Showroom open Tues-Sat 10-6, walk-ins & appointments welcome, click here to schedule  253-839-7389

fwcj 70 logo

Emerald Engagement Ring – Vintage • Gemstone • Meaning

General

radiant cut natural emerald in baguette diamond halo engagement ring
Emerald Engagement Ring with Diamond Baguette Halo available at Federal Way Custom Jewelers

Emerald Engagement Ring with Diamond Baguette Halo

Emerald Engagement Rings are probably the number one choice of gemstone, after diamonds and sapphires, to be set into an engagement ring. An Emerald is what is known as a Beryl and the beryl must be green in color to be classed as an Emerald. Along with the ever popular sapphire, emeralds are mined in many countries of the world, mainly Brazil, Colombia and Zambia. Emeralds come in a variety of hues ranging from yellow-green to blue-green. However, the main color of the emerald will always be green and have a medium to dark tone, otherwise it might be classed in the beryl category. The most popular and sought after emeralds will almost certainly be blue-ish green to pure green.

Emeralds, along with Sapphires and Diamonds are classed as the Big Three of all gemstones. Emeralds are a little rarer than diamonds and sapphires, but not quite as rare as rubies.

Emeralds, like sapphires and rubies, do have what are known as inclusions. Inclusions are tiny particles of other minerals that get trapped into the main mineral during the crystallizing process of the stone. These inclusions are pretty much going to be there in most emerald stones. Most inclusions will be visible to the naked eye. However, when making your choice, you should tend to favor a stone that has far less inclusions than others. Less inclusions will certainly enhance the beauty of your emerald. Emeralds can be subjected to certain treatments to lessen the inclusion factor. The best line to follow is to look for an Emerald that has very few inclusions. It may cost a little more, but you will be happier.

Emerald Halo Engagement Ring

Emerald Halo Engagement Ring

Vintage Emerald Engagement Rings: When we talk about vintage jewelry, there may be a little confusion as to how old a piece of jewelry needs to be before it can be classed as vintage. Typically, it is thought that a piece of jewelry must be at least 50 years old in order for it to be classified as vintage. There is a big melting pot that can confuse people about the age that items have to be to be considered, let’s just say old for now. For instance, at the time of writing, a piece of vintage jewelry should typically be between 50 and 100 years old. However, we can add “antique” to the mix to confuse you even more by saying that antique jewelry should be at least 100 years old to be considered antique. Inside the melting pot we may also find reference to motor cars as they are also considered in the vintage and antique classification. However, we won’t delve any deeper into this vintage and antique stuff as it may get even more confusing. Needless to say that in order to be classified as vintage, Emerald Engagement Rings should be at least 50 years old.

The Meaning of Emerald Gemstone: Over the years, the emerald has been known as a symbol of truth and love. The ancient God Venus was said to hold the emerald very dear to her. The Emerald has also been known to give insight into future events. However, the meaning of the emerald is quite deep and actually thought to mean a lot more than we see with our naked eyes. Indian (Asian) folklore claims to hold many deep thoughts relating to the deep color of the emerald.

It is widely thought that learning to grasp and balance the healing properties of an Emerald for a alternative approach to life will help you become stronger and overcome the challenges that come in your life.

For those that are interested, the Emerald is the May Birthstone. So people of a spiritual leaning might be interest to know that Emeralds are deeply coveted for perceived mystical properties. For the average person looking at Emeralds, they are thought to represent growth, peace and balance. So get that Emerald on your finger, have some peace and balance, then contact us at Federal Way Customer Jewelers in the Seattle Metro Area.

Men's Vantage Emerald Ring Supported by Two Bullet Diamonds

Men’s Vintage Emerald Ring Supported by Two Bullet Diamonds

We hope you have enjoyed reading this article about Emeralds. This would be a good time to check out our prices and Emerald products in our online store.

Visit Our Online Store

Make an Inquiry

Return to Engagement Ring Menu

Buying an engagement ring is a big deal — especially if it’s your first time and you’re planning a surprise proposal. You want the moment to be unforgettable, the ring to be perfect, and the reaction to be joyful.

But if you’re not careful, even small missteps during ring shopping can tip your partner off or result in a ring that misses the mark entirely.

To help you make the right choice without spoiling the surprise, here are five of the most common engagement ring shopping mistakes — and how to avoid them.

1. Not Doing Enough Research Before You Shop

Jumping into ring shopping without understanding the basics is one of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make. If you don’t know the difference between a round cut and a princess cut — or you assume bigger always means better — you risk buying a ring that doesn’t match your partner’s style or values.

What to Do Instead:

  • Learn the 5 C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, and Certification

  • Pay attention to the styles they admire (on friends, social media, etc.)

  • Browse ring types online before visiting a jeweler

Being informed gives you confidence, and it helps you spot quality and value when you see it.

2. Guessing Their Ring Size Without a Plan B

Getting the ring size wrong can turn a magical moment into a fumble — especially if the ring won’t go on, or worse, gets stuck. Asking them directly spoils the surprise, but guessing with no backup plan is risky.

What to Do Instead:

  • Secretly borrow one of their rings and have it sized

  • Ask a trusted friend or family member who might know

  • Use a ring sizing guide or tool while they’re sleeping (if you dare)

Pro Tip: If you have to guess, go slightly larger. It’s easier to resize down than up — and most jewelers, like FWCJ, offer complimentary resizing.

3. Talking Too Much or Being Obvious About Your Plans

If you start bringing up marriage or jewelry more than usual, your partner may suspect something’s up. Even casual mentions can start to unravel your surprise — especially if your partner is observant.

What to Do Instead:

  • Keep your research private (use incognito browsing!)

  • Enlist a trusted friend for feedback instead of asking them directly

  • Space out any ring-related conversations so they feel organic

The less you say, the more powerful your surprise will be.

4. Letting a Salesperson Talk You Into the Wrong Ring

When you walk into a jewelry store unprepared, it’s easy to get overwhelmed — and even easier to be upsold. A persuasive salesperson might convince you to buy something that looks impressive in-store, but doesn’t align with your partner’s taste or your budget.

What to Do Instead:

  • Set a clear budget before you go

  • Look for jewelers (like FWCJ) who focus on education, not upselling

  • Prioritize style and quality over size alone

Remember, your goal isn’t just to impress — it’s to choose a ring that feels like them.

5. Waiting Too Long to Start Shopping

This is a huge one — especially for surprise proposals. Many rings require adjustments, resizing, or customizations. Waiting until the last minute can mean shipping delays, limited inventory, or not enough time to make it perfect.

What to Do Instead:

  • Start shopping at least 6–8 weeks before your planned proposal date

  • Communicate with your jeweler about timelines and turnaround

  • Consider proposing with a temporary setting and finalizing the design together later

Planning ahead gives you room to breathe and keeps your proposal stress-free.

Final Thoughts: Get the Ring, Keep the Surprise

Buying an engagement ring doesn’t have to be stressful — even if you’re doing it all in secret. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make confident decisions and deliver a magical moment your partner will never forget.

At FWCJ, we help first-time buyers every day — guiding you through the process, answering questions, and making sure your ring is as perfect as the proposal. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to make a move, our team is here to help.

Start your journey today — Schedule an appointment or stop by our store to speak with a jeweler who understands the importance of your moment.

FAQs: Engagement Ring Shopping for First-Time Buyers

K
L
What are the biggest mistakes on engagement rings?
Common mistakes include guessing ring size, shopping too late, buying without research, overspending, and choosing a ring based on trends instead of personal style.
K
L
What should I know before going engagement ring shopping?
You should understand the 5 C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, Certification), know your budget, have a sense of your partner’s style, and leave time for resizing or custom work.
K
L
What are the 5 C’s of buying a ring?

  • Cut – Determines sparkle

  • Color – Measures colorlessness of the diamond

  • Clarity – Refers to internal flaws or inclusions

  • Carat – The weight (and size) of the diamond

  • Certification – Confirms the diamond’s quality and grading

K
L
Can I buy a ring without my partner knowing?
Yes! With the right strategy, you can choose a ring that fits their style and size without giving away the surprise. This blog covers exactly how to do it.