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6 Undercover Questions You Can Ask Your Partner About Their Engagement Ring Style #stealthmode

3/15/2021

15 Comments

 
You're lying in bed, but you're still flying high off that pour over you thought was a good idea at 3pm. You have a long car ride ahead of you and you've already listened to all of the recent The Moth podcasts. You're hanging in the park just kicking back and acro-yoga just isn't your thing. The next time you have some alone time with your partner and want to pick their brain re: engagement rings, we've got you covered.
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1. How do you feel about your friends who have gotten engaged? What’s the gossip? Do any of your friends secretly not like their rings?
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Filigree, Engraving, Relief, Milgrain. Definitions.

2/4/2020

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While we were browsing the internet looking at beautiful rings we noticed that many people are using a few terms for metal-smithing techniques interchangeably. If you are finding this confusing, you are not alone. Never fear, we are here to set the record straight. 
Filigree is the process of coiling and bending tiny threads and beads of metal into ornate patterns and soldering them together or onto another metal surface. The term comes from the Latin word filum - meaning thread, and granum - meaning grain. 
Milgrain refers to the delicate edging of tiny indents and bumps that jewelers sometimes apply to the borders of a design using a "knurling" tool. It is a great way to add a bit of intimate detail to your ring. Sometimes milgrain is incredibly tiny and delicate, sometimes it is so large it can look like a row of beads along an edge. The word milgrain is a literal translation of a French word meaning 'a thousand grains.' 
Engraving is when the jeweler cuts grooves into the surface of your ring to create images or patterns. 
Relief is much like engraving but instead of simply carving a pattern into the surface, in a relief the background is deeply cut away to leave a raised surface which is then carefully engraved. The end result is a is much more three dimensional effect. 
Don't worry, there isn't going to be a quiz. If you have any questions about the techniques or rings you see here please don't hesitate to get in touch with us!
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Questions about Diamond Cut Grades?

1/2/2020

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Are you confused by diamond cut grades? How is a diamond graded for it's cut quality? What is an ideal cut diamond? Do you need some simple, clear, diamond buying advice?
​Look no further. We are Little Bird - Diamond & Engagement Ring Consulting. It is our job to explain the basics of diamond grading in a way that makes sense to a non-gemologist.

​Cut is one of the 4 C's of diamond grading, along with Clarity, Carat size, and Color. Cut evaluation is by no means everything you need to know about a diamond, but it will help you understand why some diamonds have more fire and brilliance than others. Here is a great article from GIA on how they grade a diamond's cut. (GIA stand for The Gemological Institute of America.) 
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GIA is the largest gem grading laboratory, operating facilities all over the world. They are certainly not the only lab, but their grading system is considered the standard in the in industry. In addition to grading diamonds, GIA also has an educational facility. Us Little Birds are very familiar with GIA's grading system. If you need help understanding a GIA diamond certificate or even help buying an uncertified diamond please get in touch, or leave us a question in the comments section. This is a lot of information to take in, and you are not expected to understand all the details immediately. 

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Resetting your Heirloom Diamond - and - How to Buy a Ring Setting Without Buying a Diamond

2/21/2019

87 Comments

 
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Engagement Ring = Diamond + Ring Setting
Do you have a loose diamond? Do you need an engagement ring made for your heirloom diamond? Do you have a family diamond that you want reset in a new ring? Do you have a jeweler’s setting in mind for a diamond you already own? Or perhaps you want a particular stone that the jeweler can’t offer you…

Are you resetting a family diamond, redesigning an heirloom ring, or asking a jeweler to set a diamond that you found on your own? We often see a communication breakdown between shoppers and jewelers on the topic of loose settings and personal diamonds. Sometimes folks are surprised when a jeweler is hesitant or flat-out refuses to set a diamond that wasn’t purchased through them. It might seem counterintuitive for a jeweler to turn down work. Let’s clear things up. Some jewelers don't mind doing this at all! However, the reason jewelers would hesitate before resetting an heirloom diamond is different from why they would hesitate to set your sweet-internet-deal diamond. Here is some info and a few tips on the etiquette of making this request:
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Let's start with the best case scenario:

You have a family stone or a handful of heirloom jewelry you want to work with to create something special and you approach a talented and caring custom engagement ring designer who is local to you! Don't get us wrong, we think reusing heirloom stones is THE BEST. (see our favorite heirloom ring-incarnations below)

​That being said....

Why would a jeweler hesitate before resetting an heirloom stone?

  • It can be scary. There are liability risks for a jeweler to set a gemstone you already own, including loss, damage and heightened emotions...
  • It causes snags in a jeweler’s general process. Unless you are hand delivering the stone to the jeweler, you are going to be shipping back and forth; they will have to send you a liability waiver. That can be scary for everyone involved.
  • Un-setting your diamond or gem from a piece of jewelry is a lose/lose situation. It is often challenging for jeweler to unset a gemstone without injuring it. Plus, you have to consider the almost complete loss of value for the piece you are taking apart.
  • It may pigeon-hole the jeweler into fitting a diamond into a setting that might not really accommodate it. This is especially true for antique diamonds or gems with an outline that isn’t perfectly round or square or even.
  • Simply put, it is a lot of effort and they don't make a profit on it.
Though it's not always an ideal situation for them, there are jewelers who will happily perform this favor for you. It's considered acceptable to ask especially if you ask nicely. It's like asking your friend to drive you to the airport in traffic, twice. Yeah, you better be nice.

Why would a jeweler not want to set a new diamond you purchased elsewhere?

This situation can be a bit more charged for a jeweler. Almost all the other pains associated with heirloom apply here, but with the additional financial slap in the face to the jeweler.
  • You just stole their predicted margin. The cost of the ring includes the assumption that they will get to also sell you the star of the show, a center gem. How they see it, you are trying to get a ring for the price of a loose setting.
  • It comes across as rude. This is a piece of art and fine craftsmanship. You wouldn't go to Picasso and ask if you can have the painting for less if you provide the paint and canvas...  y’know, cuz you have a friend who's gonna give you a screamin deal elsewhere.

Takeaway for the engagement ring shopper - what can you do?

  • It's ok to ask about an an actual heirloom diamond or gemstone that you've inherited or previously owned. Expect a little bit of hesitation and know that it's completely normal to sign a waver releasing the jeweler from liability for your stone.
  • Don't ask a jeweler to set your diamond you bought online or from a wholesaler. If you do, careful not to come across as entitled and prepare to pay a setting fee.
  • Be savvy, but don’t forget to be fair and kind.
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys being a smart shopper and takes pleasure in hacking the process to get a better deal, we are absolutely happy to help you. Call us, and we will hook you up with the diamond and the jeweler without all the weirdness. We can coach you on how to do it in a respectful manner that doesn't cause unintended offense to whomever you choose to work with.

Takeaway for the jeweler - how can you best communicate your policies?

Don't get upset when people ask for this. They don't understand diamond margins. This is the first, and probably the last time they will do this. They may have been gifted this stone, and now they have to figure out how to use the family diamond in a new ring. OR, they are just trying to be wise in their shopping. In some cases they even think they're helping! They are like the sweet cat who brings you a dead mouse. They think you'll be stoked. Take a deep breath, and explain the issues in a kind manner.  Help them figure out a solution that works for the both of you. Read: don't be the dragon lady at the jewelry store with policies that scare away paying customers who would have otherwise been willing to accommodate your policies. ​
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87 Comments

Into the World of the Antique Ring Hunter - Buying Tips From a Top Pro

1/29/2019

21 Comments

 
How to Pick an ANTIQUE or VINTAGE Engagement Ring! A quick guide by Little Bird Engagement Ring Consultants, www.littlebirdtoldyou.com
In order to offer the best possible support for the engagement ring shoppers, Little Bird maintains a wide network of experts and insiders in all parts of the diamond industry. One of our FAVORITE experts is Marilyn Weiss, a national estate and antique ring specialist. Marilyn buys and sells vintage, estate and antique diamond engagement rings.  Some samples of her current collection are shown here.  At any time, she will have close to 100 completely unique pieces. She doesn’t generally sell them directly to retail customers, but she’s always happy to meet privately with Little Bird clients. Her clients include some of the finest retailers in the US known for antique fine jewelry. Let’s just say it’s good to have a friend like Marilyn. 

Little Bird: So you’ve specialized in all sorts of jewelry over your many years in the industry, from semi-precious to precious. When did you get into antique and estate fine jewelry?
Marilyn Weiss: About 13 years ago I walked into a used bookstore,,,

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Everything you Need to Know About Engagement Ring Insurance

1/15/2018

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So you've got the ring! Now what? Do you know the best way to get your engagement ring insured? This is a question I help LITTLE BIRD clients tackle often. The right insurance path can vary from person to person, but I always recommend  to my clients to have their ring insured. Picking a plan and an insurance company can be a head-scratcher. When in doubt, ask yourself: Is your engagement ring custom made? Got lots of pavé diamond accents? Did I select an antique engagement ring or use an heirloom diamond? Is my center stone a sapphire, ruby, emerald, moissanite, aquamarine or other? Am I pretty nervous about losing or causing damage to the ring? I recommend bulletproof insurance in these cases. Enter: Jewelers Mutual. Because my clients always have so many questions when it comes time to talking ring insurance, and because I am an engagement ring expert - not an insurance expert - I had a little conversation with my friends from Jewelers Mutual and asked them the 7 most popular questions I get from my clients. Hope this is helpful!
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1. What are you protected against with Jewelers Mutual coverage? Are you covered for loss, theft, damage, disappearance with all policies? 

Given that Jewelers Mutual is focused solely on jewelry we approached our coverage from the ground up- and view jewelry differently than a Homeowners policy ever would.  We know a disaster can be as simple as leaving your engagement ring in that coffee shop bathroom, or your new watch sitting on the golf cart on Hole 6. That’s why every policyholder receives the same comprehensive worldwide coverage that includes protection against theft, accidental loss, and damage. Lastly, we realize you can’t always pinpoint how or where your jewelry disappeared, so we cover ‘mysterious disappearance’- a coverage often overlooked by other carriers. As cliché as it sounds, we cover real life.

2. So, in a nutshell what are the main coverage differences between adding an engagement ring to an existing renters or homeowner’s policy vs. taking out a jewelry specific policy with Jewelers Mutual?

You can use a Homeowners/Renters insurer to protect your jewelry, but understand your jewelry will only be protected against certain types of losses (like fire & burglary) and up to a specified dollar amount (standard “limits”- the money paid out to you- are typically around $1500-$2500). Additionally, a jewelry claim on your homeowners could affect your entire policy. So, because you lost great-grandma’s Eleanor’s necklace now means you could be paying more to insure your home. Even if you opt for a “rider” (an optional add-on) to your Homeowners coverage, the policy details are still not as comprehensive as Jewelers Mutual’s standard coverage.

Using a real world example-  you file a claim because you lost your custom-made, five- year anniversary ring. Typically, a Homeowners insurer will either A. Send you a check and leave the repair/replacement of the piece up to you or B. Direct you to a jeweler of their choice to get the work done. If that same claim was filed with JM, we’d work directly with the jeweler of your choice to get the piece repaired or replaced as close as possible to your original ring. We pride ourselves on SAME kind and quality, not LIKE kind and quality.
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3. Are there different levels of coverage, and what’s the most popular?

Whether you’re insuring a charm bracelet, a Rolex Daytona, a Super Bowl ring, each and every one of Jewelers Mutual’s policyholders receives the same policy coverage and benefits. For 105 years we’ve prided ourselves on being the best jewelry insurance offered and we understand that begins and ends with ensuring we are there when our policyholders need us.

4. What are the average cost differences?
Jewelry insurance is much more reasonable than people anticipate. Typical rates average 1-2% of the value of the jewelry you’re insuring annually. So, for example, an $5000 ring would cost between $50-$100 annually to insure.
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And we provide you the opportunity to add in a deductible ($100, $250, $500) to knock down the annual premium, but most policyholders opt not too as the cost is so reasonable.

Jewelers Mutual has a quote tool available that allows for you to choose your best option prior to applying for insurance.
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5. How long is an appraisal good for?
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It’s in your best interest to get your jewelry appraised on a regular basis as jewelry prices (gold & diamonds) do fluctuate. The appraisal will provide you the best insight as to what your pieces are worth which should inform what you insure them for.

Since Jewelers Mutual understands the nuances of jewelry and the chances of our policyholders being underinsured, we have an annual Insurance Value Adjustment (IVA). This increases your policy limit annually by a small percentage and in turn increases your likelihood of being properly insured in case of a claim

6. What is something that you wish all newly engaged folks knew about jewelry insurance?

That it exists! Truly, the biggest hurdle we face is that consumers simply don’t know the category- much less our brand, exists. What I hear most often is “yeah, I think it’s on my Homeowners policy”. It isn’t until you begin to discuss policy details that you see eyes widen and palms get sweaty. I’m not here to induce fear, rather let people know that there’s options outside of a warranty and homeowners insurance. In a survey we did a few years back we found that 33% of those surveyed considered an engagement ring one of the “most expensive things they own”. 43% of them did not have the ring insured. It’s stunning the time and attention couples pay to selecting the ring, planning the proposal, taking the ring selfie, and everything that comes with it, but may not take an additional minute to consider what happens if it’s lost.

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7. You’ve been in business for a long time! How has your business changed over the past 100 years?
Jewelers Mutual started in 1913 by jewelers who wanted to help protect other jewelers. We’ve earned the trust of thousands of jewelers over the decade and with that trust came co-creation. They wanted us to offer the same peace of mind they got with their coverage to their consumers. So in 1953, we designed the consumer jewelry coverage we’re discussing today.

While trends and technologies come and go, jewelry buying will always be part of our cultural fabric. It’s a purchase that helps celebrate new love, achievement, birth, or even coming of age. We worked diligently to ensure that buying a Jewelers Mutual policy is as seamless as possible, be it in the eCommerce shopping cart, your neighborhood jewelry store, or in the comfort of your own home. While our gift may not be made of metal and stones, we feel the gift of peace of mind is just as valuable.  
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What You Need To Know Before Buying Diamond Solitaire Ring

7/26/2017

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Ring by Sharon Z Jewelry
First, what is a diamond solitaire? It can actually be confusing as this nomenclature is thrown around for rings that aren't actually solitaires. Hint: it doesn't have to do with the shape of the center stone....

A solitaire ring is when there is only one diamond in on the ring and that diamond is the main focal point of the ring. Solitaries do not have any other diamond accents on them, no diamond halo's, nothing - just one beautiful diamond! The name actually refers to the technical setting and can mean to any piece of jewelry with a solitaire setting - such a necklace, or earrings.

Solitaires are an extremely popular style these days and are known for showing off the classic elegance of beautiful diamond. But, be careful! The thing about a solitaire is that you simple must nail the design. As with all things simple, you need to refine, refine, refine. Think about the concept of "jeans and a shirt" - this simple layout can be super polished and date night ready or it might be what you wear to repaint your room that chic gray you've been pinning all week at work.

Any stylish low key dresser will tell you that you have to have a particular vision in mind in order to slay minimalism. Same deal with your fine jewelry, curation is crucial when designing the ideal solitaire diamond engagement ring.

How To Create Your Dream Solitaire Ring

​Step 1 - The Center Diamond

Since the diamond is the centerpiece of the ring, it best to start with picking a stone shape that resonates best with you. The most popular shape you see in a solitaire setting is round but any stone shape can be in solitaire. Such as pear, heart, oval, emerald, Asscher, marquise, etc. Because the solitaire setting shows off the diamond as the main focal point, we would recommend you work with your jeweler to really find a stone you love.
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Rings by Sharon Z Jewelry & Nick Engel

Step 2 - The Prongs

The prongs are those claw like things that hold the stone in place. First and foremost, they must do their job holding the stone in place but after that is done they we can talk about the aesthetics of the prongs.

You have a few choices to make here: metal type, the number of prongs, shape of prongs and orientation of prongs.

1. The metal type could be the same as the band or you might switch it up and go for a mixed metal look. Imagine the combinations out there with rose gold, yellow gold, white gold and platinum all at your fingertips (see what we did there?!)  

2. The number of prongs you choose will be based on many factors. In short, you can go with 4 or 6. There are some stones larger enough to accommodate 8 or even 12 - very Marie Antionette and we love this antique twist on a solitaire if your stone has the surface area to pull it off. 

3. The shape of the prongs is really a place to get creative and personalized. The prongs can be rounded/"bead shaped", pointed/"claw prongs"/"talon prongs"/"pointed prongs" (all terms for the same thing), or paddle shaped prongs. Then once you pick a shape, you can add another dimension: you can have split prongs or single prongs - seriously the list is endless. You can find good examples of all of these prong shape options online, but most jewelers don't have examples of all the shapes in one store. This a great question to ask your jeweler about because the prongs can really add style and personality to a ring and an important for a solitaire setting. 
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4. The orientation of prongs is another thing to consider. The most common prong orientation for 4 prongs is to have them at the four corners of the stone, as if each was the corner of a square. You can switch this up by going for a "compass prong orientation" where you shift the prongs to sit at the North, East, South and West points of the stone. The 6 prong options are the opposite. The classic 6 prong has a prong on the North and South point of the diamond and the East and West are open. The alternative 6 prong option is to leave the North and South open, covering the East and West. This is a lot to visualize, but it's simple enough once you do a little visual research. 
Pro tip: you might also consider a bezel or semi-bezel setting.
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Rings by Sharon Z Jewelry & Nick Engel

Step 3 - The Setting

Here we are referring to the band and the way in which the prongs connect to it. There are so many types of settings that we can't go into them all. But here are a few key questions to ponder when choosing the setting.

Is stacking with bands important to you? You may want to consider a cathedral setting that allows the diamond to be visible and stack with multiple rings. Do you have any antique stone that might be more fragile? You might want a bezel setting. Wear gloves every day? You might want a low profile setting with diamond set into the band. 

Because the diamond is the focal point in a solitaire setting,  the details are super important! Make you go over all of them with jeweler or reach out to u for a chat about what options might suite your personal style best!
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Rings by Sharon Z Jewelry & Nick Engel
This post is co-authored by Danielle of LITTLE BIRD and Catherine Cason of Gem Hunt ​​
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The Best Engagement Rings Under $3000

7/17/2017

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Diamond Ring by Sharon ZimmermanDiamond Ring by Sharon Zimmerman
You're welcome!
The national average for an engagement ring generally fluctuates between $3500-6000. It's our pleasure to bring you our curated collection of fave engagement rings under $3000 on Pinterest. There are absolutely stunning rings out there that don't require you to overspend. We are big fans of helping people stay within a super reasonable budget. All said and done, $3000 is still a lot of dough to throw at some rocks and metals. So you'll want to come out on the other side with a stunning, heirloom quality piece that is both stylish and unique. 

The THREE ​pro tips for folks looking in the $3000 engagement ring budget range: ​

1. Look for antiques! Play up clusters, halos and unique styles....

There are some really amazing antique ring curators out there. I always find something amazing at Erica Weiner, Victor Barboné & Metier.
PictureDiamond Cluster Ring, Erica Weiner
Diamond Cluster Ring, Erica Weiner

​2. Check out artists on Etsy! There are some incredible designers showcasing their work here. You just have to sift a bit.

Don't be afraid of Etsy designers! Some of my fave indie designers list on Etsy. Check out Sharon Zimmerman, Melanie Casey & Kate Szabone.
Oval Rose Cut Sapphire Ring by Kate Szabone
Oval Rose Cut Sapphire Ring by Kate Szabone

3. Open your mind to something totally different!

Often times the bigger the budget, the more basic and well travelled the ring style. Open your mind to something unique. I mean. This ring. Can you believe it's under $3000? I know! You'll find treasures in many places, Jewels by Grace has a great eye...
Cushion and Old European Cut Diamond Threestone Ring from Jewels by Grace
Cushion and Old European Cut Diamond Threestone Ring from Jewels by Grace
If you need help understanding how to set your budget and what you can expect to find based on your desired price range, don't hesitate to reach out of a BIRD CALL. We will hook you up with all the salient deets you need to nail it.
Engagement Rings under $3000
Engagement Rings under $3000
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3 Reasons to Consider Hiring an Engagement Ring Consultant - Chase Bank

2/17/2017

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Well, there are quite a few ways that an Engagement Ring Consultant can save you money on the purchase of a ring. Chase.com points out three reasons to consider hiring a LITTLE BIRD Engagement Ring Consultant:

1. Hiring a Ring Consultant can save you 20 to 40 percent off the cost of the ring

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Linda DiProperzio of Chase.com says: "This is key, since spending on engagement rings is at its highest ever. A survey by The Knot, a popular wedding resource, found that the average price of an engagement ring is about $6,000. Making sure you get the most for your money is crucial." LITTLE BIRD agrees. Big time. There's not a lively secondary market for private engagement ring sales out there. So, you're likely going to hold on to this ring for a very very long time. Let's make sure it's an investment you can stand behind for the long haul!

2. Ring consultants have insider knowledge

We go way beyond the 4c's. A consultant can inform and educate you on nitty gritty diamond and ring vocabulary that you won't glean online. We can also review diamond and gemstones certificate prior to you pulling the trigger. Furthermore, do you have the right metal type selected? Is this the right style of pavé? How will this ring jive with your future wedding band. We know this stuff inside and out and getting personalized advice based on YOUR goals and your lifestyle is what getting great ring consultation is all about. 

3. We can offer a wider selection

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AND we can help you figure out what you want. Picking out an engagement ring isn't a cake walk. You might not be aware of all your options and of all the bespoke and custom elements that are available to you for each little part of the ring anatomy. The options are endless. Your ultimate ring IS possible. It's just a matter of understanding what's out there!

A word to the wise: check on the commission

The thing is there are a few types of consultants out there. There are consultants with affiliate relationships with 6-8 online diamond companies. There are consultants who also sell diamonds. And then there's LITTLE BIRD. "Consultants like LITTLE BIRD don't profit off the sale of the gems or the design of the ring. Instead, the company charges a flat fee, with packages starting at $75. 'Our clients know that we're giving them unbiased recommendations because we're not profiting in the amount someone pays for the ring,' says Beth Moore, LITTLE BIRD's expert GIA certified Graduate Gemologist."
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9 Essential Things You Need to Know About How Engagement Rings Work

1/19/2017

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​You may be already starting to feel overwhelmed by all the different looks out there, all the diamond information, and the barrage of marketing coming your way. It is time to stop the madness. LOOK, before you even step foot into a jewelry store or spend another hour poking engagement ring shopping online, you'll need answers to these 9 questions below. 

This should give you some insight and help you determine what direction you should focus your attention and research energy. By the end of this lil exercise, you should have a firm idea of your next steps and whether or not you need additional guidance along the way. ​

NOTE: we recommend copy and pasting this list into a Google doc or similar and recording your answers in note form so that you can actually reference back to it. Seriously, if you bring these answers with you anywhere you will have a much more successful experience. Ok, here goes!

  1. What is she like? 
    What does she do professionally? What's her personal style of dress? Does she already wear lots of jewelry? Does she like to shop? You want to get the full picture. Where does she shop, what shoes does she wear on the weekends... what shoes does she gravitate towards. Trust us, simply saying that her style is "classic" won't help you find the coolest "classic" ring to match her personal tastes. Get specific. Perhaps check out her Pinterest page...

  2. What is your timeline? 
    Most rings need to be made from scratch, as very few of them are just sitting on a shelf. Is there a specific trip, date, season, due date or pocket of time in which you would like to have the ring in hand? (For more info on what to expect in terms of timeline check out: How Long Does It Take to Get an Engagement Ring?)

  3. What is your desired price range? 
    We are going to ignore all rules here. Try to steer clear of averages or monthly salary bologna. What feels right? What is realistic for you and for your partnership? (If you're really not sure what to expect based on what you suspect she will want - and you don't want to feel like a sucker - you might benefit from our complimentary BIRD CALL.)

  4. Shopping locally or remotely? 
    There are some major pricing and selection differences based on where you look. Sometimes the ideal jeweler just isn't in your area. Other times the perfect designer is nearby but you're not sure how to find them. Maybe shopping online feels really overwhelming, but you notice the pricing is more in line with what you're looking for. List specific aspects you're looking for in a jeweler so you can narrow your search: Trusted brand name? A small studio jeweler? An indie designer? The list goes on. What are you looking for in a retailer?

  5. What style of setting are you interested in? 
    Rings are a two part process. You pick a setting AND a central stone (see this part in #6). The central stone shape an type can be a bit easier to sort out, and we find that most folks really grapple with understanding the anatomy of the setting itself. You'll want to know exactly what type, shape and number of prongs, what the "gallery view" of the ring looks like, cathedral shoulders or no, will it sit flush with a wedding band, the list goes on. To get started in identifying the ideal setting, check out our Pinterest to learn about the different types of rings and their anatomy:
    Solitaire Engagement Ring Designs
    Diamond Band Engagement Ring Designs
    Halo Engagement Ring Designs
    Three Stone Engagement Ring Designs
    Antique Engagement Ring Designs
    Unconventional Engagement Ring Designs

  6. What type of center gem you are going for? 
    Do some quick research on the 4 c's and decide where you think you might fall. This is important stuff. Again, this is totally stuff we go over during our complimentary BIRD CALL. So, if you think you might benefit from a bit more personalized guidance here, take us up on our offer to help (for freeeee).

  7. Have you figured out her ring size? 
    Yes. You'll need to address this at some point. For the complete guide to ring sizing: 11 Things You Need to Know about Engagement Ring Sizing
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  8. Do you know what type of metal is right for the ring and for your partner?
    Platinum, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, palladium... the list goes on! If you're just saying "white or silver metal" then you have some research to do. It's  a good idea to look at her other jewelry, survey some of the other rings you see on friends, etc.

  9. Are "ethical origins" important to you? 
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    ​It's ok to say "I don't know". Brush up on your "conflict free diamond" definitions here: Diamond Politics - or - What Would Leonardo DiCaprio Do? (WWLDD)

Ok! This should get you started on the path toward optimizing your engagement ring shopping. If you still have some question marks running through your head, then you might benefit from going through these questions with an unbiased expert (ehm ehm, US!). Together we can go over each question, identify any potential obstacles in your way and get you cleared up so that you can nail this whole engagement ring thing. So before you have a full-blown panic attack, let's get you on a FREE BIRD CALL and go over these questions together.

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Custom Rose Gold Pavé Basket Solitaire with a 1.25 carat round brilliant diamond
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Custom 18K Yellow Gold East-West Emerald Cut Diamond in a Matted Bezel with an Eternity Shared Prong Diamond Band, Nick Engel
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An assortment of bespoke engagement rings by Nick Engel
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Bespoke 18K Yellow Gold Tapered Baguette Setting with a 2 carat Asscher Diamond center, by Scout Mandolin
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The ring stack to end all ring stacks, curated by GemHunt.Co
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    the LITTLE BIRD blog, by Danielle Mainas

    Ever wonder how to figure out her ring size? Select the perfect center stone? Pick the ideal jeweler? Read on, my friends. 

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