How to Buy an Engagement Ring
Our goal at Brilliant Earth is to simplify the process of buying the perfect engagement ring. This guide will show you how to choose a unique engagement ring you can treasure forever.
Shop Engagement Ring Settings

1. Set a Budget

2. Select a Ring

3. Select a Diamond

4. Purchase Process

5. Propose!

1. SET A BUDGET
We believe that no rule should dictate the budget you set, but before selecting an engagement ring you should decide on a budget you feel comfortable with to ensure you find your ideal option. There is an old wives tale that an engagement ring should cost 3 months of your salary, but that isn't always the case. A budget for the perfect engagement ring depends on your significant other's wants and your own personal circumstance. We can assist you in finding a diamond or other gemstone that balances size with quality at a price that works within your budget, and can tell you about lab-created diamonds or diamond substitutes like moissanites or other gemstones, which can be budget-friendly options. If you are purchasing a ring with Brilliant Earth, we have a variety of flexible payment options including 12 month financing, layaway, and easy monthly payments with Affirm.
Read Our Budget Guide
2. Select a Ring

Choose a Setting 

We offer a broad range of ring settings, but we'll help you narrow down the options by taking into account the style preferences, lifestyle, and personality of your partner. Ring styles can range from halo engagement rings to a solitaire ring, or even a custom engagement ring so it's important that you have help in finding the perfect setting for your partner. Selecting an engagement ring style may be the hardest part of buying an engagement ring. For guidance, think about the types of clothing and accessories your significant other gravitates towards—this should give you some clues as to whether they’d prefer a ring that’s classic, modern, nature-inspired, glamorous, or some combination of those. Make sure to stay alert to any hints your partner might be dropping! If you two have discussed an engagement, there’s a good chance their preferences are saved to a Pinterest board. To make the decision less stressful, we offer 30-day free returns and exchanges.

3. Select a Diamond

Learn about the 4 Cs 

Diamonds are the classic choice for an engagement ring. Understanding the 4 C's, cut, color, carat weight, and clarity can help you identify the diamond that is best for your budget and ring. To find the perfect diamond for you, we recommend selecting a diamond shape and then finding a balance between size and quality. Sometimes choosing a smaller diamond can get you a higher quality diamond, while opting for a diamond with some color or a lower cut grade can allow you to get a larger carat weight within your budget. Because they are slightly more affordable than naturally mined diamonds of comparable shape and carat weight, choosing a lab created diamond is another great way to optimize your center diamond within your budget.

Read more about the 4Cs to maximize the beauty and brilliance of your diamond.

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Round

Oval

Pear

Emerald

Princess

Radiant

Marquise

Asscher

Heart

Square

4. Purchase Process

Engagement Ring Care 

Because your jewelry is so precious, it deserves your full care and regular attention. Basic care will help preserve and protect your jewelry for years to come. You can learn more about how to care for different types of jewelry on our website.

5. Propose!
The rest is up to you! Whichever beautiful engagement ring you decide on, your proposal will be a meaningful moment the two of you will cherish. Read unique ideas to make your proposal unforgettable.
The Proposal Guide