So you’re thinking about getting engaged. First of all, congratulations on reaching this exciting moment! If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed about where to start with the ring, you’re in good company. Most people have never shopped for an engagement ring (or any jewelry!) before, and the sheer number of options can feel like a lot to take in. The good news is that the process is simpler than you might think, and you definitely don’t need to become a diamond expert overnight.

We’ve been helping couples navigate this journey for more than 100 years, and the one thing we can tell you is this: there’s no wrong way to start. Whether you’re shopping solo, with your partner, or just doing some early research from your couch, this guide will walk you through the key steps so you can feel confident and actually enjoy the experience. For a full overview of everything involved in choosing an engagement ring, our engagement ring education center is a great companion resource.

Start with a Conversation, Not a Shopping Cart

Before you start browsing rings or researching diamonds, take a step back. The very first thing worth doing is having an honest conversation with your partner (or with yourself, if this is going to be a surprise). What matters most to you both? Are you drawn to something classic or something more modern? Is budget a priority, or is it more about finding the exact right look? Do you care about where the diamond comes from?

There’s been a clear shift toward couples shopping for the ring together, often long before any proposal plans are finalized. Many partners want to share the experience, explore options side by side, and make design decisions as a team. Even when the proposal itself remains a surprise, getting aligned early on style and budget makes the whole process smoother.

If you’re keeping the ring a total surprise, try checking your partner’s Pinterest boards, paying attention to the jewelry they already wear, or asking a close friend for insight. These small clues go a long way. Our guide on how to shop for an engagement ring has more tips on narrowing things down before you visit.

Figure Out Your Budget

You’ve probably heard old “rules” about spending a certain number of months’ salary on a ring. Forget those. Your budget should be based on what you’re comfortable spending, plain and simple. Some couples spend more, some spend less, and neither approach is better than the other.

The important thing is to set a range before you start shopping so you can focus your energy on rings that make sense for you. And keep in mind that there are ways to get more ring for your budget, like choosing a lab-grown diamond, adjusting the diamond quality in areas that aren’t visible to the naked eye, or exploring different setting styles. We also offer special financing options to help make your purchase more accessible.

For a deeper look at how to think about engagement ring pricing, check out our guide: How Much Should an Engagement Ring Cost?

Learn a Little About Diamonds (Just the Basics)

You don’t need a gemology degree, but understanding a few fundamentals will help you feel more confident when you’re comparing options. Here are the big things to know:

The 4 Cs. Every diamond is graded on cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Of these, cut has the biggest impact on how your diamond sparkles. A well-cut diamond will look more brilliant than a larger stone with average proportions. Our 4 Cs education page breaks this down in detail, and our jewelry consultants can walk you through it in person so you can see the differences for yourself.

Diamond shape. Shape is often the first thing people notice. Round brilliant diamonds are the most popular because of their unmatched sparkle, but ovals, cushions, pears, emeralds, and marquise shapes have all grown in popularity for those who want something distinctive. Each shape has its own personality and works best with certain settings. Explore your options in our guide to the most popular diamond shapes for engagement rings, or browse all shapes on our diamond shapes education page.

Lab-grown vs. natural diamonds. We offer both, and both are real diamonds with identical chemical, optical, and physical properties. Natural diamonds appeal to those who value rarity, heritage, and the romance of something formed over billions of years. Lab-grown diamonds offer the same beauty at a different price point, often allowing you to choose a larger or higher-quality stone within your budget. Our philosophy is simple: we guide, rather than pressure, and the right choice is whatever feels right to you. Learn more about lab-grown diamonds and the tradition of natural diamonds.

For a comprehensive overview of everything to consider when selecting your diamond, visit our diamond education hub.

Think About Ring Style

Your engagement ring has two main components: the setting (the ring itself) and the center stone (the diamond). You can purchase a complete ring where we’ve already paired a beautiful setting with a center diamond, or you can choose a ring setting and center diamond separately for a fully customized combination. Both paths lead to a gorgeous ring, and our jewelry consultants can help you decide which approach works best for your priorities.

When it comes to setting styles, there are several directions to explore. A solitaire puts all the focus on your center diamond and has a timeless elegance that never goes out of style. (Our deep dive on classic solitaire engagement rings is a great read if this style appeals to you.) A halo surrounds the center stone with smaller diamonds for added sparkle and visual size. A three-stone ring carries beautiful symbolism, and vintage-inspired designs offer details like milgrain and filigree that feel personal and meaningful. For a complete breakdown of every ring configuration, from split shanks to bezel settings, explore our engagement ring styles and types guide.

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Not sure whether your taste leans modern or vintage? Our engagement ring style guide can help you figure that out. And don’t feel like you need to nail down a style before visiting us. Trying rings on is one of the most helpful things you can do, and many people are surprised by what they end up loving in person versus what they expected to like online.

Choose Your Center Stone

If you decide to go the route of selecting a setting and diamond separately, choosing the center stone is where the magic really happens. This is the heart of your ring, and it’s the part people will notice first.

Only 1 in 10 diamonds meets our standards. Beyond the 4 Cs, our experienced buyers hand-select each diamond because two stones with identical grades on paper can look remarkably different in person. That’s why we encourage you to come in and see diamonds up close in our VIP diamond viewing rooms, where you can compare stones under ideal lighting conditions.

For a step-by-step walkthrough on matching your diamond to your setting, read our guide on how to choose a center stone for your engagement ring.

Visit Us (Even If You’re Not Ready to Buy)

Here’s something we tell everyone: you don’t have to look at a ring on your very first visit if you don’t want to. Seriously. You can walk in, sit down, have a conversation with one of our jewelry consultants, ask every question on your mind, and leave without trying on a single ring. We’re not going anywhere, and neither is your timeline.

That said, there’s a reason we’ve been doing this for over a century, and it’s because the in-person experience makes a real difference. Photos and specs are helpful, but seeing how a diamond catches light and how a ring looks on your hand changes everything. Many couples come in thinking they want one thing and leave drawn to something completely different, and that’s totally normal.

Walk-ins are always welcome at any of our showrooms across Arizona, California, Texas, and Washington. If you’d like dedicated one-on-one time with a jewelry consultant, you can book an appointment anytime.

Give Yourself Enough Time

If you already have a proposal date in mind, it’s worth starting the ring process a couple of months in advance. Ready-to-ship rings with a center stone already set can be in your hands quickly, but if you’re customizing a setting, selecting a loose diamond, or designing something from scratch with our in-house design studio, you’ll want to allow extra time. Let your jewelry consultant know your timeline and they’ll help you plan accordingly.

Why Couples Choose Robbins Brothers

We know you have options when it comes to buying an engagement ring, and we take that trust seriously. For more than 100 years, we’ve been the place where couples come to celebrate some of the most important moments of their lives. We’re not a big-box retailer and we’re not an anonymous website. We’re a neighborhood jeweler with real people who genuinely care about helping you find the right ring.

Every diamond we sell is hand-selected and backed by our best-in-class lifetime warranty, which covers cleaning, inspection, and repairs at any of our showrooms. We offer both lab-grown and natural diamonds, a curated selection of top designers including Tacori, Verragio, and A.JAFFE, and expert jewelers to help every step of the way.

What’s the first step in buying an engagement ring?

Start by having a conversation about what matters most to you, whether that’s budget, style, diamond type, or all of the above. From there, doing a little research on diamond basics like the 4 Cs and popular diamond shapes will help you feel more prepared. Our engagement ring education center covers all the fundamentals in one place. When you’re ready, visiting one of our showrooms is the best way to see what resonates with you in person.

Do I need to know my partner’s ring size to start shopping for an engagement ring?

Not at all. While knowing the ring size is helpful, it shouldn’t stop you from getting started. Our jewelry consultants can help you estimate a size based on other rings your partner wears, and most engagement rings can be resized after the proposal. Check out our ring size guide for tips on figuring it out discreetly.

Should I shop for an engagement ring alone or with my partner?

Either way works beautifully. Many couples now prefer to shop together, which takes the guesswork out of style and ensures you’re both happy with the choice. Others prefer to keep it a surprise. Our jewelry consultants are experienced at helping with both approaches and will tailor the experience to whatever feels right for you.

How far in advance should I start the engagement ring process?

We recommend starting at least two months before your planned proposal, though there’s no such thing as too early. Starting early gives you the freedom to take your time.

Do I need an appointment to start looking at engagement rings?

Walk-ins are always welcome at any of our showrooms. But if you’d like dedicated time with one of our jewelry consultants, we recommend booking a personalized consultation. That way, we can give you our full attention and have options ready for you to explore.

Does Robbins Brothers offer both lab-grown and natural diamond engagement rings?

Yes, we offer both options and are happy to show you the differences in person. Our consultants can help you understand the pros of each and choose the diamond type that aligns with your values and budget. Learn more about lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds.

Ready to Get Started?

The engagement ring process doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s one of the most exciting purchases you’ll ever make, and we’re here to make sure it feels that way from the very first step. Whether you’re just starting to explore or you have a proposal date circled on the calendar, we’d love to help. Browse our selection online or find a Robbins Brothers near you to explore our collection with expert guidance.

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