How to Choose a Birthstone Engagement Ring

A birthstone engagement ring can be a wonderfully sentimental alternative to a traditional diamond engagement ring. However, you should choose one as carefully as you would a high quality diamond. There is a great variety of birthstone rings available, and all of them can be beautiful, meaningful and affordable. Finding the right one can make a marriage proposal even more romantic.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Calendar
• Internet access
• Access to your fiance’s jewelry box
• Jeweler

1. Search online (see Resources below) to discover the appropriate birthstone for your fiancee's birthday. Some months feature both traditional and contemporary birthstones. Learn the quality characteristics of the birthstone. Different gems have different color ranges, hardness ratings and other qualities that determine their value.

2. Browse through your fiancé’s jewelry box to learn what type of jewelry she prefers. Many women own jewelry with their birthstones already, and it would be a mistake to duplicate a design. Note any preferred precious metals, stone shapes and ring designs.

3. Browse a jewelry store with your fiancé and let her point out some types of rings she prefers. Note the sizes, designs, shapes and other details that will help you to choose a birthstone engagement ring that will suit her tastes.

4. Return to the jeweler alone to choose the birthstone ring. It may be necessary to special order an elaborate ring with a birthstone as the center stone instead of a more traditional diamond.

Tips & Warnings

• It is easier to purchase birthstone rings during the appropriate month, so be prepared to shop well before proposing if the ring will be harder to find.
• Consider using the birthstones of the wedding month or both the bride’s and groom’s birthdays for even more symbolism.
• A woman who is interested in a traditional diamond ring may be disappointed by a birthstone ring. To include the sentiment without the disappointment, choose birthstone accents to a central diamond.
• Specially ordered rings may be nonrefundable. Ask the jeweler for details on return policies and ring trade-ins before committing to an unconventional purchase.

Resources

• Birthstone Engagement Rings at LoveToKnow Engagement Rings
• Birthstone List from Bernardine Fine Art Jewelry