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.