Dallas Jewelry Store

An engagement ring’s true value lies in its meaning and sentiment. While your budget plays a role, setting a spending limit early can help you focus on options within your range. The old “three months’ salary” rule is no longer a strict standard. Today, the most important factor is finding a ring that feels right for you.

At Mariloff Diamonds, we excel at balancing budget and quality, ensuring you get exceptional value for your investment. Our experts can guide you through a range of options, helping you prioritize features like diamond size, cut, and metal type to find the perfect ring within your budget.

The style of an engagement ring should reflect your partner’s unique taste. Many couples choose to shop together, making it easier to identify preferences.

For those who favor simplicity, a solitaire or classic design might be ideal. If bold and eye-catching styles are more their preference, explore options like halo or three-stone designs. Additionally, think about their lifestyle and daily activities—a minimalistic design may be better suited for someone with an active lifestyle, while intricate details and settings can be perfect for someone who loves fashion and elegance. Understanding their aesthetic and lifestyle will simplify the decision-making process.

To determine the best metal type, observe the jewelry your partner wears regularly. If they lean toward silver or white-toned jewelry, consider white gold or platinum. Platinum offers greater durability and is hypoallergenic, while white gold provides a similar look at a more affordable price.

If their preference is yellow or rose gold, selecting a matching metal ensures the ring complements their existing collection. Beyond aesthetics, consider practical factors like durability and maintenance. For instance, platinum is scratch-resistant and holds up well over time, while yellow and rose gold may require periodic polishing to maintain their shine.

Determining the correct ring size secretly requires some creativity. Here are a few approaches:

• Ask friends or family: A close friend or family member may already know or can help you find out.

• Use a clever excuse: Mention buying a ring for someone else and ask for a size reference. For example, “I’m picking out a ring for my sister—are your hands about the same size?”

• Borrow a ring she wears: Sneakily borrow one of her rings (worn on the correct finger, if possible) and bring it to a jeweler for sizing.

• Estimate and adjust later: Most common ring sizes are between 6 and 6.5. If unsure, choose a slightly larger size; resizing down is usually easier and less expensive than resizing up.

Choosing the right diamond size depends on your budget and personal preferences. To maximize value, consider selecting a diamond just below a major carat benchmark. For example, a 0.90-carat diamond can look nearly identical to a 1-carat stone but at a significantly lower price. This approach allows you to prioritize quality without exceeding your budget.

Beyond carat weight, pay attention to the diamond’s cut—a well-cut diamond can enhance its brilliance and make it appear larger than its actual size. Balancing the 4 Cs (cut, clarity, color, and carat) ensures you get the best combination of beauty and value.

A GIA-certified diamond has been evaluated by three independent gemologists, ensuring its quality and authenticity. Certification provides assurance that the diamond meets rigorous standards and includes a unique identification number that matches its certificate.

While GIA-certified diamonds may cost more, they offer added security and peace of mind. If you find a non-certified diamond you love, you can send it to GIA for grading at a small additional fee.

Investing in a certified diamond ensures you know exactly what you’re buying, which is especially valuable if you plan to insure the ring or compare options across different jewelers.