Ring in 2025 with the perfect proposal: How to choose an engagement ring

Ring in 2025 with the perfect proposal: How to choose an engagement ring

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If you’re looking to propose in 2025, this New Year isn’t just about making resolutions; it marks the beginning of a lifelong adventure with your loved one. But how do you choose the perfect engagement ring? Here are 5 key things to consider to guide you in your search.

  1. Ring style

One of the first decisions to make is the style of engagement ring you want. Do you envision a classic solitaire that allows a single stone to shine or a halo design that adds extra sparkle around a center stone? Perhaps your partner wants to capture the romance of bygone eras with a vintage look or prefers to break away from tradition with the asymmetric setting or colored gemstone of a more contemporary design.

  1. Stone type

Though diamonds are the most popular choice, gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or birthstones can be equally as stunning and unique, adding color and meaning to an engagement ring.

At BRAG, all our pieces are designed and manufactured in-house so we can customize any style and stone to match the aesthetic your partner adores.

  1. The setting

Beyond the center stone, the setting of an engagement ring can dramatically affect its look and security:

  • Prong setting: Often used in solitaire rings, prongs allow maximum light to enter the stone, enhancing its sparkle.
  • Bezel setting: Encircles the stone with a metal rim, creating a sleek, modern look while offering extra protection.
  • Channel or pavé setting: Features diamonds or gemstones placed close together, enhancing the overall shine of the ring band.
  • Tension setting: Holds the stone in place with pressure, giving it a “floating” appearance for a contemporary aesthetic.

  1. Metal type

When choosing metals, it’s important to consider your partner’s personal style, skin tone, existing jewelry collection and lifestyle. The metal you select not only defines the ring’s color but also influences its durability and ongoing care. Plus, each metal has a distinct character and coordinates with different stone types:

  • Platinum: Highly durable and hypoallergenic, platinum has a lustrous white sheen that enhances a diamond’s sparkle.
  • White Gold: Offers a similar look to platinum but at a lower price, although it may require occasional re-plating.
  • Yellow Gold: The classic, warm tone of gold that pairs beautifully with vintage and traditional designs.
  • Rose Gold: A romantic blush hue achieved by adding copper to gold, giving a soft and feminine look.

  1. The band

While the center stone may take center stage, the band is the foundation of the ring. From classic rounded bands, perfect for comfortable everyday wear, to contemporary flat bands or romantic braided or twisted bands, each style shapes the ring’s overall look and feel, while also complementing the stone and the setting.

Ready to find your perfect engagement ring?

At BRAG, we’re honored to be part of your engagement story. With over seven generations of expertise, our family business has perfected the art of designing and manufacturing fine jewelry right here in the USA. We craft each piece in-house at our downtown Boston location, ensuring our meticulous attention to detail, exceptional materials, and timeless design.

Discover how we can help you create your perfect engagement ring by scheduling an appointment with our expert team today.

Young Man Bringing Ring Box For His Girlfriend At His Home

What’s the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring?

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Two rings, one love story

 

Rings have long symbolized commitment and unity – none more so than the engagement ring and wedding ring, each carrying its own history and cultural traditions. While they share the ultimate purpose of celebrating love, understanding their differences and their roles can help deepen their importance in your relationship.

So, together, let’s explore the key differences between engagement and wedding rings:

 

Historical significance

 

The tradition of giving an engagement ring dates back to ancient Rome, where betrothal rings, or anuli pronubi, symbolized a legal agreement between families. These rings, often made of iron, later evolved into gold bands, reflecting the wearer’s wealth and status. The diamond engagement ring as we know it was popularized in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring, marking the first recorded use of a diamond to signify betrothal.

The symbolism of the engagement ring centers around a promise—a declaration of intent to marry. Its precious materials, particularly diamonds, represent enduring strength and eternal love, qualities that set the foundation for a lifelong partnership.

Wedding rings have an even older origin, tracing back over 5,000 years to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians viewed the circular shape of the ring as a symbol of eternity, with no beginning or end, signifying endless love. Couples exchanged rings made from braided reeds or hemp, wearing them on the fourth finger of the left hand, which they believed was connected directly to the heart by the vena amoris, or “vein of love.”

As Christianity spread, wedding rings became part of religious ceremonies, with the circular band representing the unbroken union blessed by God. By the Middle Ages, the wedding ring had become a staple of marriage rituals in Western Europe, signifying not just a promise of love but a lifelong bond.

 

Symbolic meaning

 

The engagement ring represents the first step toward a lifelong commitment. Its bold design and center stone are a daily reminder of the love, hope, and excitement leading up to the wedding day.

The wedding ring represents fulfillment and union. Exchanged during the wedding ceremony, it serves as a physical representation of the vows shared between partners. The simplicity of the wedding band often reflects the enduring, unbroken nature of marriage.

 

Design differences

 

The engagement ring is often the showstopper, featuring intricate designs and a center stone that symbolizes the uniqueness of the relationship. Diamonds are the most popular choice, thanks to their unmatched durability and brilliance, though colored gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are also favored for their individuality. Many engagement rings also include details like halo settings, pavé bands, or vintage-inspired designs, all tailored to represent personal taste and style.

Wedding rings are typically more understated, designed to be worn daily, and complement the engagement ring. Classic plain bands in gold or platinum remain popular, though many couples choose more contemporary designs, such as diamond eternity bands or engraved rings with meaningful symbols or dates.

 

Choosing your rings

 

At BRAG, we believe that every ring tells a story and every love story is unique.

Whether you’re looking for a dazzling engagement ring to capture her heart or a timeless wedding band to mark your vows, our in-house craftsmanship and attention to detail ensure every piece is as special as your bond. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our expert team today.

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!

Custom Made Engagement Rings in Boston

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The diamond jewelers at Boston Ring and Gem know that a diamond is a big deal and engagement rings can become an overwhelming experience. With the styles, sizes and information available to you today it is easy to feel confused at where you should start.

Beautiful, ready-to-wear engagement rings are a fabulous choice – so why would you choose to have an engagement ring custom made when you can pick your ring and walk out the door? We have ready-to-wear rings available but for that someone looking to make the ring they’ve been dreaming about come alive, we can help. At Boston Ring and Gem you can custom design your diamond engagement ring to be the ring you have been dreaming off..

At Boston Ring and Gem you are in control the whole time! From the initial dreaming up of designs, viewing and selecting your diamond, right through to the final stages of viewing your ring before your diamond is set to holding the finished piece in your hand. One of our experienced jewelers will work with you to bring your dream engagement ring to life. Boston Ring and Gem prides themselves on their customer service and fine craftsmanship.

At the end of the day you will be wearing a piece brought to life by  you. No matter how obscure or classic the design might be; you can be certain that your engagement ring will truly be one of a kind when you shop at Boston Ring and Gem.

 

Engagement Ring Care Tips by BRAG

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Now that you have an engagement ring that your significant other has invested in to show you how much they love you, take care of it! The diamond engagement rings that we have at Boston Ring and Gem are beautiful, timeless and too good too be mistreated. Learn some easy ways to keep your engagement ring in the best condition possible.

Don’t be afraid to remove it!

“Never take it off!” I bet you have heard that before, but sometimes to protect your engagement ring from damage, you may have to take it off! Here are few example of activities that might require you too remove it!

  • Playing sports, lifting weights and other activities.  As for taking your ring to the gym, lifting weights with it on can also be hazardous. You wouldn’t want a 25-pound dumbbell making contact with your stone.
  • Gardening and hands-on-work can cause damage. It is possible to chip your diamond or knock the setting loose while doing heavy yard work.
  • Harsh chemical soaps or cleansers can soil the ring. It’s also a good idea not to wear your ring while doing the dishes.

Avoid Harmful Products

Keep your engagement ring sparkling by eliminating the gunk and dirt that can make your diamond cloudy.  Products like lotions, sunscreens and perfumes should put on with your ring off!

Get your Setting Checked Regularly

Boston Ring and Gem can check your setting for you to ensure that  the stone hasn’t been knocked loose, especially if it is particularly large. Usually every six months, it is ideal to have the setting checked.

Insure Your Ring

Thinking the worst, you loose your diamond wedding ring! Getting your ring insured is the best way to make sure you are covered. Look into what your home insurance offers and insure it separately, but do that first!