Question 1

What engagement ring will never go out of style?

Accepted Answer

Solitaire and three-stone engagement rings have endured the years and will always be seen as classic styles that will never go out of fashion. By using these classic designs as a base, you can easily adapt them and give them a more modern twist by using different stones, settings, and cuts to create something truly unique

Question 2

What makes an engagement ring timeless?

Accepted Answer

A timeless engagement ring stands the test of time and never goes out of fashion. Traditional styles, such as the solitaire and three-stone rings, are considered classics and loved by all generations thanks to their simplicity and beauty. Best of all, these timeless classics are easily adapted to suit the trends of the day, allowing you to exert your style and flair into the design and make it your own. Any modern-day twist you make will never detract from the fact that your engagement ring is still a timeless classic.

Question 3

What style of engagement ring is most popular?

Accepted Answer

All couples are different and many like to choose an engagement ring style that represents their special union. Solitaire and three-stone engagement rings remain as popular as ever. However, unique multi-shaped rings are rapidly gaining in popularity. And, while sticking with popular styles, many brides are adapting these rings to suit their own personalities, adding colored gemstones, hidden elements, non-traditional cuts, and other elements.

Question 4

What is the most popular engagement ring shape for 2023?

Accepted Answer

Oval and marquise cut gemstones are making it big in 2023. These slightly elongated shapes look great and help give the appearance of slimmer and longer fingers.

Question 5

Do couples pick engagement rings together?

Accepted Answer

It’s entirely down to the individual couple. Some grooms take the responsibility of picking a ring into their own hands so they have the perfect engagement ring to offer when they pop the question. And, some brides see it as a romantic gesture and relish the element of surprise. However, there’s always the possibility that the ring won’t fit or that the design isn’t exactly to the bride’s liking. More and more couples now shop for the special ring together. This ensures that the final piece is something both partners love and is a true representation of their unique bond. If you’re the special lady who wants to be surprised by the engagement ring, you could get your BFF, sister, or mom to drop some subtle hints to your other half about the kind of ring you’ve always dreamed of.

Question 6

In 2023 How much should I spend on an engagement ring?

Accepted Answer

Traditionally, the rule was that you should spend two months’ salary on an engagement ring. Some would even suggest three months. In reality, it all depends on individual circumstances and financial situation. Spend what you can and what you’re comfortable with as there’s no point in going into debt before you’ve even wed your soul mate. Whatever type of design you want can be achieved for as little or as much money as you can afford. Pick a cut, such as an oval or marquise, that will make the gemstone look more prominent on the finger. Choose a cheaper lab-grown diamond rather than a mined one. Highlight a small central stone with a halo to add to the sparkle. There are always ways to keep the costs down and still purchase a unique engagement ring that people will admire.

Question 7

How many carats should an engagement ring be?

Accepted Answer

The majority of engagement rings are between one and two carats, but there’s no exact rule as to how many carats it should be. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond rather than the size and a higher carat doesn’t necessarily mean a larger stone or more sparkle. Always set a budget before engagement ring shopping and this should help you pick the most suitable stone. And remember, you can always go for a lower carat and pick a cut that makes the stone appear larger if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the sizable rock on an A-list celebrity’s finger.

Question 8

What makes an engagement ring unique?

Accepted Answer

It must be a custom (not customized) one-of-a-kind ring.
 	Built-in consultation with a master jeweler
 	It should not be very simple, or classic.  It's got to have flare and make a statement.

Question 9

Why buy a unique engagement ring?

Accepted Answer

An engagement ring says "I love you - marry me!"  A unique engagement ring says "Unique of all people in the world, you are the one for me - marry me!"

Question 10

Where can I buy unique engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

Peter Norman is the USA's premiere unique engagement ring creator. No two rings ever the same, all rings are made custom for the recipients, with the most amazing of concepts possible.

Question 11

Should I buy a unique engagement ring?

Accepted Answer

Short answer - yes. A unique engagement ring says to your potential fiance... you are singularly special to me. A unique engagement ring can be simple, extravagant or a variation of a classic design.  But in all cases, it's a one-of-a-kind, unique to you, made by a master jeweler, not just something off the shelf.

Question 12

How much does Heather Rae Young's ring cost?

Accepted Answer

The exact cost is unknown, but we estimate at least $150,000. Heather Rae Young’s engagement ring features an 8.08-carat diamond, which is a very rare stone. 

Depending on the quality of the gem, the price per carat for an eight-carat stone starts at $15,000 and can reach as high as $50,000, so our estimate could even be on the low side!

Question 13

Where is Grace Kelly's engagement ring now?

Accepted Answer

In the collection of the House of Grimaldi, a royal Monaco dynasty. In 1297, the Genoese leader of the Guelphs, Francesco Grimaldi, established the house when he took lordship over Monaco. 

It makes sense for Grace Kelly’s engagement ring to be in the Grimaldi collection as she married into Monaco royalty when she wed Prince Rainier in 1956. Learn more about Grace Kelly’s iconic engagement ring here.

Question 14

How much is Beyonce’s wedding ring worth?

Accepted Answer

Around five million dollars. The engagement ring features an incredibly rare 18-carat diamond in a split-shank setting. Beyonce received this ring from husband Jay Z at some point before the couple’s secret wedding in April 2008.

Question 15

Where do celebrities buy engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

Most celebrities choose a custom jeweler, like Peter Norman, for their engagement rings. Going custom means having more control over the style and design of the ring, not to mention more choices over the central gem and any accompanying stones.

Custom jewelers can source the couple’s preferred diamond (or other stone) and then design the ring around this gem.

Question 16

How many carats is Gwen Stefani's engagement ring?

Accepted Answer

We don’t know exactly but estimates range from six to nine carats. Ajay Anand of Rare Carat told Insider that the ring cost around half a million dollars, noting that the ring seems to feature an eight-carat colorless diamond. Meanwhile, tabloid Page Six reports that the ring has a 6.9-carat stone.

Question 17

How many carats is Blake Lively's ring?

Accepted Answer

An estimated 12 carats, but the exact weight is unknown. Blake received this engagement ring from now-husband Ryan Reynolds before the two married in 2012. 

Unlike many other celebrities, Lively never posted a close-up shot of her ring on social media, nor spoke to the press about its details. We do know that the ring probably cost over two million based on its diamond’s estimated weight.

Question 18

How many carats is Ariana Grande's engagement ring?

Accepted Answer

An estimated four to five carats, but we don’t know exactly how much the oval diamond weighs. This unusual ring was given to Ariana by fiance Dalton Gomez, who was very involved in the ring’s design. It also features an off-center pearl. 

Read more about Ariana Grande’s ring and other celebrity engagement rings here.

Question 19

How many carats is Kim Kardashian's wedding ring?

Accepted Answer

20 carats and 15 carats. Kim Kardashian has two engagement rings, both were given to her by her now ex-husband Kanye West. 

Since the pair broke up in January 2021, Kim has not been seen wearing either ring, but speculations abound that both rings are still in her private collection

Question 20

How much is Meghan Markle's engagement ring worth?

Accepted Answer

A reported $160,000. At just under four carats, the engagement ring features three different gemstones in a traditional trinity setting. 

The middle stone is cushion cut while the flanking stones are round. Although many celebrities have been sporting platinum, this ring highlights how beautifully yellow gold can work in an engagement ring.

Question 21

How much is Jlo’s engagement ring worth?

Accepted Answer

About 12 million dollars. However, when purchased back in 2002, the ring cost about 1.2 million dollars. 

Since that time, the value of the ring has skyrocketed, much in line with the popularity of pink diamonds, which JLo’s ring showcases.

Question 22

What does Gwen Stefani's engagement ring look like?

Accepted Answer

Gwen Stefani’s ring features an eight-carat emerald-cut diamond with trapezoid sides. This stunning central stone is set in platinum and complemented by two smaller, flanking gems. Take a look at Gwen’s ring, and other celebrity engagement rings, here.

Question 23

Should I surprise my Fiance with a ring, or talk to her about the design first?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your preferences.

When you’re about to make a big investment, it helps to ask an expert. You wouldn’t buy your dream house without having it looked over by a contractor, right? So should you keep the proposal a surprise or ask her for help?

Chances are, you’ve already talked to your fiancée about your future together. Fewer people are keeping the engagement ring a surprise, so she’s probably aware that ring shopping is on your agenda. If this is the case, you have some flexibility when it comes to how involved you want her to be.

For some people, getting general suggestions from their partner about their desired cut and color is enough to set them on the right path. Other couples prefer to shop together but keep the final choice a surprise, while others might collaborate closely on a custom ring design.

Try to balance your own needs against what would make the proposal most special for her, and trust your gut.

The vast majority of brides-to-be say they are happy with their engagement ring – the important thing is that you are thoughtful about your choice.

Question 24

How do I discreetly find my girlfriend's ring size?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your answer to the previous question, this one could be a challenge. Here are some suggestions for how to discreetly find out your fiancée’s ring size, ranked from least to most risky.

 	Look at her rings 

This is by far the easiest way to get the job done. Simply take out one of your fiancée’s rings while she’s out – preferably one she wears a lot – and measure its diameter with a ruler.

Alternatively, you can trace its shape (inside and outside) onto a piece of paper – or if she won’t notice it’s gone, take the ring to a jeweler to get it sized.

 	Try one of her rings on yourself and compare 

If you’re short on time or don’t want to leave any evidence lying around, try on one of her rings yourself. Make a mental note of how well it fits you and on which finger.

 	Ask her friends to help you

A close friend of your fiancées will be able to ask a question like this without automatically arousing suspicion, so choose your confidant wisely! Not everyone can keep a straight face in a situation like this, and the worst-case scenario could see the surprise blown entirely.

If you get her measurements on your own, it’s easy to convert them into a ring size using the following table:

 



Ring diameter
Ring size (US)


15.6mm
5


16.0mm
5 ½


16.5mm
6


16.9mm
6 ½


17.3mm
7


17.7mm
7 ½

Question 25

How much should I spend on an engagement ring?

Accepted Answer

One, Two, or Three Month’s Salary…?
Once you’ve covered the basics, it’s time to think about an important aspect of your engagement ring design: the budget.

The received wisdom is that you should spend two months’ salary on an engagement ring – but did you know this comes from a savvy marketing campaign thought up by De Beers diamonds?

In reality, there’s no fixed sum that’s “right” to spend on an engagement ring, and the average range for most couples is between $2,000 and $10,000, though if are looking for something truly amazing, $10,000 should be viewed as a good starting point.

Where you fall, whether it’s in or out of this range, will depend on a number of factors, including:

 	Your income, minus taxes and insurance
 	Your monthly expenses, including rent and utilities
 	Your savings and any money you’ve set aside for this purchase
 	Your upcoming spending, including debts and other routine payments

Knowing these basic numbers will help you understand how the ring fits into your finances and put together a payment plan.

Question 26

Should an engagement ring always feature a diamond?

Accepted Answer

A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but engagement rings mean diamonds, right?

Diamonds are the go-to engagement stone, and we won’t pretend that’s not for good reason. They come in a range of colors but are generally neutral-toned; they’re hard-wearing, and they have a ton of sparkle.

With that said, diamonds aren’t the only option for how to make an engagement ring special, and many couples are now opting for less traditional gems.

Sapphires and rubies are examples of stones that make for striking alternatives to diamond engagement rings, and depending on the symbolism of the stone you choose, it can make your engagement ring design extra special.

However, you need to keep an eye on durability.

If all goes well, your beloved will have this ring for the rest of her life. It takes a hard-wearing gemstone to weather this kind of wear, and not all stones are this durable.

Diamonds rank as a 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, meaning they’re unlikely to be scratched by regular wear, but the same cannot be said for lower-scoring stones like moonstone or opal.

We’re not saying you should abandon your vision for a unique custom engagement ring, but you should ask your jeweler’s advice on how to make it a reality. How can you achieve the look you want with the durability necessary to suit your fiancée’s lifestyle?  This question should be front-of-mind when creating a custom engagement ring.

Question 27

Should I choose an ethically-mined or lab-grown diamond for my engagement ring?

Accepted Answer

Choosing conflict-free diamonds is an important part of your engagement ring design journey, and you have two basic options available to you: ethically mined or lab-grown.

What’s the difference between ethically mined and lab-grown diamonds? In terms of the end result, nothing. Even experts can’t tell them apart without specialized equipment! However, they do have different considerations attached to them.

Ethically mined diamonds are conflict-free: in other words, your token of undying love won’t be used to finance civil unrest.
They’re naturally grown, which makes each one a miracle of nature’s invention, and therefore, more rare. Also, when the mines are run ethically they can be a boon to the economies they come from.

Lab-grown diamonds (so their creation is always ethical) are a newer alternative and have a few pros and cons of their own:

The Pros and Cons of Lab-grown Diamonds



Pros
Cons


Always conflict-free, as they are grown in a lab setting
Not as highly-sought-after as natural diamonds, because they are not considered as luxurious


More environmentally friendly, as they don’t have the carbon footprint associated with mining



Cheaper due to the reduced cost of production



Available in the same quality as natural diamonds




With a bespoke jeweler as your guide, you can choose ethically sourced diamonds, mined or lab-grown, suitable for your style and budget.

At Peter Norman, we offer only ethically sourced diamonds at wholesale prices straight from the cutter, with certifications and ethical guarantees for every stone.

Question 28

What is the best band style for an engagement ring?

Accepted Answer

The gemstone you choose may be the flashy frontman of the piece, but just like in rock’n’roll, a lot of the real work is done by the band. The same stone can look wildly different in different settings, and choosing the right band is key to getting the overall look juuust right.

Back in the Victorian era, it was common for engagement rings to have thicker bands, more like what we would expect from wedding bands today.  Around the turn of the 20th century, the Tiffany’s-style setting took over, seeing brides favor slimmer bands with a diamond set proudly up off the finger.

Thinner bands are fashionable and stack well with wedding rings – however, the thinner they are, the higher the likelihood of warping and even cracks occurring over time.

To compensate, you would have to set the ring in a harder metal, such as platinum.

It’s also worth noting that a straight band isn’t your only option.

Different shapes can add interest and support to your central stone, and you might consider any of these options:

Question 29

Should I add diamond pave to my engagement ring band?

Accepted Answer

You’ve decided on your center stone and the shape of the band – now it’s time to ask yourself the question: how much bling is too much bling? Including inlaid diamonds on your engagement ring’s band can be a master stroke for the right bride.

It adds sparkle and dimension, but it’s not right for everybody, and there are a few questions you should ask yourself if you’re considering bedazzling your band.
1. Does it suit your budget?
As you would expect, adding diamonds to a ring is expensive. You might need to compromise on your center stone in order to afford the extra sparkle, but this would be worth it if it delivered the overall look that you’re hoping for.
2. Does it suit your fiancée’s style?
Every bride is different, and some might prefer the sleeker look of a smooth band to one with inlaid diamonds. Think about the other jeweler your partner wears. Does she like a lot of sparkle, or does she prefer more minimal pieces?
3. Does it suit how high or low maintenance you want this ring to be?
Smaller-set diamonds are prime real estate for built-up residue that can cause stones to loosen over time. This needn’t be a problem, as any good jeweler will offer lifetime aftercare for your engagement ring, cleaning and tightening stone settings as necessary.

However, it’s worth thinking about your fiancée’s lifestyle and if a higher-maintenance ring would fit into that. Would she want to take her ring for regular checkups? If not, consider fewer inlaid diamonds or none at all.

Question 30

Is a classic solitaire or multiple stones better for an engagement ring?

Accepted Answer

Even once you’ve decided what main stone you want, and what band you want it in, and whether you want extra stones added to it, you still have to choose between a single center stone or multiple gems.

There are countless ways to incorporate multiple stones, but here are some classic examples of single and multiple stone rings to get you started:

The Solitaire
The solitaire is the Tiffany-style classic – probably what everyone pictures when they think of an engagement ring. It features a single diamond, lifted off the finger on delicate prongs.

Three Stones
This is a good option if you want to introduce color to your ring by flanking your central diamond with colored gemstones. Or you could simply triple down on your diamonds! This is also a great option for those who want multiple stone shapes.

Halo
Circling the center stone with smaller diamonds adds protection to the main setting while adding more overall sparkle. Princess Diana’s engagement ring is probably the most famous example of this style.
As with any detail of your custom engagement ring, a bespoke jeweler can help you make an informed choice about which option best suits your future fiancée’s style and your budget.

Question 31

What color metal is best in an engagement ring?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most obvious questions when it comes to engagement ring design, but many grooms find it the hardest to answer – partly because there are so many options!

Here’s what you need to know about each of them:

 	 Platinum

The purest choice, but also the most expensive. Platinum’s rarity and density put it at a higher price point than gold, but its hue makes it attractive and wearable, and its strength gives you more options when it comes to design.

 	 Yellow gold

Long-lasting and non-tarnishing, you might associate yellow gold with your mother’s jewelry box, but recent engagement ring trends have seen it come back in a big way.

 	 White gold 

White gold’s silvery hue provides the wearability of platinum at a lower price point, but it also comes with more maintenance. It requires regular rhodium plating to keep it white and bright, and will periodically yellow with wear. It is also not hypoallergenic.

 	 Rose gold

Complementary to a range of skin tones, rose gold is less traditional but still very attractive and has a soft, feminine feel. Like any variation of gold, it can cause allergic reactions in some wearers.

 	 Silver

The least hard-wearing of these metals, silver’s main attraction is its classic beauty and its comparatively low price point. Tarnishing will be a big problem with a silver engagement ring, which is why most couples opt for a similar hue in another metal.

Question 32

Can I remodel a family heirloom into an engagement ring?

Accepted Answer

Heirloom rings are a beautiful thing. They represent generations of your family’s love as well as stories passed down through time.

But, let’s face it: designs become dated over time, and yesterday’s premiere style might not be in fashion today. Using old stones is a wonderful way to take a piece of your family history and redesign it into a stunning and modern piece.

Redesigning a family ring is one of the most ethical and sustainable ways to create a custom engagement ring, and many bespoke jewelers – including Peter Norman – are experts in modernizing and personalizing family jewels.

In addition to resetting your ring, we also offer bespoke additions, such as designing wedding bands to match the heirloom piece, allowing you to blend the traditions of the past with the romance of your modern love story.

Question 33

Where can I buy moissanite engagement rings near me?

Accepted Answer

At Peter Norman! Moissanite is actually silicon carbide, an incredibly rare, and therefore expensive, mineral. But the moissanite you’ll find in engagement rings is created in a lab. 

Because lab-made moissanite is affordable and is a close approximation of a diamond, it’s a popular alternative. It almost begs the question: why buy synthetic moissanite to masquerade as a diamond when lab-grown diamonds are also affordable, and they’re exactly the same as the real deal?

Peter Norman
Blog

Engagement Ring Trends for 2023

Unique Engagement Rings – Ensuring yours is 1-of-a-kind

A Concise Guide to Diamond Clarity

Asscher Cut Diamond Engagment Rings

Where to buy the best engagement rings in Los Angeles

Colored Engagement Rings

Tiffany Engagement Ring Alternatives

Upgrading Your Engagement Ring

The Complete Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring

Peter Norman Blog

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