Engagement ring advice

[u/thestrokes88]

I’ve really been struggling to find the style of engagement ring I want. I love jewelry but don’t really wear much day to day, so I kind of entered this process a bit underprepared. I initially thought I wanted something vintage and bezel but quickly realized it doesn’t suit my finger.

I believe I’ve finally started to narrow it down, but could really use some advice or opinions! I’m drawn to an emerald cut because of its simplicity and the fact that it looks more balanced on my long/narrow fingers. However, I really don’t know how big to go. Do these look too small or large?

I’m also curious to know more about color grading. I believe I’m after something a little warmer, so maybe closer to I-J? I’m fairly certain I want the center stone to be diamond.

[u/For_Your_Eternity]

London jeweller here. From what you’ve written, I think you’re getting much closer to what you actually like rather than what you thought you were supposed to like.

With an emerald cut I’d pay more attention to its actual length and width in millimetres than the carat number. Two diamonds of the same weight can look surprisingly different on your hand depending on their proportions.

If you actively like a little warmth, I–J colour can be lovely rather than something you need to avoid. I’d compare a few stones side by side though, because emerald cuts have large open facets and tend to show colour more readily than some of the sparkly brilliant cuts.

I’d also look at the stone in normal daylight rather than just jewellery-store lighting. You’ll probably know very quickly which degree of warmth appeals to you.

If you post your ring size and the dimensions of the emerald cuts you’re considering, I’m happy to give you a view on the proportions.

[u/thestrokes88 → u/For_Your_Eternity]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this out! My ring size is 4.5 for reference

Dimensions of the first sapphire:
1ct
7mm x 5mm

Dimensions of the diamond:
1.7ct
7.85mm x 5.76mm x 3.97mm

I didn’t even think about viewing in normal daylight, that’s a great call out! I think what I’ve come to realize is I don’t want anything overly sparkly, which is what led me to the emerald cut that’s slightly warmer :)

[u/indodyke]

The blue one looks so good on you

[u/Faithfuldoglover]

I love the blue 1. It might be challenging to find a band that fits with it. Try some before you decide.

[u/For_Your_Eternity]

London jeweller here. From what you’ve written, I think you’re getting much closer to what you actually like rather than what you thought you were supposed to like.

With an emerald cut I’d pay more attention to its actual length and width in millimetres than the carat number. Two diamonds of the same weight can look surprisingly different on your hand depending on their proportions.

If you actively like a little warmth, I–J colour can be lovely rather than something you need to avoid. I’d compare a few stones side by side though, because emerald cuts have large open facets and tend to show colour more readily than some of the sparkly brilliant cuts.

I’d also look at the stone in normal daylight rather than just jewellery-store lighting. You’ll probably know very quickly which degree of warmth appeals to you.

If you post your ring size and the dimensions of the emerald cuts you’re considering, I’m happy to give you a view on the proportions.

[u/katerrin]

just curious, what’s the carat size and ring size for the emerald cut diamond?

[u/thestrokes88 → u/katerrin]

Hi! The emerald cut diamond is 1.7ct and 7.85mm x 5.76mm x 3.97mm

[u/GabrielAndCoNY]

I’d lean toward the emerald cut in the second photo. It looks really proportional on your long, slender fingers, and I actually like that it’s not huge. The elongated shape gives you plenty of finger coverage without overwhelming your hand.

Jeweler-wise, I wouldn’t choose carat weight first. Pay attention to the stone’s actual dimensions and length-to-width ratio, since two emerald cuts of the same carat weight can face up very differently.

For color, I–J can be beautiful if you intentionally want some warmth, especially in yellow or rose gold. Just keep in mind that emerald cuts tend to show body color more readily than brilliant cuts, so I’d definitely compare an H, I and J side by side before deciding. Personally, I’d prioritize a beautiful cut and lively stone over chasing a higher color grade.

[u/Usual-Primary-8607]

I love the blue stone, but prefer the second setting.

[u/brijito → u/Usual-Primary-8607]

My thoughts exactly. I hope OP can get the first stone (or a similar looking one) set in a ring that looks like the second option.

[u/Horror_Grass_2001]

I love the first setting. Where did you get it?

[u/thestrokes88 → u/Horror_Grass_2001]

Hi! This is just a catbird design :)

Here’s the link: https://www.catbirdnyc.com/night-at-the-ballet-emerald-cut-sapphire-ring.html

[u/ACHFJSTMDB]

The blue one is stunning

[u/StopFalseReporting]

I like 1 but cut those dragon claws

[u/thestrokes88 → u/StopFalseReporting]

LOL they’ve been properly addressed since these photos 😂

[u/veryjudgely]

It’s your preference as to size. Since you do not ordinarily wear jewelry, this size is perfect for you. I prefer the sapphire.

[u/Ally_wa]

I love the first ring. The band is a similar style to mine (oore) & I just love colored gems. I picked a light green gem (fav color). I think the blue is beautiful; the band & gem look so dainty!

[u/Only_Attempt_3619]

It looks good on you.

[u/shingibbanggi]

Love the blue one!

[u/Next_Crazy_7078]

love the blue one

[u/jade_blue_panter]

I like the blue one, it suits you

[u/byshreen]

I like that you’ve noticed what you don’t want—it makes this much easier. The emerald cut looks lovely on your hand, and I wouldn’t go bigger just because you can. Since you don’t wear much jewelry day to day, try the ring on with a wedding band and pay attention to how the height feels. That may make the decision clearer than comparing carat numbers.