Choosing an engagement ring is a personal decision, and there is no single type of ring that is right for everyone. Traditional diamond engagement rings remain popular, but couples today have far more choices when it comes to the metal, stone, design, and even whether the ring includes a stone at all.
At Jahda Jewelry, engagement rings are not one of our primary product lines. We specialize in real gold jewelry, including rings and bands in several different karats and gold colors. We can also custom make engagement rings and other gold rings when a customer is looking for something we do not normally carry.
Whether you are shopping for a traditional diamond engagement ring or considering something less conventional, here are some of the most important things to consider.
Selecting the Metal
The metal affects the appearance, durability, maintenance, and price of a ring. Some of the most common choices include:
- Gold
- Platinum
- Sterling silver
Gold remains one of the most popular choices for engagement and wedding rings. Gold jewelry is available in different purities, including 10K, 14K and 18K, as well as yellow, white and rose gold.
14K gold is a popular choice for rings because it offers a good balance between gold content, durability and price. It contains approximately 58.3% pure gold.
18K gold contains 75% pure gold and generally has a richer gold color in yellow gold. It also has greater intrinsic gold value than an otherwise identical 14K ring, although it is typically more expensive.
White gold provides a white-colored alternative while still allowing you to choose real gold. Most white gold jewelry is rhodium plated to give it a brighter white finish, and that finish may eventually need to be reapplied as the ring is worn.
Rose gold gets its pink or reddish color from the metals alloyed with the pure gold and can provide a noticeably different appearance from traditional yellow or white gold.
Platinum is another popular choice for engagement rings. It is naturally white, dense and durable, although it generally costs more than comparable gold options.
Sterling silver is considerably less expensive than either gold or platinum. It can be used for rings, but it is generally not as common for traditional engagement rings intended for long-term daily wear.
Choosing a Stone
Diamonds are traditionally associated with engagement rings, but there is no requirement that an engagement ring contain a diamond.
If you choose a diamond, some of the primary factors to consider are commonly referred to as the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. These characteristics can have a major effect on both the appearance and price of the stone.
Buyers can also choose between natural and lab-grown diamonds. Both are real diamonds, but their origins and market prices are different.
Other gemstones can also be used in engagement rings. Some couples choose a birthstone, a favorite color, or another gemstone with personal meaning. When choosing an alternative gemstone for a ring that will be worn every day, durability is worth considering because some stones are much more resistant to scratching and damage than others.
You Don’t Have to Choose a Traditional Engagement Ring
Not every couple wants a traditional ring with a center stone.
Some people prefer a gold band with a distinctive design that can serve as an engagement ring, wedding band, or both. Hammered gold bands, nugget-style bands and other uniform-width gold rings can provide an alternative for someone who wants a ring that looks different from a traditional engagement ring.
We regularly make these types of gold bands, and some of our customers choose them specifically as wedding rings.
A non-traditional ring can also make sense for someone who works with their hands, doesn’t normally wear stones, or simply prefers the appearance of a gold band.
Getting the Ring Size Right
If you are shopping together, getting professionally sized before ordering is the easiest option.
For a surprise proposal, you may be able to use a ring your partner already wears as a reference. However, make sure the ring is normally worn on the same finger. Finger sizes can differ considerably from one finger or hand to another.
Ring width also matters. A wider or heavier band can fit more tightly than a narrow ring in the same measured size, so the width and design of the actual ring should be considered when determining the final size.
Think About How the Ring Will Be Worn
An engagement ring is often worn every day, so appearance shouldn’t be the only consideration.
Think about the person’s occupation, hobbies and normal jewelry. Someone who works extensively with their hands may prefer a lower-profile design without a large raised stone. Someone who already wears mostly yellow gold may prefer a yellow gold engagement ring so that it matches their existing jewelry.
Also consider whether an engagement ring will eventually be worn next to a wedding band. Certain engagement-ring designs pair more easily with straight bands than others.
Custom Engagement Rings
If you have a particular design in mind but cannot find it as a finished ring, custom manufacturing is another option.
Although Jahda Jewelry does not maintain a large selection of ready-made traditional engagement rings, we can custom make gold rings, including designs that incorporate diamonds or other stones. A custom project can start with a reference photo, drawing, existing design, or simply an idea that can be developed into a finished piece.
This can be particularly useful when you want a specific gold karat, color, stone, dimensions, or design that isn’t readily available as a standard retail ring.
Choosing the Right Ring
There is no rule saying an engagement ring has to be a particular metal, contain a diamond, or follow a traditional design.
For some people, the right choice is a classic diamond engagement ring. For others, it might be an 18K gold ring with a colored gemstone, a hammered wedding band, a nugget-style gold band, or a completely custom design.
The most important considerations are how the ring looks, how it fits, how practical it is for the person wearing it, and whether it is something they will actually enjoy wearing for years.
If you’re considering a non-traditional gold engagement or wedding ring, or have an idea for a custom piece, you can contact Jahda Jewelry to discuss what you’re looking for.
Last Updated Sep 10, 2026
