Diamond Engagement Rings 101: Everything You Need to Know

There's little else that lights up a woman's face like looking at engagement rings. Trust us—we're experts. Women can't keep their eyes off diamond engagement rings, even when they come in for just a watch battery or looking for a pair of earrings for a friend. They look, their eyes widen, they smile, point, giggle, disagree… and we love seeing those reactions! That's what engagement rings are for, after all.

Engagement rings have a long and interesting history. Rings, which convey a sense of endlessness or timelessness, have been used to signify matrimony since the dawn of time. Hearkening back to the ancient Egyptians, who wore rings on the third finger of their left hand due to a belief that a vein connected that finger to the heart, engagement rings have been around for a long time. But, engagement rings haven't always been diamonds—in fact, the first known instance of a specifically diamond engagement ring dates back only to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian, of Austria, proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring where the diamonds were shaved and shaped into an M.

Fast-forward to the Victorian era, Tiffany & Co. invented the classic Tiffany diamond engagement setting we all know—a six-pronged setting with the diamond raised above the band, to make it stand out. But, for those unable to visit a Tiffany's, or unable to afford their jewelry, ten years after that, Sears & Roebuck, and other mail-order catalogues, began to offer diamond engagement rings.

Today, diamond engagement rings are ubiquitous—but that doesn't mean they're all the same! No, there are many different types of diamond engagement rings, and here at Noe's Jewelry we stock many different lovely styles.

An engagement ring should suit the wearer (which is why we offer engagement ring consultations, if you're just not sure). Some women will prefer a classic solitaire setting, where one large diamond is the focus of the piece. Whatever metal it's set in, regardless of if the band is plain or engraved, the solitaire always says "I'm engaged!" Similarly, our classic 3 stone setting engagement rings keep the focus on the larger diamonds, rather than the band itself.

For the bride-to-be who likes a little more glimmer and gleam, check out our diamond accent setting engagement rings. These rings still have a large diamond as a focal point, but the setting is also adorned with small, sparkling diamonds.

You also might want to consider a setting with a matching band. Some women like to wear their engagement ring alongside their wedding ring, so if your intended cherishes the idea of looking at her engagement ring every day, even after you're married, consider some of our large selection of settings with matching bands!

In the end, of course it's the question itself that matters, and the person asking. But, with so much to choose from, take your time—or take her with you! We here at Noe's Jewelry would love to help you pick out the ring she'll want to wear forever.

To see a beautiful selection of the various types of diamond engagement rings we offer in Kansas City, visit us online at Noe's Jewelry or in person at our store in Raymore, Missouri.