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Are you ready to make that all-important engagement ring purchase? Then, read on! Or, if you want to drop a hint to your significant other, maybe you should send them a link to this blog post (wink, wink). Either way, here is your guide to all things engagement rings !
O N E | Do Your Research
What style of engagement ring does your girlfriend want? If you don’t instantly know the answer to this, there are a few ways to find out! It’s very likely that she has compiled images of her favorite engagement rings on a Pinterest board, so look for an answer there. Or, ask some of her friends and family – they may know! If they are not sure, perhaps ask them to discretely find out for you. However you find the answer, take note so that you remember exactly what to shop for. We carry the best engagement ring designers such as TACORI , Hearts On Fire , Gabriel & Co. , Fana , and The J&S Collection.
T W O | Pick A Style
Once you know how she wants her engagement ring to look, you can get started with selecting the perfect style! Does she want a halo ? A solitaire ? Three-stone ? Split-shank ? Let’s talk about each of these styles in depth.
HALO
Halo engagement rings feature smaller diamonds that frame the center stone to make it look larger and even more brilliant. The halo of diamonds flash with light and bring attention to the center stone to draw attention to your sparkling ring!
SOLITAIRE
Solitaire engagement rings are classically elegant and a symbol of lasting love. This style has the ability to showcase the beauty of the center stone. A timeless style that will last as long as your love!
THREE-STONE
Three-Stone engagement rings are the perfect symbol of the past, present, and future with a stone to symbolize each. The two side stones beautifully compliment the brilliance of the center stone.
SPLIT-SHANK
Split-shank engagement rings feature a band that divides into two as it approaches the center stone. This can create a look that is either dramatic and statement-making or classic and elegant. Surely, this style is sure to get attention!
CUSTOM
Do you have your own vision for a ring? If so, James & Sons can make it a reality! One of our expert sales associates would love to help you design your dream ring from scratch…simply bring your ideas to a James & Sons store near you and we will take care of the rest.
T H R E E | Diamond Shape
The shape of the center diamond is at the center (literally) of completing the look that you’re dreaming of. There are many options for a center diamond shape and we have a beautiful selection! Here are all of the most popular diamond shapes:
ROUND
The Round Brilliant Cut diamond is the most traditional and popular of all the diamond shapes. Many experts consider this shape ideal for a diamond because it maximizes its sparkle. It has 58 facets which offer great brilliance and stability. This shape of diamond is most commonly used in solitaire diamond engagement rings.
OVAL
The Oval Cut is a beautiful shape that provides great brilliance and fire through its 56 facets. A well cut Oval shaped diamond can be almost as bright as a well cut Round Brilliant shaped diamond.
PEAR
The Pear Cut diamond is often called a teardrop due to its single point and rounded end with 56 to 58 facets. This shape is popular for its uniqueness and brilliance. Pear Shape diamond is mostly used in pendants and also a good choice for a hand with smaller fingers.
EMERALD
The Emerald Cut diamond is a square or rectangular shaped stone with cut corners. This is also known as Step Cut because it has rows of facets, usually 48 to 50, that resemble a staircase. Due to its larger, more open table, this shape highlights the clarity of a diamond but with fewer facets brings less brilliance than the other shapes.
PRINCESS
The Princess Cut is the most popular non-round diamond. Its beautiful brilliance and unique cut makes it a favorite for engagement rings. The princess has pointed corners and is traditionally square in shape. The ideal princess cut will have length to width ratio is as close to 1.00:1.00 as possible, as princess cut diamonds can range from this perfect square through to almost rectangular.
CUSHION
Cushion Cut diamonds are also known as “pillow cut” diamonds. This shape ranging from square to rectangular and it has rounded corners and larger facets to increase its brilliance. These larger facets also highlight the diamond”s clarity.
F O U R | Select A Diamond
Once you know what style mounting and what shape diamond you would like, an expert sales associate will walk you through the steps of selecting the perfect diamond . There are many factors that are taken into account when selecting a diamond and we want to make sure that you find the one that is perfect for you and your significant other. Your budget is always at the top of our mind and we try to find the biggest look for the best price. She will be looking at this diamond for the rest of her life and, with our huge selection of diamonds, we will find you one that is almost as beautiful as she is!
F I V E | Finalizing Your Selections
Once all of those steps are accomplished, all that we have left is finalizing the details and completing the transaction. We do offer financing as well as a layaway service. We are here to make this dream a reality for you! Once your ring is completed and everything else is taken care of, you can pick up your engagement ring and prepare to ask that age old question. We know that she is going to say yes to you (and that beautiful ring) so, when she does, we would love to see the pictures of your special moment. Simply tag us on Facebook or Instagram and use the hashtag #WhereChicagolandGetsEngaged!
S I X | A Lifetime Of Love
Taking care of your ring for a lifetime is something that we are happy to do. The J&S “NO BS” Diamond Ring Warranty is provided to you free of charge on all regularly priced diamond rings and wedding bands.* Clearance, promotional and discounted rings do not apply. All you need to do is have us refinish your ring, free of charge, once a year. After that, we’ve got you covered. The J&S “NO BS” Warranty covers your diamond engagement ring and wedding bands for the following services:
-Bi-annual Professional Polishing and Refinishing
-Unlimited Professional Steam Cleaning
-Lifetime Sizing (not that you’ll ever gain any weight)
-Accent Diamond Replacement: We will replace any diamond weighing up to .50ct that is chipped, damaged or is lost from your ring
-Repairs: Includes prongs, tips, channels and any work needed on your mounting
-Bi-annual Rhodium Plating
-Stone Tightening
-Lifetime Appraisal Updates Upon Your Request
This time of your life is so special and we are so excited for you! Visit a James & Sons store nearest you today to start the engagement ring shopping process. And… CONGRATULATIONS !
*See complete details on your website