ct, quality DF/VVS1 and higher
- Platinum or 18K gold, custom made
- An investment piece with long-term value
💡 Advice from a gem expert:
"In our workshop, I see that the most satisfied customers are those who set their budget according to their capabilities, not according to social pressure. A beautiful ring for 40,000 CZK can be much more suitable than an overpriced investment for 100,000 CZK."
💎 4Cs of Diamonds: A Complete Guide to Diamond Quality {#4c-diamond}
The 4Cs are the foundation of every diamond’s evaluation: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. As an expert in diamond selection and evaluation, I evaluate these parameters every day, and here is my practical approach:
1. Cut - The most important factor ✨
The cut determines how a diamond reflects light. Even a perfect stone that is poorly cut will look dull.
Grinding scale:
- Excellent/Ideal: Maximum shine, I recommend
- Very good: A very good choice with a better price
- Good: Acceptable for smaller budgets
- Average/Poor: I don't recommend
Why cut is key: "In my practice, I see a huge difference. A 0.30 ct diamond with an excellent cut will shine more than a 0.50 ct diamond with an average cut."
2. Color - Practical Approach 🎨
Diamonds are graded from D (colorless) to Z (yellowish).
My recommendations based on budget:
- DF: Colorless, premium category
- GH: Almost colorless, best price/quality ratio ⭐
- IJ: Light touch, acceptable for smaller budgets
- K and below: Visible tint, not recommended
For engagement rings, I recommend the GH color - it is practically colorless and more affordable than the DF category.
3. Clarity - What you really see 🔍
Clarity indicates the internal and external flaws of a diamond.
Practical evaluation:
- FL/IF: Flawless, very rare and expensive
- VVS1/VVS2: Minimal flaws, great choice
- VS1/VS2: Flaws invisible to the naked eye, best choice ⭐
- SI1: Acceptable with careful selection
- SI2 and below: Defects may be visible
My advice: "For engagement rings, I choose VS1-VS2. Invest your savings in a better cut or a larger weight."
4. Weight (Carat) - Size vs Quality ⚖️
1 carat = 0.2 grams = 100 points
Popular weights in the Czech Republic:
- 0.25-0.30 ct: Best-selling, elegant size
- 0.50 ct: Classic choice, good visibility
- 0.75-1.00 ct: A striking piece, a premium choice
- 1.00+ ct: Luxury category, investment value
Smart Tip: "Diamonds just below the 'magic' weights (0.50, 0.75, 1.00 ct) are significantly cheaper with minimal visual difference. For example, 0.45 ct vs 0.50 ct."
💍 Types of Engagement Rings: Find the Perfect Look {#types-of-rings}
Every woman has a different style and preferences. In 15 years of work, I have noticed a few rules that will help you with your choice:
Solitaire - A classic that never gets old 👑
Characteristics: One diamond, clean lines, emphasis on the stone
For whom:
- Women with classic style
- First engagement ring
- Lover of elegance and simplicity
Advantages: Timeless look, easy maintenance, universally wearable
Wreath (Halo) - Maximum shine ✨
Characteristics: Medium diamond surrounded by smaller stones
For whom:
- Women who love glitter
- You want the ring to look bigger
- Modern but not too eccentric style
Benefits: Optically enlarges the center stone, more sparkle
Historical styles - For history lovers 🕰️
Characteristics: Inspired by Art Deco, Victorian, Edwardian eras
For whom:
- Women with a love of history
- Exceptional personality
- Preference for handmade work over mass production
In our workshop: "Historical rings are our specialty. We combine traditional techniques with modern precision."
Three Stones - Symbolism of the Past, Present, Future 💫
Characteristics: Three stones representing your journey
For whom:
- Couples with a longer relationship
- Symbolically thinking women
- Balanced appearance preference
Contemporary Styles - For Fashion Pioneers 🎨
Characteristics: Asymmetrical patterns, unconventional materials, geometric shapes
For whom:
- Women in creative professions
- Fashion personalities
- They want to be unique
🥇 Materials and Metals: The Gold Choice for Your Ring {#materials}
The choice of material affects both the appearance and durability of the ring. Here is my overview from a practical perspective:
14K vs 18K Gold - A Practical Comparison
14K gold (585/1000):
- ✅ Harder and more scratch resistant
- ✅ More affordable
- ✅ Ideal for everyday wear
- ❌ Milder gold color
18K gold (750/1000):
- ✅ Richer gold color
- ✅ Higher purity of gold
- ❌ Softer, more susceptible to damage
- ❌ Higher price
My recommendation: "I prefer 14K gold for engagement rings - it's more practical for everyday wear, and you can invest the savings in a better diamond."
Gold colors and their characteristics
Yellow gold:
- Classic and timeless
- Suits warm skin tones
- The most traditional choice
White gold:
- Modern and versatile
- Goes well with silver jewelry
- Requires occasional rhodium plating
Rose gold:
- Romantic and feminine
- Popular in recent years
- Unique color
Platinum - Premium Choice
Advantages:
- The most durable metal
- Suitable for allergy sufferers
- Does not age, does not oxidize
Disadvantages:
- Significantly more expensive
- Heavier on the finger
- More limited appearance options
📏 Ring Size: How to Measure Your Ring Secretly {#size}
"How do I find out my ring size without getting it on?" - the second most common question. Here are proven methods:
Method 1: Use her existing ring
- Watch which ring he wears on the ring finger of his right hand
- "Borrow" him for a while (like when he's sleeping)
- Imprint in soap or measure the inner diameter
- Go back quickly
Attention: Left and right hands may be different sizes!
Method 2: Involve friends or family
- Let her try on her sister's or friend's ring
- Watch the conversation about sizes
- Ask her best friend for help
Method 3: Direct approach (risky but effective)
- "Play" with her ring - "I wonder if it will fit me"
- Notice where it reaches on your finger
- Measure your fingers later.
Czech sizes vs international
Common sizes in the Czech Republic:
- 50-54: Smaller hands
- 54-58: Average sizes
- 58-62: Larger hands
Advice: "In our workshop we can adjust the size by 1-2 sizes without any problems. It is better to choose a smaller size - it is easier to increase than to decrease."
🏪 Where to buy an engagement ring {#where-to-buy}
Choosing where to buy is just as important as choosing the ring itself. Here's an honest comparison:
Family jewelry store (I recommend ⭐)
Advantages:
- Customized services
- Possibility of editing and customization
- Long-term relationship
- Professional advice
- After-sales support
In our workshop we offer:
- Free consultation with a gemologist
- 360° videos of all rings
- Possibility to monitor production
- Warranty service for generations
- A family tradition since 1928
Branded jewelry store
Advantages:
- Brand recognition
- Standardized quality
- Wider selection
Disadvantages:
- Higher prices (brand surcharge)
- Limited customization
- Sales pressure
Online shopping
Advantages:
- Competitive prices
- Wide selection
- Detailed specifications
Disadvantages:
- Cannot be seen physically
- Size issues
- Limited after-sales support
- Possible quality issues
My advice: "An engagement ring is a lifetime purchase. Investing in a relationship with a quality jeweler pays off - not only in the purchase, but also in the maintenance over the years."
⏰ Purchase Time Schedule {#schedule}
A good engagement ring takes time. Here's a realistic timeline:
6-8 weeks before engagement: Exploration phase
- Set a budget
- Find out her preferences (style, size)
- Basic study about the 4Cs of diamonds
- Find trusted jewelers
4-6 weeks before: Active selection
- Visit 2-3 jewelry stores
- Consultation with experts
- Compare options
- Final decision
2-4 weeks before: Completion
- Order a ring
- Size confirmation
- Production time (custom pieces)
- Final adjustments
The week before the engagement: Preparation
- Ring Pick-up
- Quality control
- Request planning
Be aware of dates: "Christmas, Valentine's Day, and anniversaries are peak seasons. Plan extra time during these times."
⚠️ Most common mistakes when choosing {#mistakes}
In 15 years of work, I have seen these mistakes repeatedly:
1. Ignoring her style
Mistake: Buying what you like Solution: Observe her current jewelry, ask friends
2. Excessive emphasis on the size of the diamond
Mistake: "Bigger = Better" Thinking Solution: Balance Size and Quality
3. Wrong timing of size measurement
Error: Measurement at different times of day or temperatures Solution: Ideally in the afternoon at room temperature
4. Ignoring lifestyle
Mistake: Buying an impractical look Solution: Consider her occupation and daily activities
5. Insufficient research on the jeweler
Mistake: Impulse purchase without checking qualifications Solution: Check certifications, read reviews, ask questions
🎯 Conclusion: Your plan of action
Choosing the perfect engagement ring is not a science, but an art combined with knowledge. As a gemstone expert with 15 years of experience, I know that the most important thing is to find a balance between your options, her preferences, and long-term practicality.
Your first steps:
- Set a realistic budget based on your capabilities
- Observe her style and preferences in jewelry
- Educate yourself about the 4Cs of diamonds
- Find a quality jeweler with a good reputation
- Plan enough time for proper research and production
What to remember:
- The quality of the cut is more important than the size
- A G/VS1 diamond is the best choice for most budgets
- Size can be adjusted, diamond quality cannot
- Investing in a relationship with a jeweler pays off in the long run
💎 Do you need personal advice?
Every couple is unique, so offering the same advice to everyone doesn't make sense. If you want a personalized consultation based on your specific budget, lifestyle, and your partner's preferences, I'm here to help.
As an expert in gemstones and their selection and part of a family-owned jewelry store with a tradition since 1928, I have been helping couples find their perfect engagement ring for 15 years. In our workshop in Nové Město na Moravě you can:
- Free consultation with a detailed analysis of your needs
- View our engagement ring collection with 360° videos
- Follow the production process from 3D design to hand-made completion
- Get lifetime support for maintenance and care
📞 Call 604 574 388 or visit our diamond engagement rings and start your journey to the perfect ring.
Because love deserves perfection. 💖
The article was written by Šárka Bencová, an expert in gemstones and their selection from Benc Klenoty - a family-owned jewelry store with a tradition since 1928. We specialize in handmade engagement rings with G/VS1 quality diamonds and 14K gold. Our workshop in Nové Město na Moravě combines traditional craft techniques with modern 3D technologies.
🏷️ Tags: engagement rings, G/VS1 diamonds, how to choose an engagement ring, gemologist, jeweler Vysočina, handmade jewelry