Engagement Rings 101

Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Ring Without the Stress

A symbol of love, thoughtfully made.

Buying an engagement ring is a big deal, not just financially but emotionally. It is not about how much you spend, but about what the ring represents: commitment, joy, and a love that lasts.

At Haejin Jewelry, we want to make this process less overwhelming and more empowering. Our goal is to help you find a piece that reflects your values and love story without pressure, gimmicks, or guilt. Below is a practical and heart-centered guide to help you choose the right engagement ring with clarity and confidence.

The Four Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat)

If you are considering a diamond, understanding the Four Cs will help you make a smart and beautiful choice.

Cut

Cut is not about the shape, but about how well the diamond interacts with light. A well cut diamond sparkles more. For round diamonds, cut grade is the most important factor for brilliance.

Haejin Tip: Aim for Very Good or Ideal Cut to get that “wow” sparkle.

Color

The less color a diamond has, the more valuable it is. GIA grades color from D (colorless) to Z (noticeably yellow).

Haejin Tip: D is our sweet spot. It looks bright and clean.

Clarity

Clarity refers to the small imperfections inside or on a diamond, called inclusions.

Haejin Tip: Do not overpay for perfection. As long as the diamond looks clean to the naked eye, you are in great shape. VS2 and SI1 offer great value.

Carat

Carat is the weight of the diamond, not the size alone.

Haejin Tip: Want to save money without sacrificing appearance? Choose just under a full carat. A 0.90ct can look nearly identical to a 1.0ct but with a smaller price tag.

All of our diamonds are certified by reputable labs like GIA or IGI, so you will always know what you are getting.

Stone Shapes

Diamonds and gemstones come in many shapes such as round, oval, emerald, pear, and more.

Brilliant cuts like round or oval hide flaws better and sparkle more. Step cuts like emerald show more clarity and have a clean, mirror-like look. Choose based on personal style, not trends.

Keep in mind: Brilliant cuts (like round or oval) hide flaws better and sparkle more. Step cuts (like emerald) show more clarity and have a clean, mirror-like look. Choose based on personal style, not trends.

Lab Grown Diamonds

At Haejin Jewelry, we specialize exclusively in lab grown diamonds — real diamonds grown above ground using advanced technology and, whenever possible, clean energy. They are chemically, physically, and visually identical to mined diamonds but come without the human or environmental cost.

Every stone we offer is chosen for its exceptional beauty and certified by respected laboratories like GIA or IGI.

Gemstone Alternatives

If you are drawn to rich color instead of a diamond, we also offer select fine gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and morganites.

Just be sure the stone you choose is durable enough for everyday wear (7+ on the Mohs scale). We will guide you through the options to ensure your ring remains beautiful for years to come.

Ring Settings

The setting affects everything, from how the ring looks to how well it holds up over time.

Popular styles include:

• Classic and timeless
  
• Adds sparkle and presence
  
• Symbolizes past, present, and future
  
• Sleek and modern with extra protection

Haejin Tip: Think about your lifestyle. If you work with your hands or live actively, choose something low maintenance and secure.

Ring Metals
We use only recycled gold and ethically sourced platinum, all made right here in the United States.

14K Yellow Gold: Classic, warm, and never goes out of style

14K White Gold: Modern and bright (note: needs occasional replating)

14K Rose Gold: Romantic

Platinum: Rare, durable, and naturally white (but shows scratches more easily)

Haejin Tip: All metals are soft to some extent. Treat your ring with care, remove it during heavy activity, and store it in a safe place when not worn.

FAQs
How Do I Choose the Right Style?
Look at your partner’s style. Are they classic, minimalist, or bold?

You can also:

• Peek at their jewelry
• Ask close friends or family
• Go ring browsing together
• Or simply ask them (surprise is not everything)

How Do I Find Their Ring Size?
Try:

• Borrowing a ring they wear and getting it sized
• Asking a trusted friend
• Sizing together (some surprises are overrated)
• What If I Cannot Afford a Big Ring?
  You do not need to spend a fortune. We can work within any budget to design something stunning and meaningful.

Options include:

• Choosing a smaller carat or going just below a size benchmark such as 0.90ct instead of 1.0ct
• Resetting a family heirloom
• Choosing a colored gemstone
• Planning to upgrade the ring later

Should I Buy Online or In Person?
Both options are available. We offer one on one consultations by appointment in our Brooklyn showroom. While our website showcases a curated selection, you will find even more styles in person, including exclusive pieces we have not posted online yet. Visit us to explore the full collection, ask questions, and experience the details up close.

Should I Insure the Ring?
Absolutely. It is peace of mind you will not regret. Jewelry insurance usually costs 1 to 2 percent of the ring’s value per year. We will help guide you through the process.

Final Thoughts

Buying an engagement ring should be joyful, not stressful. At Haejin Jewelry, we are here to guide you with honesty, warmth, and zero pressure. Whether it is a ready to ship piece or a one of a kind design, we will help you find something that feels like love.

Ten percent of profits go toward supporting communities affected by unethical mining practices.

Ethically made, always.

Designed in Brooklyn. Worn everywhere.