You've met the one - now what?
Engagement Ring Buying Guide
Now is the part we love!
It’s natural to be a little nervous giving jewelry.
But you should never be nervous buying an engagement ring.
That’s why we made this simple guide to help you feel confident, never confused.
It can be intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be!
Options & Experts
In this guide we provide a straightforward overview to help you make a more informed purchasing decision. One of the first things to understand is that there is a wide range of ring types, diamond types, and style options for all engagement rings.
That is why Laskers (and other reputable boutique jewelers) invest in consistent and rigorous training for their team members.
Our highly trained diamond experts will take time to understand you, your needs, and then educate you on options so that you can make your best choice.
Tip 1: Find a jeweler who listens
Not just someone selling lab-grown or natural diamonds, or the flashiest stones.
You deserve a jeweler who takes time to understand your story, preferences, and budget—and then offers options that speak to you.
Tip 2: Choose a jeweler with a trusted diamond buyer
Our experts inspect every diamond in person. With hands.Eyes. And know-how.
Reports and numbers are important, but it never replaces hand-selecting every loose diamond that we’ve gotten to know personally.
We don’t think twice about saying “no” to 99 out of every 100 diamonds. You deserve better than “good enough.”
Oh, and what happens to the ones we reject? You can usually find them overpriced at chain stores and on national websites.
We never buy a diamond based on a grading report alone, and neither should you.
Natural & Labratory Grown Diamonds
There are two main categories of diamonds - Natural and Laboratory-Grown - which are distinguished by how they were formed.
Tip 3: Natural or Lab-Grown? Each has its charm.
There is a lot of misinformation about the differences.
At a high level, the decision between natural and lab-grown diamonds comes down to your priorities.
- Natural diamonds are rare, formed in the earth, and holds long-term value.
- Natural diamond large center stones from Laskers are eligible for our trade-up program if you later consider an upgrade. Learn more about our Diamond Trade-Up Program.
- Lab-grown diamonds are optically and chemically identical to natural diamonds but created in a lab. You’ll get more size and sparkle for your budget.
Laskers carries both types — because we love giving you the option to see them side by side. There’s never any pressure to buy. We give you plenty of space and time to wander and learn. The right diamond is the one you love.
Consider Your Budget
There’s no magic
formula—what matters is what works for you. Ask about flexible payment plans
to make it all manageable.
Tip 4: Consider Your Budget
Maybe you are planning to start small and upgrade as you can. Maybe you plan to spend the same that you spent on your new vehicle. Before beginning the process, think about what makes sense for you and be ready to ask about payment plan options.
Style & Substance Matters
Even if you’ve been together for years, their dream ring might surprise you.
Furthermore, sometimes that ring looks different on the hand than expected. Every single day we have expecting fiances exclaim that their favorite ring was not what they expected!
Tip 5: ask for help
You can certainly pay attention to the jewelry they wear or scroll through rings together “just for fun”.
Casual conversations can reveal major clues. You can also ask a close friend or family member to help, or ask your partner to try on a few options for you to choose from.
For best results, come on in. Play around with trying on rings together —and note what lights them up!
Tip 6: The Setting and Metal Type Matters
The ring setting doesn’t just affect how the ring looks—it determines how secure your diamond is and how it wears over time. Ask about:
- Ring integrity and security for daily wear
- Metal types (platinum, 14k, 18k, yellow/white/rose gold)
- Sizing flexibility of different metals and styles
Read our Guide to Ring Metals to understand how to choose a ring to keep up with your life.
Timeline
Not everyone can plan ahead, but when you can more options are available.
Tip 7: Plan Your Timeline
There are 3 types of ring timelines to ensure the ring is ready to pop the question!
- Proposal-ready: Buy today, walk out with the ring.
- Semi-custom: Set a diamond into a new setting or metal; takes ~1–2 weeks.
- Fully custom: Designed from scratch; allow at least 6 weeks.
Plan your timeline to make this a fun and memorable part of your journey.
Costs for Sizing, Maintenance, Replacement
We never surprise you with hidden costs that show up online or at chain stores.
Tip 8: Understand All Costs
Our Lasker Promise provides ongoing confidence, security and support for many years to come:
The Lasker Promise, for every piece of diamond jewelry purchased from us includes:
- Free initial sizing
- Free cleanings and inspections
- Annual polishing and refinishing
- Maintenance for ring integrity
- Free Replacement if your diamond falls out
- Complimentary soldering of engagement and wedding bands
Protect Your Investment
What's the difference between warranties, guarantees, and insurance?
Tip 9: Protect Your Investment
How many places can you name where your parents, grandparents, and maybe great-grandparents shopped?
We have customers who have been visiting us since they bought their engagement ring 50 years ago!
Will your jeweler be around to support your purchase in 50 years?
A reputable jeweler will offer a warranty or guarantee on the quality of the product they sell to you. Sometimes there is a charge, sometimes it is free.
Protect your purchase from loss, damage, or theft with insurance. We’ve partnered with Zillion to make that easy and affordable, but can offer you paperwork to use a different insurance policy if you prefer.
Trust Yourself & Have Fun
This should feel fun—not pressured.
Read reviews, ask friends, and fact-check anything that doesn’t sit right.
But above all—trust your instincts. A good jeweler, like a good friend, listens to you without pushing you.
Just because it takes pressure to make diamonds doesn’t mean you should
ever feel pressure in our store!