The best way to ensure that you are buying a piece of high-quality jewelry is by looking for several factors.

1) The source/manufacturer

When shopping for fine rings, a good place to start is checking the source or manufacturer. Even though it may be tempting to choose an online retailer due to convenience and time, it’s still better to pick a widely recognized brand name manufacturer rather than one who has flown under the radar. This is because well-known names have built their reputation over decades, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. It would also help to make sure that the company was reputable. To this end, you should choose a manufacturer that has been in business for at least one decade.

2) The stone

The type of stone used can make all the difference between fine rings and ones worth only a fraction of what you paid for them. A good example here is cubic zirconia stones which are very common in lower-priced jewelry simply because they’re abundant because they’re easily manufactured. If possible, aim for diamonds unless you’re on an extremely tight budget. Natural gemstones like emeralds, sapphires, and rubies are also great choices, provided they are real.

3) The metal used

The best fine rings are made out of 24 karat gold because they are soft and durable enough to last for generations. Gold plating works well for watches but not for fine rings since, after time, the outer part wears off, leaving you with an unattractive ring that must be re-plated. Although easier on the eyes, white gold isn’t as popular mainly because it cannot hold its luster very long.

4) The setting

Another crucial aspect to consider is the setting of the fine rings you’re interested in purchasing. Ideally, it should be simple yet elegant, which can be achieved by choosing solitaire settings or pave-set bands. If possible, look for accented gems like diamonds set into the band – these are known as halo stones because they have a ring of smaller diamonds around them – or on top of them in marquise settings. Don’t rule out antique settings simply because they cost less than modern ones if you want to save money.

5) The size

The best way to determine if the fine rings you’re about to purchase are the right size is by having your finger sized properly beforehand. Most jewelry sellers will do it free, so take advantage of this when shopping for fine rings in brick-and-mortar outlets. Keep in mind that each manufacturer has its sizing chart, so don’t try to use another company’s sizing standard when trying out their rings since the chances are that they won’t fit properly.

Shopping for fine rings can be quite daunting if you have no clue what to look for. To this end, follow the five tips mentioned above, and you’ll certainly find a ring that will sparkle on your fiancee’s finger at the right price.