ENGAGEMENT RINGS FAQ

ENGAGEMENT RINGS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The purchase of an engagement ring can be one of life’s milestone events. Made to symbolize an everlasting romance, engagement rings are spectacularly beautiful and complex. A great deal of artistry goes into the design and creation of these marvelous accessories. From the brilliant diamond center stones to the enchanting settings, engagement rings are intricately and passionately crafted. Such complexity leaves many questions for first-time buyers. Here are a few of the commonly asked questions our team at Brockhaus Jewelry answers for our clientele as they shop for engagement rings.

HOW DO I WEAR MY ENGAGEMENT RING?

There are no hard and fast rules about engagement ring placement. Some people like to wear their engagement ring and wedding band simultaneously, creating a “bridal stack.” Others prefer to don one or the other. A few find the wedding band’s sleek silhouette to be comfortable and suitable for everyday wear. Some people like to wear an engagement ring on one hand and a wedding band on the other. Whatever you are comfortable with will be the right expression of your love.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND ON AN ENGAGEMENT RING?

Ultimately, it depends on how much you can afford and how much you’re willing to spend. The average engagement ring purchase in 2020 was about $3,700. Engagement rings are made for you and your partner, so the rules should not be dictated by anyone but the two of you. The common belief that the groom should spend three months of his salary is derived from a mid-century marketing campaign.

Be aware that you can upgrade the ring later. If you can only afford an inexpensive solitaire but seek a three stone setting, it is okay to wait a few years to upgrade your ring. There are many options available to grow with a gorgeous ring.

HOW DO I CLEAN MY ENGAGEMENT RING?

To keep your engagement ring in good condition, you will need to clean it about twice a month at home. While there are many cleaning chemicals out there, they are largely unnecessary. All you need is some warm water, soap, a microfiber cloth, and a soft toothbrush. It’s worth emphasizing the softness of the brush, as coarse bristled brushes can scratch the metal. Simply soak the ring in a warm, soapy water solution for about forty minutes before giving the piece a good, thorough brushing. Finally, dry it off with a microfiber cloth and your ring will look as good as new.

Regardless of how often you clean the ring at home, it’s essential to bring it to a jeweler once or twice a year. They can clean all the nooks and crannies you cannot get to at home, such as underneath the prongs or in the band’s gaps. At Brockhaus Jewelry, we offer a wide range of jewelry cleaning services to further the longevity of your engagement ring.

WHAT DIAMOND IS RIGHT FOR ME?

There are many types of diamonds out there, each providing a unique set of characteristics. These fantastically brilliant gemstones are graded in accordance with the strict standards of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This prestigious organization’s grading scale is sometimes called the “four C’s” which are clarity, carat, cut, and color.

Clarity refers to the frequency of inclusions or flaws in a gemstone; the less inclusions, the more valuable. Still, these flaws give them the diamond a distinctive character. Carat – not to be confused with karat – indicates the stone’s size. Cuts refer to the diamond’s shape and facets. There are many cuts available, but some are more valuable, and desirable, than others. Color indicates the diamond’s hue. The ideal diamond is colorless, but most of these gemstones have a slight yellow or brownish tint.

HOW DO I FIND MY RING SIZE?

The easiest and most accurate way to determine one’s ring size is by heading to a jeweler. They have the tools and expertise to get an accurate measurement. However, some find it preferable to do it at home. You might be considering buying a ring online or surprising a soon-to-be spouse. To measure your ring size, you will need a tape measure, marker, ring finger, and possibly some yarn.

First, wrap the tape measure or yarn around the finger. Mark where the ends meet with a marker. Finally, correspond that with a ring size chart. Make sure that you’re measuring the finger the ring will be worn on. Every finger is different, even from the other hand’s matching digit.

WHERE DO ENGAGEMENT RINGS COME FROM?

The origins of engagement rings dates back to the Ancient Romans. Made in a diverse variety of materials like ivory and copper, they were made to signify a contract, business relationship, or romantic commitment. It wasn’t until 850 for these rings to develop an explicit bridal connotation. Pope Nicolas I declared that gold rings represent a man’s intention to marry a woman, and so the tradition began.

Note that these rings did not use diamonds and most often resembled today’s wedding bands. The first recorded diamond engagement ring was given in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy. Diamonds weren’t widely used until 1947, when De Beers launched their legendary “diamonds are forever” campaign.

WHY IS BROCKHAUS JEWELRY OKLAHOMA’S BEST JEWELER?

Brockhaus Jewelry offers a wide variety of luxurious, fashionable engagement rings made by today’s most beloved bridal jewelry designer brands. All of our offerings are carefully curated to suit our community’s discerning tastes and high standards for quality. Our Norman jewelry store does everything it can to ensure every visitor leaves with their wildest engagement ring dreams come true. Reserve an appointment with our team to be guided through our vast inventory by an expert, or call us at (405) 321-4228 to speak to a staff member.