How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring

Whether you're starting from scratch or already have a Pinterest board going, here’s a clear, simple guide to help you choose the perfect engagement ring.

But choosing the right ring doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few simple tips (and a better idea of what actually matters), you can find a ring that feels just right — for them, and for you.

Whether you're starting from scratch or already have a Pinterest board going, here’s a clear, simple guide to help you choose the perfect engagement ring.

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  Know Your Budget There’s no magic number. The “three-months salary” rule? Old news. Instead, focus on what feels right for your situation. You can find stunning engagement rings at every price point. It’s about quality, meaning, and thoughtfulness — not just cost.

Pro tip: Leave a little wiggle room for resizing, custom engraving, or matching bands later down the line.

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  Understand the 4 Cs of Diamonds If you’re going with a diamond, you’ll want to understand the 4 Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. You’ve probably heard of them — here’s what they actually mean (without the gem-speak):

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  Cut: Cut is all about how well the diamond’s been shaped, and it has the biggest impact on the way it shines. Prioritize this one.

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  Color: How white or colorless the diamond is (D is most colorless; Z is tinted).

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  Clarity: This refers to tiny imperfections inside the stone (called inclusions). Most are barely visible, so don’t stress here too much.

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  Carat: Basically, the weight of the diamond. Bigger carat means higher price, but it’s not the only thing that makes a stone feel special.

Unless you're planning to carry around a jeweler's loupe, perfection in every category isn’t necessary. A well-cut diamond (even at a slightly smaller carat) can shine way brighter than a bigger stone with the wrong cut. Prioritize sparkle over size.

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  Choose a Shape That Matches Their Style The diamond shape sets the tone of the ring. Here’s a cheat sheet:

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  Round: Classic and timeless.

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  Oval: Elegant and elongating — very flattering.

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  Princess: Modern, bold, and a little edgy.

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  Emerald: Vintage feel with clean, cool lines.

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  Pear: Feminine and unique.

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  Cushion: Soft edges and romantic feel.

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  Marquise or Heart: Definitely not shy. Bold, playful, and distinct.

Not sure what to choose? Scroll through Mejuri’s diamond rings to get a feel for different shapes and styles.

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  Pick the Right Metal The metal you pick plays a big role in both how the ring looks and how it wears over time. Here’s the rundown:

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  Yellow Gold: Warm, timeless, a little bit vintage.

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  White Gold: Bright, modern, super versatile.

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  Platinum: Very durable, rare, hypoallergenic (and pricier).

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  Recycled Metals: A lower-impact option with the same luxury feel.

Looking for modern classics? Check out Mejuri’s 14k gold rings made with responsibly sourced and recycled gold.

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  Learn the Setting Styles

The setting holds the stone and informs. the overall aesthetic of the ring. Here are a few to know:

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  Solitaire: Clean and classic. Lets the diamond shine.

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  Halo: A center stone surrounded by smaller diamonds.

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  Three-Stone: Symbolic of past, present, and future.

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  Bezel: Sleek, secure, and super wearable.

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  Pavé: Tiny diamonds along the band for ext shine.

Not sure what you love yet? Explore Mejuri’s diamond ring collection and see what catches your eye. 6. Think About Their Lifestyle

Active hands? Busy life? Some settings are better for everyday wear.

Bezel and low-profile styles are great for anyone who wants something durable, practical, and still beautiful.

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  Consider Customization Custom doesn’t have to mean over the top. Personalizing a ring by choosing the metal, stone, and setting makes it yours without going fully bespoke. You can even add engraving or a special date to make it extra meaningful. (Psst — yes, you can personalize your engagement ring at Mejuri.)

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  Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help You don’t have to figure this out alone. Whether it’s a best friend, sibling, or one of Mejuri’s in store stylists, getting a second opinion can help you make the right call.

Mejuri’s team of stylists is always available online or in store to walk you through the process if you need some help.

Final Thoughts: It’s About the Meaning, Not Just the Ring At the end of the day, the “perfect” engagement ring isn’t about a number or a trend. It’s about what feels meaningful to you two.

So take a breath, trust your gut, and enjoy the process. When you find the right ring, you’ll know.

Ready to start exploring? Browse Mejuri’s full engagement and diamond collection and take the first step toward forever.

Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring

What is the best type of engagement ring to buy?

The best engagement ring depends on your partner’s style, lifestyle, and values. A classic solitaire diamond in 14k gold is timeless, while halo or bezel settings can offer more shine or durability. We recommend choosing something well made, meaningful, and wearable.

How do I know what ring size to get for my partner?

Borrow one of their rings (worn on the correct finger) and trace or measure it—or use Mejuri’s printable sizing guide or a free sizer.

Is it okay to buy an engagement ring online?

Absolutely. Just make sure it’s from a trusted brand. Brands like Mejuri offer transparency around materials, craftsmanship, and returns—plus easy access to customer support and virtual appointments.

What’s more important: diamond cut or carat size?

Generally? Cut. A smaller diamond with a great cut will shine brighter than a bigger one with a poor cut. Prioritize cut quality for brilliance, then balance carat, clarity, and color based on your budget.

Should I go with a lab-grown or natural diamond?

Both are great options. Lab-grown diamonds are physically and chemically identical to natural diamonds, offering great value. Mejuri offers both lab-grown and responsibly sourced natural options.

Can I customize my engagement ring?

Of course. At Mejuri, you can select your metal, pick a diamond or lab-grown option, and add a meaningful engraving where available.

What’s the difference between 14k gold and 18k gold?

14k gold is a popular choice for everyday wear. It’s slightly more durable and resistant to scratching, which makes it a great option for something you’ll wear daily, like an engagement ring. 18k gold has a richer, deeper yellow tone thanks to its higher gold content. It’s a little softer by nature, but still a beautiful, lasting choice with proper care.