Skip to primary navigationSkip to main contentSkip to footer
Voted #1 Jewelry Store In All Of Southern Maryland 7 Years In A Row!
  • Toggle Search Menu
Rick's Jewelers logo
  • Diamonds & Engagement
    SHOP ENGAGEMENT
    Engagement Rings
    SHOP WEDDING BANDS
    Wedding Bands for HimWedding Bands for Her
    SHOP ANNIVERSARY
    Anniversary Bands
    DESIGN YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING
    LOOSE DIAMOND SEARCH
    ENGAGEMENT RING SHOPPING GUIDE

    Explore All Diamonds & Engagement
  • Collections
    Allison KaufmanAmmara StoneBenchmarkCarla/Nancy BColor Merchants
    Forever ElegantForgeGalateaImperial PearlsJohn Bagley
    Lafonn JewelryLeStageOstbyeOvernightParle
    PersonalityPhillip GavrielPulsarRembrandt CharmsRoyal Chain
    SeikoStullerTamascusTamascus +Tantalum

    Collections
  • Jewelry
    SHOP RINGS
    Diamond RingsGold Fashion RingsGemstone RingsPearl RingsSilver RingsToe Fashion
    SHOP PENDANTS
    Diamond PendantsGold PendantsGemstone PendantsPearl Pendants
    SHOP NECKLACES
    Diamond NecklacesGemstone NecklacesPearl Necklaces
    SHOP EARRINGS
    Diamond EarringsGold EarringsGemstone EarringsPeal EarringsSilver EarringsHoop EarringsEarring Jackets
    SHOP BRACELETS
    Diamond BraceletsGold BraceletsGemstone BraceletsPearl BraceletsSilver BraceletsBangle BraceletsAnklets
    SHOP PEARLS
    Pearl RingsPearl BraceletsPearl EarringsPearl NecklacesPearl Pendants
    SHOP GEMSTONES
    Gemstone RingsGemstone BraceletsGemstone EarringsGemstone NecklacesGemstone Pendants
    SHOP DIAMONDS
    Diamond RingsDiamond BraceletsDiamond EarringsDiamond NecklacesDiamond Pendants
    CHARMS & BEADS
    CharmsBeads
    ACCESSORIES
    Cufflinks

    Explore All Jewelry
  • Custom
    Engagement Ring Builder
    Start With A DiamondStart with A Setting
    Custom Designed Jewelry
    SEND US A MESSAGE

    Explore All Custom
  • Our Store
    ABOUT US
    Our StoryYour Master IJO JewelerVideo Gallery
    OUR SERVICES
    AppraisalsCustom DesignsEngravingJewelry RepairsInsurance ReplacementsWatch Repairs
    CONTACT US
    Store DirectionsGive Us A CallSend Us A Message

    Explore All Our Store
  • Search
  • LoginToggle My Account Menu
  • Wishlist (0)Toggle Wishlist
  • Toggle My Account Menu
  • Toggle Shopping Cart Menu
  1. Home
  2. Engagement Ring Shopping Guide

Engagement Ring Shopping Guide

Rick’s Jewelers can build custom made wedding bands to match the unique design of your engagement ring.  You can be part of the process.  This is a piece you will have a lifetime and we want you to we want you to cherish it from the first day, to forever!

Engagement Ring Shopping Guide

Long before couples stand before an officiant and say, “I do,” many make another pledge to each other by getting engaged and agreeing to begin a new life together in St. Mary’s County.
In a 2011 survey by from XO Group, Inc., formerly The Knot Inc., the average engagement ring costs Americans $5,200. Canadians spend around $5,000 as well. Considering an engagement ring is typically a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, many men say the high cost is warranted and are even willing to finance the purchase or push their budgets to procure a beautiful ring.

Many engagement rings feature a 1-carat center stone with some smaller stones surrounding, accounting for a 1.4 total carat weight on average. It can take a groom-to-be around three months to find his (and her) ideal ring, sometimes longer. Considering a ring is such a significant investment, it pays to have some knowledge in gem selection.

Start by Answering a Few Questions

Having an idea of what you want can help anyone get a better deal, whether one is shopping for a new sofa or an engagement ring. An informed shopper can avoid being taken advantage of or buying something that really isn’t worth the asking price.

The 4 Cs is a good place for shoppers to get started. Various attributes affect the value, quality and beauty of a diamond. The 4 Cs stand for cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. The cut refers to the shape of the stone as well as the skill involved in achieving the shape of the facets so that it reflects the light brilliantly. The color is designated by the International Gemological Institute. The grading color in a diamond determines how closely a diamond’s color approaches colorlessness.The diamond will be assigned a letter grade. The lower the letter in the alphabet, the whiter the stone. Clarity refers to the amount, size, type, and location of internal flaws in a diamond, also known as inclusions. The cost of the diamond increases when there are fewer inclusions in the stone. Finally, the carat weight is the size and weight of the stone. The larger the stone, the more pricey it can be.

Another question to ask is which style of ring your girlfriend prefers? Your fiancee-to-be may have a certain setting style and diamond shape preference. It pays to know what she wants, including the type of setting the stone will be encased in. You should also know whether she will be happy with a larger stone that may have some imperfections not easily seen to the naked eye or a smaller, flawless stone.

Know Your Budget

Many expenses are associated with planning a wedding, and some couples may not want to begin their lives together in debt. This may need to be factored in to the decision-making process. You should go to jewelry stores to price out different styles and see how diamonds compare. This way you will have an accurate idea of just how much rings cost.

Carefully consider your options. Having an intimate knowledge of what your girlfriend will want can help you to narrow down something that is reasonable.

It also pays to understand a jeweler’s return policy. Even if you may know what she likes, in the event that the ring doesn’t work out, find out if the style can be changed or if you can get a refund or make an exchange.


Learn More About Diamond Rings. 

Rick's Jewelers
22595 Three Notch Road
P. O. Box 950
California, MD 20619-0950
(301) 737-4241
Store Information
Hours
Mon - Fri:9:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday:9:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday:Closed
Diamonds
  • Loose Diamond Search
  • Diamond Education
Fine Jewelry
  • Rings
  • Earrings
  • Pendants
  • Necklaces
  • Bracelets
  • Chains
Engagement
  • Engagement Ring Designer
  • Engagement Rings
  • Men's Wedding Bands
  • Women's Wedding Bands
Our Store
  • About Us
  • Return Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Collections
  • Allison Kaufman
  • Ammara Stone
  • Benchmark
  • View All
Services
  • Custom Designs
  • Insurance Replacements
  • Jewelry Appraisals
  • View All

© 2025 Rick's Jewelers. All Rights Reserved. Website designed, maintained, and hosted by Punchmark. Accessibility Statement.

Learn how we use cookies in our Privacy Policy or manage cookie preferences.