We’ve drawn up a guide that aims to cater to everyone looking at engagement rings, whether you’d rather spend your money saving up for a future home, or you’ve always dreamt of their wedding and know you must have that diamond solitaire no matter what. And though many prefer a modern approach to engagement, Vintage engagement rings are proving more and more popular as well. The luxury website 1stdibs.com notes a 47% increase year-over-year in the purchase of Vintage engagement rings on the site, the highest category being Art Deco at 54% year-over-year. “This is a period that will never go out of style, it is timeless,” says Cristina Miller, CCO of 1stdibs.com.

Regardless of how you approach it, though, the whole process can be daunting and the experience alienating: “Being open about the process is the best way to make sure you get exactly the right thing,” says jeweler Brent Neale, who works often with clients on custom engagement rings. “Perhaps there’s a cut you’ve never seen in person or an unusual way to set the stones or maybe it’s one stone instead of three. Or perhaps you never thought about color! It’s a big investment, so I say explore it all.”

Best in Value

Setting an engagement doesn’t need to break the bank.

      

Non-Traditional

A classic design may not work for every future bride.

      

Custom

For those who are lucky enough to have a family stone to set, or want something completely unique.

      

Vintage

Designs from decades past that never age.

Visual Tricks

Any jeweler will tell you a way to increase the perceived size of your center stone is to add a halo—pavé diamonds being the traditional option and enamel being a more modern approach.

     

Classic

Options for the traditionalist.