Engagement & Wedding
Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing an Engagement Ring
BY Meredith JaymeA GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT ENGAGEMENT RING AND WEDDING BAND FOR YOUR PERSONAL STYLE, LIFESTYLE AND STORY
Choosing an engagement ring and wedding band is one of the most personal and significant purchases you’ll ever make. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or planning a proposal, the right ring should feel meaningful, wearable, and timeless, with just the right amount of individuality. Before diving into diamond shapes, metal types, or ring settings, it’s helpful to pause and ask a few key questions. These will guide you toward a ring that reflects your style, your values and your everyday life.
1. WHAT DOES "TIMELESS" MEAN TO YOU?
Timeless looks different for everyone. For some, it’s a classic solitaire engagement ring. For others, it’s a sculptural bezel setting or a unique, modern design that still feels enduring. Think about the type of rings you have loved over the years, regardless of trends. Here are some questions that can be helpful to ask yourself to get to know your engagement ring style preferences. Do you gravitate toward minimalist or statement jewelry? Are there styles you’ve loved for years - not just trends you love right now? Would you prefer a traditional engagement ring or something more unconventional? Understanding your version of timeless will help narrow your choices and ensure your ring still feels right decades from now.
2. HOW WILL YOU WEAR YOUR RING EVERY DAY?
An engagement ring and wedding band are meant to be worn daily, so lifestyle matters. A ring that looks beautiful in photos should also feel comfortable and practical. Some things to consider might include how often you work with your hands or wear gloves, how active your lifestyle is and how intensely you use your hands daily. Everyday activities like opening boxes, yoga or pilates and playing tennis can cause damage to rings over time. If you are someone who is hard on your rings and jewelry, a low-profile setting like a bezel set style can help to protect your diamond and are ideal for everyday wear, while still feeling refined and modern.
3. DO YOU WANT A MATCHING SET OR A MORE UNIQUE LOOK?
Some people love a perfectly paired engagement ring and wedding band, while others prefer contrast. Ask yourself, do you envision a seamless engagement ring and wedding band pairing? Would you rather stack multiple bands over time? Do you want your wedding band to sit flush, or are you open to negative space? Custom wedding bands allow you to design a ring that complements your engagement ring beautifully, whether that means symmetry or intentional contrast.
4. WHAT SHAPES, STONES AND DESIGN DETAILS ARE YOU DRAWN TO?
While diamonds are timeless, today’s engagement rings are more expressive than ever. Gemstone center stones or accents are a playful way to add personality to a ring, and pear or marquise cut diamonds create an instantly modern style. Think about, if you are drawn to clean lines or organic shapes? Do you prefer a traditional diamond or a colored gemstone? Would you like symbolic elements incorporated into the design? This is where custom engagement rings shine, allowing you to translate personal meaning into the design itself.
5. WHICH METAL COLOR IS YOUR FAVORITE AND FEELS MOST LIKE YOU?
Metal choice has a big impact on the look and feel of your ring. Consider if you wear yellow gold, rose gold or platinum most often? Do you prefer warm or cool tones? Are you drawn to mixed metals or a single consistent color? Trying on different metal options can be surprisingly eye-opening and often clarifies your preferences quickly.
6. DO YOU WANT SOMETHING ONE OF A KIND?
Many couples today are choosing custom engagement rings or custom wedding bands to create something truly personal. The custom process allows you to combine inspiration, heirloom elements, and intentional design choices into a ring that exists nowhere else. Do you want a ring that feels deeply personal? Are there heirloom stones or sentimental details you’d like to incorporate? Do you want to be involved in the design process. Custom doesn’t have to mean complicated, it simply means thoughtful.
7. WHAT STORY DO YOU WANT YOUR RING TO TELL AND SYMBOLIZE?
At its core, your engagement ring and wedding band is a symbol. Beyond aesthetics, consider the emotional meaning behind your choice. What moments, values, or memories do you want this ring to represent? Do you want a design rooted in tradition or one that reflects your future together? How do you want it to feel when you look down at your hand? The most meaningful engagement rings aren’t just beautiful, they’re intentional. There’s no single “right” engagement ring or wedding band, only what feels right for you. Asking thoughtful questions before you begin helps transform the process from overwhelming to empowering. Whether you choose a classic solitaire, a sculptural bezel set ring, or a fully custom design, the goal is the same - a piece you’ll love wearing every day, for a lifetime.
SEE MORE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Explore more engagement ring settings from our Shield, Endless Loop, Three Phases and Links collections for inspiration and design ideas.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or for help choosing the engagement ring of your dreams.