Engagement Rings

Engagement Rings

Engagement rings are more than just another piece of jewelry. They symbolize love, commitment, and one of the biggest milestones in any person's life. So as you begin to anticipate your proposal, your wedding and your life, we'd love to help you start it with a beautiful ring that exceeds your wildest dreams. If you're looking for moissanite engagement rings, good news, we invented it! If you're looking for lab-grown diamond engagement rings, we have an option to exceed your wildest dreams. From classic solitaire engagement rings to stunning and intricate styles, we have you covered. So, start your journey and find the perfect engagement ring that represents you and your marriage!

The History of Engagement Rings

Did you know that prior to the year 1215 there was no such thing as a wedding engagement period? Sure, wedding rings have been given since the ancient Egyptians, who viewed rings as symbols of eternity, but the actual tradition of an engagement ring began in the year 1215. This happened when Pope Innocent III declared that couples needed to wait between declaring they intend to be married and actually getting married. During this period a ring was given as a sign of intention to wed. The rest is history and the tradition lives on to this very day.

The concept of using center stones in engagement rings has evolved over centuries. In 1477 the first known diamond engagement ring was used when Archduke Maximillian gave Mary of Burgundy the first known engagement ring with a diamond center stone. Then for the next 500 years, diamonds were used quite sparingly until the fateful year of 1947. In that year the South African company De Beers hired NW Ayer, an advertising agency. A copy writer at that agency named Frances Gerety coined the slogan “A Diamond is Forever.” The success of this slogan, combined with the huge advertising budget behind it, pushed sales of diamond engagement rings to levels never before seen.

Nowadays though, because of ethical concerns and the huge price tag associated with diamonds, people are looking for alternative center stones. We here at Charles and Colvard offer two great options in the form of moissanite engagement rings and lab grown diamond engagement rings.

Moissanite Engagement Rings

We here at Charles and Colvard know a thing or two about moissanite engagement rings. That’s because we literally invented them. We are the originators of using moissanite for engagement rings and we’ve been doing it for over 25 years.

First though, let’s talk a little about our Forever One™ moissanite.  Moissanite is celebrated for its remarkable fire and brilliance. However, there is a lot of moissanite flooding the market that doesn’t quite stand up. That’s why we’re offering our trademarked Forever One™ moissanite. It is proven to have the most fire and brilliance of all moissanite in the market today.

What's particularly alluring about our Forever One™ moissanite is its ability to reflect light. This quality creates an eye-catching display of colors, unmatched by many other lower quality moissanite. Our collection of moissanite engagement rings are a testament to how innovation can shape the jewelry landscape. It stands proudly alongside lab-grown diamond engagement rings, offering beauty with an ethical twist.

You may be drawn to moissanite engagement rings because of their dazzling appearance. Or, you may be intrigued because of the price tag. Whatever your reasons we have rings that offer you an alternative to high priced diamonds and alleviate any lingering ethical or environmental concerns you may have. To top it all off all of our engagement rings are made with recycled metal to make you feel even better about your choice.

Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

The beauty of a lab grown diamond engagement ring is that you get the exact same stone as a mined diamond. There is no chemical difference between a diamond made in a lab or one that is made in the earth. Where you will notice a difference though is in your bank account because they are a fraction the price of a mined diamond. With lab-grown diamonds, you get the sparkle and beauty of traditional gems, but with eco-friendly credentials.

The beauty of choosing lab-grown diamond engagement rings is that you get to enjoy both style and ethics. You can get the exact same beauty and style as a mined diamond but rest assured that your chose the more environmentally friendly option. So when you choose a lab-grown diamond engagement ring you get to align your values with your taste. 

If you're attracted to the brilliance of diamonds but also value innovation & the environment, these rings offer a great balance. They promise all the qualities you want without any compromise on responsibility. Each lab-grown diamond engagement ring tells a story of conscious choice and stylish elegance, perfect for celebrating life's important commitments.

A Crash Course to Engagement Ring Styles

Choosing the perfect engagement ring is a deeply personal journey, but understanding the different styles can make the decision easier and more exciting. Here’s a quick guide to the most popular engagement ring styles to help you find the one that speaks to your unique love story:

Solitaire Engagement Rings:
Simple, elegant, and timeless, solitaire engagement rings place all the focus on the center stone. This classic design showcases a single gemstone held by a sleek metal band, making it a versatile choice that complements any style.

Side-Stone Engagement Rings:
For those who love a touch of extra brilliance, side-stone engagement rings feature smaller diamonds or gemstones set along the band to enhance the beauty of the center stone. These designs add sparkle while maintaining a balanced, elegant look.

Halo Engagement Rings:
Halo engagement rings are perfect for those who crave a little extra glamour. A circle of smaller diamonds surrounds the center stone, amplifying its size and brilliance. This design is both luxurious and eye-catching.

Hidden Halo Engagement Rings:
A modern twist on the classic halo, hidden halo engagement rings feature a row of small diamonds beneath the center stone. This subtle detail adds sparkle from every angle, creating a dazzling surprise for the wearer.

Three-Stone Engagement Rings:
Symbolizing your past, present, and future, three-stone engagement rings are rich in meaning. With a prominent center stone flanked by two smaller gemstones, this design offers timeless elegance with a romantic twist.

Toi Et Moi Engagement Rings:
French for “you and me,” Toi Et Moi rings feature two gemstones nestled together in a single setting. This romantic style represents the union of two souls and is a striking choice for a modern love story.

Vintage-Inspired Engagement Rings:
For those who appreciate old-world charm, vintage-inspired engagement rings incorporate intricate details like milgrain, filigree, and ornate settings. These designs evoke the romance and elegance of bygone eras.

Gold Engagement Rings

Gold engagement rings are by far the most common choice that people make for their ring setting. At Charles & Colvard, we have a huge selection of 14K and 18K gold rings in yellow, white and rose gold so you'll be able to find the color that suits you. Our gold engagement rings are made from recycled gold to ensure that there’s no new mining or land destruction performed in the production of your ring. 

Gold's luster and soft glow remains a favorite among shoppers. It's a metal that complements any stone brilliantly. In our curated collection, you'll find that each gold engagement ring is designed with not only aesthetics in mind but also comfort and durability. This ensures that your chosen ring is stunning day after day for years to come. Whether you lean towards something more traditional or are tempted by our unique engagement rings, a gold ring is perfect for your significant other.

How to Choose Stylish but Affordable Engagement Rings

Choosing the right engagement ring doesn't have to mean stretching your budget. When searching for affordable engagement rings, keep in mind that moissanite and lab grown diamonds are significantly less expensive than mined diamonds. Our selection offers beautiful and affordable engagement rings without sacrificing beauty. We provide a range of beautiful, unique engagement rings that don't carry the hefty price tag but still make a compelling statement of love.

Additionally, a good tip for saving money on a ring is to look for rings with smaller center stones but accent stones. The combination of the multiple stones that you’ll find in halo engagement rings, hidden halo engagement rings and accent rings, make a small center stone look very large. The secret here is that the abundance of accent stones ensures your ring has no shortage of sparkle. 

As you explore our collection of engagement rings, make sure to pick the style and stone that resonates with you. Whether you choose a timeless solitaire or the intricacy of a halo or side stone ring, there's an option to fit your story.