Learn before you buy

Plain answers to what people ask before buying a ring or a gift: which stone, which metal, what size, and how to look after it. Every number has a source and a date.

Choosing a ring

• Engagement ringsThe 7 decisions in order, with real numbers for stones, settings, metals and carat sizes.
• Wedding bandsFit first, then eternity style, stone size in mm and metal. With tables for each choice.
• Bridal setsAn engagement ring and band made to fit together. When a set beats buying separately, and when it doesn't.
• Ring sizeUS sizes 3 to 13 in mm, how to measure at home, and the fit rules that decide between sizes.

Stones

• Moissanite vs lab-grown diamondSparkle, fire, tester results, color and resale side by side, with sources and honest downsides.
• Lab diamond 4CsThe 4Cs for lab-grown stones, IGI vs GIA reports, CVD vs HPHT, and the grades worth paying for.
• Moissanite size chartCarat to mm for every shape, why DEW exists, and how big each size looks on your finger.
• Our five stonesLook, price and everyday wear for the five stones we set.

Metal, care and gifts

• Gold vs silver925 silver and 14K white, yellow and rose gold compared: wear, upkeep, allergies and cost.
• Jewelry careA 5-minute home clean, per stone and per metal rules, tarnish, storage and checking prongs.
• Gift guideWhat to give by occasion and budget, with necklace and bracelet sizing and order-by timing.
• Made to orderWhat happens between your order and your doorstep, and what you can still change.