• 4C's Handbook
• Shape
• Cut
• Color
• Clarity
• Carat Weight
• Certification
• Care
• Precious Metals Handbook
• Yellow Gold
• White Gold
• Platinum
• Palladium
• Titanium
• Tungsten
• Sterling Silver
• Engagement Ring Handbook
• Select A Ring
• Finger Size Guide
• Select A Diamond
• Select A Jeweler
• Wedding Ring Handbook
• For The Girls
• For The Guys
• Gift Ideas Handbook
• Earring Guide
• Necklace Guide
• Bracelet Guide
• Watch Guide
• Occasion Guide

Engagement Ring Handbook - Select A Ring

Forever is a long time and that's just how long she'll have the engagement ring on her finger once you propose. So you'll obviously want to get this right. If you can, get her involved in the process by asking her thoughts on the topics listed below. Based on our experience these are the most important issues when selecting a style or type of ring that she'll be happy with.

White Gold or Platinum

90% of all engagement rings today are purchased in either white gold or platinum. Often consumers become very confused when trying to decide what the major benefits and features are for each metal type. On occasion some jewelers get confused on the differences and may provide you incorrect information about the two metal types. Andrews Jewelers representatives are trained extensively in all areas of goldsmithing and platinumsmithing to provide you the most thorough and accurate information.

Metal Type	Features	Cost	Maintenance
Platinum	Eternal Platinum is the most durable, and longest lasting white metal.	Cost More Platinum is more rare than gold. Platinum jewelry has more platinum in it that gold jewelry has gold. This makes platinum more valuable.	Less Often Durable metal Seldom breaks Lasts a long time Looses luster faster Safer for diamonds Won't tarnish or become yellow
White Gold	Larger Selection 14k white gold is the most popular choice for engagement rings. You'll have more styles to choose from.	Less expensive 14k white gold is much less costly than platinum. Sometimes as much as 60% less.	More Often Harder but more brittle Breaks more easily Won't last forever Easy to polish, repair Becomes yellow looking and needs re-plating

Choosing a Setting Style

Andrews Jewelers offers one of the largest and most diverse engagement ring selections on the web. To help get you started in the right direction the following categories are the most popular engagement styles.

Solitaire Settings

The solitaire setting is by far the most classic choice for an engagement ring. A solitaire setting will accentuate the size and look of your diamond while offering many options for a wedding ring. We've created the most elegant collection of solitaire settings to choose from.

• Browse solitaire settings

Settings With Side Stones

An engagement ring made with side diamonds will give you a one of a kind look. For someone who wants to find a ring that matches their unique personality and flair for life, a setting made with side stones is a great choice. Andrews Jewelers has a great selection of channel set, bezel, and pave set rings.

• Browse settings with side stones

Vintage Style Settings

Replicas of vintage style engagement rings have become quite popular. Many of the enduring Art Deco and Edwardian styles have been reproduced in the Andrews Jewelers Vintage Collection. The quality and attention to detail on these vintage styles are quite amazing.

• Browse the Andrews Jewelers vintage collection

How do I know she'll like the ring without asking her?

Some guys get very nervous about selecting jewelry for their partner without her input. If you take the time to perform some of the suggestions below it can be much easier than you think.

• Think about the kind of clothing she wears. Is her style bold and trendy or is she reserved and traditional. Does she dress more practical and athletic? Successful choices for ring styles usually parallel the exact description of her attire.
• Examine the jewelry she is currently wearing to determine if it is white or yellow. Don't buy her a ring that is a different color than what she normally wears.
• Does she work with her hands or is she very active? If so, then you may want to consider a 6 prong setting because of added safety. If not, then a 4 prong setting is fine and also allows more light to pass through the diamond.
• Try asking unassuming questions. Young women read a lot of women's magazines and many of today's jewelry designers advertise in them. The next time she is reading Cosmopolitan, Elle, or InStyle ask her what she thinks of the rings advertised.

wants for an engagement ring. Ask her about stone shape, metal color and whether she wants diamonds on the side or a solitaire setting. Also, don't forget to get her finger size. If you need help finding her finger size use our Finger Size Guide.