Vol. I · May 2026
put a ring on it
An editorial on the small, circular things we keep
Archive · Page 22
No. 212

What finger does the engagement ring go on?

Left hand, fourth finger. In the United States, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, the engagement ring goes on the left ring finger....

No. 213

What is the symbolism behind different engagement ring stones?

Most of the symbolism people bring up in consultations is invented by marketing departments, not by history. That's the first thing I tell clients who ask...

No. 214

Are rose gold engagement rings durable?

Yes, mostly. Rose gold engagement rings are durable, but durability is a construction question more than an alloy question. I'll set one without hesitating,...

No. 215

Can I buy an engagement ring without a credit check?

About two-thirds of the engagement rings I sell never involve a credit check. You can buy an engagement ring without a credit check. The check only enters...

No. 216

What is the best engagement ring store for beginners?

I’m going to disappoint you. There is no single best engagement ring store for beginners, and anyone promising otherwise is selling something. The right...

No. 217

How do I take a photo of an engagement ring that does it justice?

A 1.08 carat old European cut in a 2.4mm 18k yellow half-round band will read as a gray smudge in about ninety percent of phone photos. I know because I've...

No. 218

Should I keep the engagement ring receipt?

Yes. Keep the engagement ring receipt. I've watched too many clients dig through old email folders three years after the proposal because nobody told them...

No. 219

How often should I check the prongs on my engagement ring?

About 18 months is all it takes for a daily-worn 18k white gold prong to wear thin enough to be a real risk. That is why I say check the prongs on your...

No. 220

Are tension settings safe for engagement rings?

Tension settings are safe in the same way a frameless glass railing is safe. Engineered correctly, it holds. Hit it wrong, and it doesn't fail slowly. For...

No. 221

What does an engagement ring appraisal cost?

For a standard engagement ring with a diamond center, an engagement ring appraisal cost runs between $75 and $250 at most independent shops. I charge $185....

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