GUIDE TO BUYING A DIAMOND RING

Guide to Buying a Diamond Ring

Celebrated for their incredible value, breathtaking beauty, and unparalleled strength, diamonds are cherished as the ultimate symbol of love and commitment. When choosing the perfect diamond ring for yourself or your partner, it's important to approach the selection with great care, ensuring you have all the necessary information to find the perfect ring. Our team of experts here at Northeastern Fine Jewelry have crafted a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the intricacies of choosing a ring, from understanding the four Cs to finding the style that best suits your unique story. The journey to find the perfect diamond is as significant as the gem itself, embodying a timeless tradition of devotion and elegance.

Choose the Setting

Northeastern Fine Jewelry showcases an exquisite selection of rings featuring a variety of stunning settings. A setting refers to the way a diamond or gemstone is mounted on the band, significantly influencing the ring's overall appearance and style. The choice of setting can enhance the center stone's brilliance, size, and character, offering unique expressions of elegance and personal taste. From classic solitaires to intricate halo designs, each setting adds its distinct touch, ensuring a perfect match for every individual's style and story.

The dazzling halo setting features a central diamond surrounded by a "halo" of smaller diamonds. This setting not only enhances the brilliance of the center stone but also creates an illusion of greater size, making it a popular choice for those who love a touch of glamor. Originating in the Georgian era and gaining widespread popularity during the Art Deco period, halo rings exude a vintage charm that resonates with both traditional and contemporary tastes. The design adds a layer of sparkle and is ideal for those who appreciate a bold, dazzling effect.

Characterized by additional diamonds or gemstones flanking the central stone, side stone settings add an extra touch of brilliance and depth to the overall design. These side stones can be identical or varied in size and shape, allowing for a more customizable look. The added stones not only enhance the ring’s overall sparkle, but also draw attention to the center stone, creating a balanced and harmonious aesthetic. Side stone rings are perfect for those who desire a ring that combines classic simplicity with a bit of added flair, offering both elegance and a hint of opulence.

A timeless favorite, the solitaire ring showcases a single, stunning diamond as the focal point. This minimalist design allows the beauty of the diamond to take center stage without distraction. Solitaire rings have been a classic choice since the late 19th century, embodying simplicity and sophistication. The clean, understated elegance of a solitaire ring makes it a versatile option, perfect for those who appreciate a refined and classic aesthetic. It's a choice that transcends trends, making it a perennial favorite for its pure, unembellished beauty.

Also known as trilogy rings, three stone rings feature three diamonds or gemstones, symbolizing the past, present, and future of a relationship. This design is steeped in romantic symbolism and offers a balanced, symmetrical look that is endlessly popular. Each stone can be of equal or different sizes, depending on the desired effect. The three stone setting provides ample opportunity for personalization, with choices in stone shapes and colors. It's a meaningful and visually stunning choice, ideal for those who want their ring to tell a story and symbolize the journey of their love.

Decide on a Diamond Shape

We’re also proud to offer a wide selection of rings, each featuring various center stone cuts. The cut of the center stone is crucial in determining the ring's overall aesthetic, influencing its brilliance, size, appearance, and style. Whether classic or modern, the cut adds a unique character to each piece, making it truly special.

Renowned for its timeless elegance, the round cut diamond features 58 facets that maximize its brilliance and fire. Popularized in the early 20th century, this classic shape is a top choice for those seeking a sparkling, universally appealing stone. The round cut's symmetrical shape and unmatched radiance make it a versatile and popular option that suits various settings, appealing to those who appreciate traditional beauty and enduring style.

Exuding a modern flair, the princess cut is known for its sharp, square or rectangular shape with pointed corners. Developed in the 1960s, this cut offers a contemporary look while retaining exceptional brilliance. The princess cut's distinctive geometry and striking light performance make it a perfect choice for those who love a bold yet sophisticated appearance. Its unique shape complements modern settings and adds a touch of elegance to any ring design.

Combining the best of both the brilliant and step cuts, the radiant cut offers a unique blend of sparkle and depth. Its rectangular or square shape with trimmed corners enhances its brilliance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a dazzling stone with a bit of an edge. The radiant cut's versatile design fits well with a variety of settings and styles, appealing to those who appreciate a vibrant, eye-catching look.

Characterized by its elongated shape, the oval cut diamond offers a unique twist on the classic round cut. Its elliptical form creates an illusion of greater size, making the stone appear larger than it is. The oval cut's elegant silhouette and brilliant sparkle make it a popular choice for those looking for a sophisticated yet distinctive engagement ring. Its elongated shape also flatters the finger, making it an ideal option for those seeking a slenderizing effect.

The rectangular shape and large, open table of the emerald cut are hallmarks of this sophisticated cut. Its step-cut facets create a "hall of mirrors" effect, emphasizing clarity and effortlessly showcasing the diamond's natural beauty. The emerald cut's sleek, elongated lines give it a regal, vintage appeal, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate understated elegance and a touch of classic glamor. This cut is ideal for highlighting the diamond's clarity and color.

With its unique, elongated shape and pointed ends, the marquise cut diamond creates a striking and elegant look. Originating in the 18th century, this cut is designed to maximize carat weight and give the appearance of a larger stone. The marquise cut's distinctive silhouette and dramatic flair make it an excellent choice for those who desire a ring with a bold, statement-making presence. It also has the added benefit of elongating the finger, enhancing the overall elegance of the hand.

Also known as the teardrop cut, the pear shaped diamond combines a rounded base with a pointed tip, offering a blend of the round and marquise shapes. This cut exudes a graceful and romantic aura, perfect for those seeking a unique yet timeless engagement ring. The pear shape’s asymmetrical silhouette can elongate the finger and is versatile enough to be worn in various orientations. Its distinctive form and beautiful sparkle make it an ideal choice for those who want a ring that stands out with a touch of elegance.

Consider a Custom Diamond Ring

Crafting a unique engagement ring is an unforgettable experience, and Northeastern Fine Jewelry's custom design services make it possible to create the engagement ring of your dreams. This service allows you to select every aspect of the ring from the setting to the stone, creating a piece that perfectly captures your personal style and love story. Designing your ring offers the chance to incorporate meaningful elements, such as birthstones or intricate engravings, making the ring a true reflection of your relationship. For those looking for a unique piece that stands out, designing your own ring ensures a distinctive and unforgettable symbol of commitment.

Find Your Diamond Ring at Northeastern Fine Jewelry

Discover or design the diamond engagement ring of your dreams at Northeastern Fine Jewelry. Each of our Schenectady, Albany, and Glens Falls, New York jewelry stores house an exquisite selection of designer engagement rings, or choose from our stunning array of loose diamonds to create a personalized piece. Whether you're looking for a ready-made ring or a custom design, our expert team is here to help you find the perfect symbol of your love. Visit us today or book an appointment for a personalized consultation with one of our knowledgeable team members, and ensure a seamless and memorable experience in selecting your ideal ring.