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’s not about how much you spend. It’s 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're considering a diamond, knowing the 4 Cs will help you make a smart and beautiful choice.

CUT

Cut isn’t about the shape—it's 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 without the price of the higher of D-F range.

CLARITY

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

Haejin Tip: Don’t overpay for perfection. As long as the diamond looks clean to the naked eye (eye-clean), you’re 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’ll always know what you’re getting.

Stone Shapes

Diamonds (and gemstones) come in many shapes—round, oval, emerald, pear, and more.

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 vs. Simulants

At Haejin Jewelry, we specialize in lab-grown diamonds—real diamonds, just grown above ground using clean energy. They're chemically and visually identical to mined diamonds but come without the human or environmental cost.

Other options include:

• Moissanite: A brilliant, durable, affordable stone that sparkles even more than a diamond.
• Cubic Zirconia: Inexpensive but not meant to last—these scratch, cloud, and discolor over time.

Haejin Tip: Choose a stone you’ll be proud to wear every day. Your values should sparkle too.

Gemstone Alternatives

Not into diamonds? We get it. Sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and morganites offer rich color and meaning.

Just be sure the stone is durable enough for everyday wear (7+ on the Mohs scale).

Ring Settings

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

Popular styles include:

• Solitaire: Classic and timeless
• Halo: Adds sparkle and presence
• Three-stone: Symbolizes past, present, and future
• Bezel: 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 U.S.

• 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 and hypoallergenic
• 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, bold?

You can also:

• Sneak a peek at their jewelry
• Ask close friends or family
• Go ring browsing together
• Or simply ask them! (Surprise isn’t everything.)

How Do I Find Their Ring Size?

Try:

• Borrowing a ring they wear and getting it sized
• Asking a trusted friend
• Or sizing together (some surprises are overrated!)

What If I Can’t Afford a Big Ring?

You don’t need to spend a fortune. We can work within any budget to design something stunning and meaningful.

Options include:

• Choosing lab-grown diamonds or moissanite
• Picking a smaller carat or going just below a size benchmark (like 0.90ct vs. 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 great—Haejin Jewelry offers personalized consultations online or by appointment in our Brooklyn showroom.

Buying online gives you more selection. Buying in person helps you connect and
ask questions directly. We’re here for both.

Should I Insure the Ring?

Absolutely. It’s peace of mind you won’t regret. Jewelry insurance usually costs 1–2% of the ring’s value per year. We’ll help guide you through the process.

Final Thoughts

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

• 10% of profits go toward
  supporting communities affected by unethical mining practices.
• Ethically made, always.
• Designed in Brooklyn. Worn everywhere.