Rock Talk: Choosing the Perfect Ring for Your Special Day

There’s a unique excitement when you’ve found the one you want to spend your life with. As you prepare to take the next step, choosing an engagement ring becomes a beautiful symbol of your love and commitment. However, picking the perfect ring can feel daunting. The question on every proposer’s mind: is this the right ring?

Kimberly Ellis, owner of Kimberly Jewelers in New Town, has guided many couples through this special process. She offers practical advice to help you propose with confidence.

Start Simple: The Solitaire Proposal

Ellis recommends a straightforward approach: “The big suggestion is to put it in a solitaire and then bring her back to remount it into the ring that she wants.” Proposing with a solitaire keeps the element of surprise while allowing you and your partner to later design the perfect ring together. This way, you present a stunning stone during the proposal and return as a couple to create a custom setting.

Choosing the Right Stone

While diamonds are the traditional choice for engagement rings, there are many colorful gemstones that can make your ring unique and personal. Selecting a center stone that matches your partner’s taste ensures the ring is truly special. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger couples, due to their cost-effectiveness and certification by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

“A lot of the younger crowd is going towards the lab-grown diamond because they're more cost effective,” Ellis said. “And they're still deemed diamond through GIA – the Gemological Institute of America.”

Sentimental Stones and Family Heirlooms

For those who wish to incorporate family history, using inherited stones is a meaningful option. Whether it’s your mother’s engagement ring or another cherished piece, stones can be restyled to fit your taste while preserving sentimental value. These stones can also be divided among family members and transformed into rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, or earrings.

“You can make rings. You can make bracelets, necklaces, pendants, earrings, as long as you’ve got the stones that can be put into another piece of jewelry,” Ellis said.

Ring Maintenance and Care

After the proposal and ring customization, ongoing care is essential. Ellis recommends having your ring cleaned every three to six months, though the frequency depends on your lifestyle. Regular cleaning and inspections help prevent issues like loose or missing stones.

“Just because you wash your skin does not mean you're washing the jewelry,” Ellis said. Kimberly Jewelers offers free cleaning and inspections, helping you maintain your ring and catch any wear before it becomes a problem. “It's better to know before you look down and you have a missing diamond or a missing stone,” she added.

Creating Lasting Memories

With thoughtful selection and proper care, your engagement ring can last as long as your love. The perfect ring will serve as a daily reminder of your touching engagement and the bond you share, every time you look at your partner’s hand.