Does this Ring Make Me Look Engaged? Everything Engagement Rings from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry

Everything You Need to Know About Engagement Rings from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Cameron Village Raleigh, NC

‘Tis the season, engagement season that is. You’ve finally found your soulmate, and there’s only one thing left to do, propose! In the wise words of music icon, Beyoncé “put a ring on it!” When it comes to engagement rings, there is a whole world of possibilities. In this blog you’ll learn everything you need to know about engagement rings. From cuts to carats, by the time you arrive at the jewelry store you’ll be equipped with all the necessary knowledge. Find the love of your life an engagement ring that they’ll love for the rest of their life!  

Before we dive into diamondology, let’s talk about budget. Here’s what we know: diamonds ain’t cheap. So before you make this lifetime investment you’ll want to do the research. The old saying goes like this, spend two months of your income on an engagement ring. We’re throwing that out the window and telling you to make up your own rules! Choose a ring based on your personal financial situation and your fiancé’s expectations. As you lay down your budget, do not forget to include the cost of wedding bands and ring insurance. Going into the jewelry store with a set budget will save you money in the long run. According to The Knot 2019 Jewelry and Engagement Study, the average cost of an engagement ring is currently $5,900. Whereas, the average cost of a female wedding band is $1,100 and a male wedding band is $510. 

Rainbow Velvet Mrs. Boxes Bailey's Fine Jewelry Engagement Rings and Jewelry Cameron Village Raleigh NC Heba Salama
ENGAGEMENT RINGS Bailey's Fine Jewelry | PHOTOGRAPHER Heba Salama Photography

What’s the Difference Between an Engagement Ring and a Wedding Band?

The answer is simple. Engagement rings are given when someone offers a marriage proposal. While the majority of engagement rings feature a diamond, other precious gemstones can be worn as well. Wedding bands are exchanged during the wedding ceremony as a symbol of eternal love. The wedding band is typically a plain metal band or a diamond encrusted band. Traditionally, brides stack the wedding band underneath the engagement ring on the fourth finger of the left hand. But many people today are throwing tradition to the wind. We’ve seen people only get an engagement ring. We’ve seen people wear the engagement ring on the left hand and the wedding band on the right. Either way, it’s up to your own personal style and preference! 

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry is a family business located in Raleigh, Greenville and Rocky Mount NC. Long term partners with Heart of NC Weddings, formerly Southern Bride & Groom, Bailey’s is the definition of classy. The Raleigh locations for Bailey’s Fine Jewelry are in Cameron Village and at Crabtree Valley Mall. Their staff will help you make the best and most informed buying decision. The Bailey’s team understands that buying an engagement ring will be one of the most significant purchases of your life. Which is why you should buy from a local NC jewelry store that you can trust will provide extraordinary service and quality products.  

Discovering Diamonds: The 4 C’s of Engagement Ring Style 

Learn about the 4 C’s of diamonds from Marci Bailey of Bailey’s Fine Jewelry store!

Engagement Ring Tip #1: Cut

The outer beauty of a diamond comes from it’s cut. Which makes this one of the most important details to understand when buying a ring! The cut will determine the symmetry of the stone and how it looks. Cut can also affect the way a ring reflects light and shines. Cut shapes include round, oval, princess, radiant, cushion, pear, emerald, heart, marquise, and asscher. 

Engagement Ring Tip #2: Clarity 

Clarity indicates the diamond’s beauty, which is most difficult to see with the naked eye! Seems like a metaphor right? When diamonds form, they develop blemishes, or inclusions. The amount of blemishes on a diamond is what affects the appearance of a diamond. The clearer the diamond, the more brilliant the sparkle (and the higher the price)! 

Engagement Ring Tip #3: Color 

Believe it or not, most diamonds have color! Very few diamonds have no color. It’s common for diamonds to be tinted with a hint of yellow or brown. The majority engagement ring diamonds are “nearly colorless”. However, diamonds also come in vibrant colors such as green, red, orange, purple, blue and more! Colorful diamonds are referred to as “Fancy Diamonds”.  

Engagement Ring Tip #4: Carat

A diamond’s carat weight is exactly that, it’s weight! The weight of an engagement ring is not the same as its size. Diamonds with the same Carat can be valued at significantly different prices when the other C’s are taken into consideration. 

Congrats, You’ve Graduated from Engagement Ring Course 101! 

Ask your future fiancé which of the four C’s they care about the most. They may be willing to sacrifice a little clarity or color for a larger stone. You’re almost ready to head to the local jewelry store! Last but not least, decide on a setting in order to secure the engagement ring. Ring setting styles include solitaire, three stone or split band — your jeweler will ensure that your diamond is secured properly. 

Special thanks to Bailey’s Fine Jewelry for helping us put this engagement ring guide together!

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