Your Ultimate Engagement Ring Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most significant and personal decisions you’ll ever make. At Craig Husar Fine Diamonds, we are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you find a ring that reflects your unique style, values, and love story. Whether you're looking for a classic solitaire, a custom-designed masterpiece, or something in between, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know before you make your decision.

1. Understanding Your Engagement Ring Style

Your engagement ring should reflect your personality and style. There are countless designs to choose from, each offering a different aesthetic. Here's a look at some of the most popular engagement ring styles:

  • Solitaire Engagement Rings: A classic, timeless design featuring a single diamond on a simple band. This style highlights the beauty of the diamond and is perfect for those who love elegance and simplicity.

  • Halo Engagement Rings: A diamond center stone surrounded by smaller diamonds, creating a "halo" effect. This style offers extra sparkle and can make the center diamond appear larger.

  • Three-Stone Engagement Rings: Featuring a large center diamond with two smaller stones on either side, representing the past, present, and future of your relationship.

  • Vintage and Antique Engagement Rings: These rings often feature intricate details and unique settings inspired by past eras. If you're drawn to history and craftsmanship, a vintage-inspired ring might be perfect for you.

  • Custom Engagement Rings: Looking for something one-of-a-kind? Our team at Craig Husar Fine Diamonds can help you create a custom engagement ring that’s as unique as your love story.

2. Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: Which is Right for You?

When choosing your diamond, you have two primary options: natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. Both are stunning, but understanding their differences will help you make an informed decision.

  • Natural Diamonds: These diamonds are formed over millions of years deep within the Earth. At Craig Husar Fine Diamonds, we source our natural diamonds from ethical, conflict-free suppliers, ensuring you receive a stone that is as beautiful as it is responsible.

  • Lab-Grown Diamonds: Chemically identical to natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are created in a lab using sustainable methods. These diamonds are often more affordable than natural diamonds, making them an excellent option for those looking for an eco-friendly or budget-conscious choice.

Whichever type you choose, our expert team will guide you through the process to find a diamond that fits your preferences, values, and budget.

3. The 4 Cs of Diamonds: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat

When it comes to diamond quality, four key factors determine a diamond’s value and appearance. Understanding the 4 Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—is essential in helping you choose the perfect diamond for your engagement ring. As a former Instructor for the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and current President of the GIA Alumni Collective - Wisconsin Chapter, Craig Husar brings an unparalleled level of expertise and industry knowledge to your diamond selection process. Craig also trains his Trusted Jewelry Advisors to ensure they possess the highest level of knowledge and expertise, so you can feel confident in their guidance throughout your diamond journey.

Here’s what you need to know about each of the 4 Cs:

  • Cut: The Most Important Factor for Brilliance. The cut of a diamond refers to how well the stone has been shaped and faceted, directly affecting its brilliance and sparkle. While diamonds are often graded by their size or weight, it’s the cut that most significantly influences the diamond's overall beauty. A well-cut diamond will reflect light better, making it sparkle and shine. For this reason, cut is typically considered the most important of the 4 Cs. When choosing a diamond, prioritize cut over other factors to ensure maximum brilliance. A diamond with excellent cut grades will shine brighter and create a more captivating visual effect.

  • Color: Understanding the Range of Diamond Colors. Diamonds come in a range of colors, from colorless (which is the most valuable) to light yellow or even brown. The less color a diamond has, the higher its value. GIA grades diamonds on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown), with diamonds in the near-colorless range (typically G-H grades) offering the best balance between value and appearance. For most buyers, diamonds in the G-J range provide excellent value, offering a beautiful white appearance while staying within budget. If you're aiming for a higher level of color purity, diamonds graded D-F are considered top-tier.

  • Clarity: Understanding Inclusions and Blemishes. Clarity refers to the presence of imperfections, also called inclusions (internal defects) or blemishes (external imperfections) within or on the surface of the diamond. These inclusions can affect the diamond’s brilliance, but most are microscopic and difficult to see without magnification. The fewer the imperfections, the higher the clarity grade. While diamonds with perfect clarity (graded Flawless) are rare and expensive, many diamonds with VS1 (Very Slightly Included) or SI1 (Slightly Included) grades are practically flawless to the naked eye and offer excellent value. For most brides, diamonds with these grades provide the ideal balance between quality and price.

  • Carat: Size Does Matter, but Quality Counts More. Carat weight measures the size of the diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams, and diamonds are sold by their carat weight. While larger diamonds tend to be more expensive, carat alone doesn't determine a diamond's overall beauty or value. Cut, color, and clarity often have a more significant impact on the diamond’s appearance and cost. When selecting a diamond, remember that bigger isn't always better.

4. The Engagement Ring Setting: The Foundation of Your Ring

The setting holds the diamond in place and plays a crucial role in the ring’s overall look. Here are some popular settings to consider:

  • Prong Setting: A classic and simple style that uses prongs to hold the diamond securely. This setting allows more light to enter the diamond, maximizing its brilliance.

  • Bezel Setting: The diamond is encircled by a metal band, offering a modern, sleek look and extra protection for the stone.

  • Pavé Setting: Small diamonds are set closely together along the band, creating a continuous sparkle that enhances the beauty of the center diamond.

  • Channel Setting: Small diamonds are set in a channel within the band, creating a smooth and sophisticated look.

  • Tension Setting: The diamond is held in place by the tension of the metal band, creating a floating effect that showcases the diamond beautifully.

5. The EngageBar™: A One-of-a-Kind Ring Shopping Experience

At Craig Husar Fine Diamonds, we believe that trying on engagement rings should be a fun, relaxed, and stress-free experience. That’s why we created the EngageBar™, a unique, one-of-a-kind shopping experience that lets you explore over 2,000 ring styles in a way that’s unlike anywhere else.

The EngageBar™ is a bartop display with a stunning array of engagement rings and wedding bands, all beautifully laid out for you to try on at your own pace. No need to ask for permission or wait for assistance—simply walk up to the bar, pick up the rings that catch your eye, and try them on! It's an interactive, hands-on experience designed to let you explore a variety of styles and settings to find the perfect ring that suits your personality and vision.

Whether you're drawn to classic solitaires, intricate halo designs, or bold statement pieces, the EngageBar™ offers an extensive collection from top designers and our exclusive handcrafted pieces, making it easy to find exactly what you're looking for without feeling rushed.

6. Choosing the Right Wedding Band

Your engagement ring and wedding band should complement each other beautifully. Some couples prefer matching sets, while others opt for bands that are uniquely different. When selecting your wedding band, consider how it pairs with your engagement ring in terms of design, metal type, and style.

  • Matching Sets: Some designers offer engagement ring and wedding band sets that are designed to fit perfectly together.

  • Stackable Bands: If you prefer a more flexible look, stackable wedding bands allow you to mix and match different styles over time.

7. Budgeting for Your Engagement Ring

Choosing the right engagement ring is an investment, and it's important to establish a budget that feels comfortable for you. While the cost of a ring can vary based on factors like diamond size, quality, and design, it's essential to remember that your engagement ring should reflect your love and commitment, not just a price tag.

At Craig Husar Fine Diamonds, we offer a range of options that fit a variety of budgets, including both natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. Our trusted jewelry advisors are here to help you find the perfect ring without compromising on quality.

8. Final Thoughts: Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Engagement Ring

At Craig Husar Fine Diamonds, we are committed to helping you find an engagement ring that perfectly symbolizes your love. Our expert team will guide you through every step of the process, from understanding the 4 Cs of diamonds to exploring different styles and settings. Whether you’re looking for a timeless solitaire, a vintage-inspired ring, or a custom design, we are here to make your engagement ring shopping experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Visit us today and experience the EngageBar™ for yourself, where you can explore over 2,000 engagement rings in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. Let us help you choose the perfect ring for one of the most important moments of your life!

Find Your Perfect Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands at Craig Husar Fine Diamonds

Ready to take the next step?

Schedule an appointment in our Brookfield engagement and wedding ring showroom, and discover why we’re the premier jeweler in the Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha region. Our Trusted Advisors are here to help. Contact us with questions or to make an appointment to choose your perfect ring.

Wisconsin’s Trusted Jewelry Advisors™

Since 1968, the Husar family has been a trusted name in Wisconsin's jewelry industry. Starting with Husar's Tic-Tok Shop, they expanded their offerings to diamonds and custom jewelry design, becoming Lyle Husar Designs in the 1980s. Today, Craig Husar, a second-generation jeweler, leads the business with impressive credentials as a Graduate Gemologist and jewelry designer. He rebranded the business as Craig Husar Fine Diamonds in 2018, focusing on diamonds, jewelry, engagement rings, wedding bands, and watches. Based in Brookfield, Wisconsin, they are known for their high-quality products, exceptional service, and award-winning designs. Craig Husar Fine Diamonds is Wisconsin's #1 Recommended Jeweler and One of America's Coolest Stores.

Our on-site services go beyond the ordinary, encompassing watch repair, jewelry repair, custom jewelry design, insurance appraisals, ring sizing, chain repair, watch batteries, engraving, estate jewelry buying, gold buying, and corporate gifts. Your treasures are in expert hands, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve.

Step into our Milwaukee area showroom to experience the essence of Craig Husar, where every piece tells a story, from the sparkle of fine diamonds to the intricate details of our custom creations. Whether you're seeking a symbol of love with an engagement ring or a statement piece to elevate your style, our commitment to quality and craftsmanship is unwavering.

RESERVE YOUR PRIVATE APPOINTMENT

To allow us to best prepare for your visit, book a private appointment with one of our Trusted Jewelry Advisors. Tuesday-Saturday, 10-6pm.

Call or Text 262-789-8585 (Limited Appointments Available)

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