5 ways to find your partner’s ring size without them knowing

Engagement ring buying tips: 5 ways to find your partner’s ring size without them knowing

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The perfect proposal involves more than choosing the right moment and location to pop the question; it’s also about finding a beautiful engagement ring with the perfect fit.

 

But, how can you find your partner’s ring size without ruining the surprise? Here are five creative ways to determine ring size without your partner suspecting a thing.

 

1. Borrow a ring she already wears

 

One of the easiest ways to determine ring size is by borrowing a ring your partner already wears. While they may not wear a ring on their ring finger, any ring can be used to give a close approximation. We will then measure the ring accurately and advise you on any size adjustments.

 

If you can’t bring a physical ring to us, try tracing the inner circle on a piece of paper. While not perfect, it can give us a rough size to work from.

 

2. Use a ring sizer app

 

If you have access to one of your partner’s rings, you can also use a ring sizer app. Simply open the app, place the ring on the screen, and adjust the onscreen ring sizer until it matches. It’s an effective way to get a measurement fast.

 

3. Use your fingers for comparison

 

You can try comparing your fingers to your partner’s while holding hands or try on one of her rings to see where it sits on yours. This technique won’t give you a precise measurement but can help us get close to their size.

Engagement ring buying tips: 5 ways to find your partner’s ring size without them knowing

 

4. Recruit a friend or family member

 

Your partner’s friends or family members are invaluable assets in keeping your proposal a surprise. They may also already know your partner’s ring size or could find out for you without raising suspicion.

 

For example, you could ask the friend or family member to take your partner on a shopping trip and use this as an opportunity to bring up ring sizes while looking at jewelry. Perhaps they’re “shopping for themselves” or “just curious,” and they can subtly ask your partner to try on rings in the store.

5. Ask during a fun, casual conversation

 

Sometimes, the best approach is the simplest one. But simple doesn’t always mean easy. This approach takes skill and perfect timing.

 

Try bringing up rings during a playful conversation about the upcoming festive season or a birthday. You can then ask their ring size casually or under the guise of general curiosity. Above all, keep the conversation light to avoid raising suspicion.

 

A final thought: When in doubt, go slightly larger

 

It’s common to have an engagement ring resized after a proposal. At BRAG, we can help you with resizing, if required, to ensure the perfect fit. But if you want to get as close as possible to your partner’s size, remember this: it’s usually better to go a little larger than too small.

 

If you’re ready to start designing the perfect engagement ring or need help with sizing, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to make your proposal everything you’ve dreamed of and more.

 

The hand and the heart: Which hand should you wear an engagement ring on?

The hand and the heart: Which hand should you wear an engagement ring on?

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Proposing to your loved one with an engagement ring is a tradition with deep symbolism, representing unity, commitment, and the promise of a shared life together. But just as you’re about to drop to one knee, you may think to yourself, “Which hand does the engagement ring go on?”

 

This is a question that brings with it cultural and family traditions as well as historical significance. At Boston Ring and Gem (BRAG), we are proud to serve Boston’s richly diverse community and to help them celebrate their love stories in a personal and meaningful way.

 

In this blog, we explore the origins of the engagement ring and how its placement varies across cultures.

Western culture: Why the left hand?

 

In most Western cultures, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many parts of Western Europe, the engagement ring is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, also known as the “ring finger.” This custom dates back thousands of years and is rooted in a blend of ancient beliefs and evolving traditions.

 

The practice of placing a ring on the left hand originates from the Romans, who were inspired by the ancient Egyptians’ spiritual belief in the vena amoris, or “vein of love” – a vein that runs directly from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart. This poetic idea suggested that the ring, symbolizing eternal unity, should be worn on the finger connected to the heart, representing love and devotion.

 

It is also traditional in Western cultures for the wedding band to be worn on the same finger, often below the engagement ring. The stacking of rings creates a powerful visual representation of the couple’s journey from engagement to marriage, with the two rings symbolizing their everlasting commitment and the enduring nature of their love.

A Family Legacy You Can Trust

 

The wider world: How different cultures wear engagement rings

 

Boston’s vibrant community brings together people from multicultural backgrounds, each with its own traditions for the placement of engagement rings, including:

  • Eastern European traditions: In many Eastern European countries, the engagement ring is worn on the right hand and is inspired by the Eastern Orthodox belief that the right hand is more sacred, as it is the hand used for making the sign of the cross.

 

  • Latin American and Spanish traditions: In many Latin American countries, engagement rings are also worn on the right hand. However, in some cultures, the engagement ring is moved to the left hand after the wedding ceremony to symbolize the transition from engagement to marriage.

 

  • South Asian traditions: For South Asian communities, such as those from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, ring-wearing varies according to religion. In Hindu culture, engagement rings are worn on the right hand, as the left hand is considered unlucky. While engagement rings are not a requirement in Islamic tradition, many Muslim couples have adopted the practice. But, the choice of which hand to wear the ring on depends on personal preference, family customs, and regional influences.

So, which hand?

 

The question of which hand an engagement ring should be worn on spans centuries, continents, and cultures. While tradition holds great significance, today many couples choose to personalize their ring-wearing customs; for example, wearing the engagement ring on the hand that feels most comfortable for them or switching the ring from one hand to another after marriage.

 

At BRAG, we celebrate and respect your individual choices. Whether you choose to follow timehonored traditions or decide to create a tradition of your own, the engagement ring remains a powerful representation of love, and we are here to help you craft a piece that will last a lifetime.

 

If you have any questions or are ready to design the perfect engagement ring, contact us on 617-720-2724 or schedule an appointment by emailing info@bostonringandgem.com

A Helpful Glossary of Jewelry Terms

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A Helpful Glossary of Jewelry Terms

Ever wonder what to call that thin delicate diamond set band or a specific structure of a ring? While you don’t have to necessarily know every term used in the industry, it will certainly help you communicate your desires to the jeweler or jewelry consultant.

Here are some commonly used and misused terms:

Pavé – Tiny little round brilliant cut diamonds set in multiple rows, much like a paved road. Pavé is often misused to describe a thin one row of diamonds.

14k rose gold micro pave eternity band

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fishtail – This style of setting is often used to get the thinnest version of a diamond band. U shaped prongs that are holding the diamonds in place.

Fishtail set platinum eternity bands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

French cut – From the top it looks very similar to the fishtail set, it’s when you look at the ring from the side profile you will see the hand carved crisscross detail around each stone that makes this slightly more sparkly.  This is one of our specialties at BRAG.

Diamond solitaire engagement ring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shared prong – Each stone shares 2 prongs with the next stone. This style of setting makes the round stones look rounder than in a fishtail or French cut.

Shared prong platinum eternity band

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bead set – When the stones are set in a band and held with tiny beads.

rose gold platinum diamond eternity wedding band unique

Bow tie diamond bead set eternity wedding bands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Channel – Stones are set inside a band held by higher metal walls.

Princess cut diamonds set in platinum channel eternity band

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solitaire – A single, solitary stone on it’s on.

Catherine Solitaire Platinum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cathedral – when the band of the ring comes up and meets the basket of the center stone.

platinum diamond solitaire engagement ring

Cathedral Solitaire Platinum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Halo – tiny little round brilliant cut diamonds that surround a larger stone.

Halo diamond engagement ring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vintage inspired – When a ring style is made to look like a vintage ring. The benefit is that you have a well-constructed new ring with the look and feel of yesteryears.

Shield Ring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filigree – open spaces of shapes carved out on a ring.

Round Brilliant cut center diamond set in cushion halo with vintage style lace side walls, bead set band and filigree basket

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mill grain – small edge carving that frames a ring and provides a touch of vintage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more examples please check out our collection on www.bostonringandgem.com or come see us at BRAG, Boston Ring and Gem at 333 Washington Street, Suite 203-8, Boston, MA 02108

Which Engagement Ring Setting is the One For You?

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engagement rings Boston

Perhaps this is something you’ve known your entire life or it’s something you’ve never thought about. One thing is for sure, it’s a very personal and special piece of jewelry!

The world is your oyster when it comes to picking out a ring. With the advent of social media channels such as Pinterest (BRAG – Boston Ring And Gem) and Instagram (Follow us @BRAGOfficial) we have more access than ever before and can find inspiration and ideas.

Here are some categories and options to consider.

 

 

RING STYLE: Are you traditional and appreciate the more classic styles such as the solitaire or three stone ring or do you want a little more sparkle a diamond encrusted pave band or the halo rings provide? Are you enthused by the vintage designs of the past with delicate details of filigree, carvings and mill grain or do you prefer a more contemporary unique style?

engagement rings Boston

 

 

Classic Solitaire: The tried and true classic solitaire. With your choice of 4 prong or 6, cathedral band or none cathedral, diamond band or plain, basket versus wire prongs.

 

 

 

engagement rings Boston

 

 

Halo: The trend that has turned into a staple category that’s here to stay.  If you are looking to enhance your center stone with additional sparkle the halo is the way to go.

 

 

 

engagement rings Boston

 

 

Vintage Inspired: What’s old is new! The trend for vintage inspired rings has never been more prominent than now. We can create and recreate the most intricate of designs at BRAG.

 

 

 

engagement rings Boston

 

 

Unique: You want something just a little different and your own. We are happy to work with you and come up with that special ring unique to you.

 

 

 

engagement rings Boston

 

METAL TYPE AND COLOR: Metal types and colors are also diversifying. We have seen a strong return to gold both rose and yellow though platinum is still going strong as the choice for white metal. Mixing metals and having two tone rings with Platinum and gold has also been on the rise.

 

 

 

engagement rings Boston

 

 

STONE SHAPE: The center stone and shape should also be in consideration. Are you into the classic ideal cut round diamond or more interested in the trendy Oval and Pear stones? Do you prefer more angular shapes like the Emerald, Ascher, or Princess or does the combination of rounded and angled edges such as the Cushion or Radiant shape suit your fancy?

 

 

For more ideas please check out our collection on www.bostonringandgem.com or come see us at BRAG, Boston Ring and Gem at 333 Washington Street, Suite 203-8, Boston, MA 02108

Proposing during this holiday season?

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Holiday season proposals

Proposing during this holiday season?

As the leaves change color and the seasons transition we can feel that brisk air starting to set in. The holiday season will be here before we know it and if you are thinking of proposing it’s important to consider a few things.

Timing: Make sure you give yourself and your jeweler plenty of time. This is an important and meaningful purchase so you want to give yourself the appropriate amount of time to figure out what style of ring and type of diamond you’d like. It is also important to give your jeweler plenty of time to make the perfect ring for you. At BRAG, custom design rings do require more time (6-8 weeks) than some classic, traditional settings such as a solitaire (2-3 weeks) or the halo (4 weeks).

Holiday proposal Ideas: The holiday season is a time of merriment and cheer so it lends itself to very charming and romantic opportunities for proposals.

  • It’s important to keep it special and personal. Whether that is to include the entire family or to keep it more private then share the happy news during the holiday gatherings.
  • Planning a trip? This might be the perfect opportunity to create beautiful memories of a special day in a special location.
  • Sports fan? Maybe you want the entire stadium to know how much you love her.
  • Do you like the traditions of the holidays? Perhaps a romantic sleigh ride through Boston with some hot coco…followed by a custom-made BRAG diamond engagement ring!
  • New Year’s Eve as the clock strikes midnight, whether at a party surrounded by loved ones or cuddled up at home alone. NYE will always have that special memory.
  • Are you a city slicker and prefer fine dining? Find a roof top restaurant with the view of the city, make sure you make your reservations for a private corner.

Family & Friends: The holiday season is a time that family and friends gather together and the perfect time to involve them with your plans.

  • Before the proposal: This is the perfect opportunity to speak to her parents and share your intentions with them.
  • During the proposal: Have the family participate in the proposal either by doing it during a holiday gathering or having them join in on the proposal location to witness and photograph the special moment.
  • After the proposal: If you opted for a more private proposal the holidays are the perfect time to share the happy news.

If you are ready to take the next step and propose this holiday season come see us at BRAG, Boston Ring and Gem at 333 Washington Street, Suite 203-8, Boston, MA 02108. We will guide you through the process and create a special engagement ring for this special time of year.

Selecting a Diamond…Carat

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When trying to select a diamond you will hear the 4 C’s over and over again. Clarity, Color, Cut and Carat. Carat refers to the weight of a diamond. The higher the carat weight, the more valuable it is (other factors being equal). There is a slight formula that goes into calculating the carat of a diamond. A carat weighs 200 milligrams and is divided into 100 points. So, if you have a  .5 carat diamond it is exactly the same as if you had a 1/2 carat diamond which is the same as a 50-point diamond.

Over a carat, diamond weights are usually expressed in carats and decimals. A 1.06 ct. stone, for example, would be described as “one point oh six carats,” or “one oh six.”

This word for the measurement of a diamond’s weight Carat – is derived from the carob seeds that were used to balance scales in ancient times.

This is an important factor to evaluate but is not the most important one. When selecting the size be sure that all the C’s are taking into consideration. You could put all your money into a 2 carat diamond ring, but with poor clarity, color and cut it does not have the value of many smaller stones. The other three C’s like clarity, cut and color determine the visual brilliance of the jewelry. Don’t be fooled by the size, you can find a beautiful, affordable engagement ring in Boston with BRAG jewelers that will make her say yes!