Mar 27, 2025

How to Start Engagement Ring Shopping

Shopping for an engagement ring is a journey filled with excitement, discovery, and important decisions. Whether you’ve been dreaming about the perfect ring for years or you’re just beginning your search, understanding the process can help you make a confident choice.

At Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry, we believe that life’s too short for ordinary jewelry. That’s why we offer a curated selection of exceptional engagement rings, personalized service, and the expertise to guide you through every step. From selecting the perfect diamond to designing a one-of-a-kind custom piece, we’re here to make this experience unforgettable.

But where do you start? Let’s break it down.

Step 1: When Should You Start Shopping for an Engagement Ring?

Timing is everything! Many people wonder:

How far in advance should I buy an engagement ring? – If you’re choosing a ring from our collection, you can take it home the same day. If you want something custom, plan for 4-8 weeks for design and creation.
How long does it take to resize a ring? – Resizing typically takes a few days to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the design.
Should I shop for an engagement ring with my partner? – More couples than ever are choosing the ring together, ensuring a style and fit that’s perfect. But if you prefer a surprise, we can guide you through options based on your partner’s taste.

Need it fast? We offer a range of ready-to-wear engagement rings that can be taken home immediately.

Step 2: What’s Your Style? Understanding Ring Designs & Diamond Shapes

One of the biggest decisions in engagement ring shopping is choosing a design that reflects your style. Some questions to consider:

What’s the best engagement ring style for my hand shape?

Certain shapes and settings flatter different finger types. For example, elongated shapes like oval, marquise, and emerald make fingers look longer, while round or cushion cuts offer timeless symmetry.

What are the different diamond shapes?

Popular choices include:

Round Brilliant – The classic choice with maximum sparkle.
Oval – Elegant and elongating.
Cushion – Vintage-inspired with a soft, romantic look.
Emerald & Asscher – Sleek, Art Deco vibes with a step-cut effect.
Pear & Marquise – Unique and eye-catching.

What are the most durable engagement ring styles?

Bezel settings, cathedral settings, and channel-set diamonds provide extra protection for active lifestyles.

Looking for something unique? Our custom-designed engagement rings let you create a one-of-a-kind piece that speaks to your love story.

Step 3: What Should You Know About Diamond Quality?

The 4Cs—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat—determine a diamond’s beauty and value. But what do they really mean?

Cut: The most important factor in sparkle. A well-cut diamond will shine brilliantly even at a lower carat weight.
Color: Ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). Near-colorless diamonds (G-H) offer great value while still appearing bright.
Clarity: Flawless diamonds are rare, but many inclusions are invisible to the naked eye.
Carat Weight: Size matters, but a well-cut 1.5-carat diamond can look larger than a poorly cut 2-carat diamond.

Want more sparkle without a high carat price? Consider halo settings or pavé diamond bands to enhance the brilliance of a center stone.

Step 4: How to Choose the Perfect Ring Metal?

The metal of your engagement ring impacts its durability, color, and maintenance.

Platinum vs. White Gold: What’s the Difference? – Platinum is hypoallergenic and more durable, while white gold is lightweight and more affordable.
Yellow Gold or Rose Gold? – Yellow gold is timeless and warm, while rose gold has a romantic, vintage appeal.
Should I mix metals? – Two-tone rings are gaining popularity! A platinum head with a yellow gold band offers the best of both worlds.

Want to match your wedding band? We offer custom wedding bands designed to complement your engagement ring seamlessly.

Step 5: How Do You Secretly Find Out Their Ring Size?

If you’re planning a surprise proposal, figuring out the right ring size can be tricky. Some creative ways to find out:

Borrow a ring your partner wears on their ring finger and have it measured.
Ask a friend or family member for insight.
Use a printable ring size chart or sneak a measurement while they sleep.

What if it’s the wrong size? No worries! We offer complimentary resizing for most engagement rings.

Step 6: Can You Finance an Engagement Ring?

The perfect ring doesn’t have to feel out of reach. Many wonder:

Can I make monthly payments on an engagement ring? – Yes! We offer special financing plans with 6- or 12-month options to fit your budget.
Is it smart to finance a ring? – If it helps you get the ring of your dreams without financial stress, financing can be a great option.
Should I buy now or save up? – We offer flexible financing so you don’t have to compromise on quality.

Want to explore payment options? Visit us in-store to learn about our financing programs.

Step 7: What Happens After You Buy the Ring?

Your engagement ring is just the beginning of your love story. After your purchase, consider:

Ring Insurance – Protect your investment against loss or damage.
Proposal Planning – Make the moment unforgettable with a creative proposal idea.
Wedding Band Selection – Find a matching wedding band that complements your engagement ring.

We also offer: Complimentary cleaning, engraving, and lifetime maintenance for your ring.

Find Your Perfect Engagement Ring at Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry

Whether you’re just starting or ready to say yes to the perfect ring, Cathy Eastham Fine Jewelry offers an unparalleled shopping experience. With our Signature Bridal Collection, expert designers, and custom options, we’re here to help you find a ring as special as your love story.

Explore Our Engagement Ring Collection
Schedule a Private Consultation
Design a Custom Engagement Ring

Your engagement ring should be as extraordinary as your love. Let’s find or create yours today.