Are you on the search for your perfect engagement ring?

Our most basic tip: start with diamond shape!

The shape of your diamond has a huge impact on your engagement ring— no matter the setting. While metal, style, and carat size all play a role in your dream engagement ring, the shape of your gemstone is often the first thing people notice and will make the biggest impact on your ring's style (just imagine the difference between an elongated marquise diamond and a round diamond).  

The shape of a diamond can drastically alter the look of the ring, the way it catches the light, and how the stone sits on your hand. With more than ten different possible shapes, it’s easy to get overwhelmed while shopping. Here is a quick overview of the most popular diamond shapes couples choose for their diamond engagement rings, and how to determine which might be right for you.

Engagement Ring Tip From The Pro's— Start with Diamond Shape

Round

The round shaped diamond is by far the most popular choice for engagement rings around the world, for a few reasons. Round is a safe bet if you aren’t sure what kind of diamond your fiancée prefers, as it is universally popular and shaped to capture the most light when worn. It’s also likely to please a woman with traditional style who doesn’t like anything too unique or funky.

Pear

The pear-shaped diamond is less like the fruit shape and more like a teardrop, with a rounded bottom that comes up to a pointed tip. Pear shaped diamonds saw a surge in interest in early 2018 when Ariana Grande wore a pear-shaped diamond engagement ring during her short-lived engagement to Pete Davidson. Sources said she was drawn to the ring because it reminded her of the teardrop emoji symbol.  Pear shaped diamonds are said to make short fingers appear longer and stand out thanks to the pointed shape, which refracts extra light.

Square or Cushion

Eye catching and unique, the distinctive shape of a square cut diamond draws the eye as it stands out against the finger. A square shaped stone is best for women with long fingers, as it can make short fingers look even shorter.

Emerald

The emerald is a rectangular shape with multiple long facets cut along each side to encourage the light to reflect and sparkle. These are called stepped cuts, and they encourage light refraction. This cut can make the diamond attract more light than other shapes like a round or square cut. Fashionable and unique, many celebrity women love emerald cut diamonds for both modern and vintage-inspired engagement rings.

Heart

A heart shaped diamond can stand out in a sea of engagement rings, because you do not see as many of them as the more traditional shapes. For obvious reasons, a heart shaped diamond is a romantic choice for an engagement ring.

Princess

Like the emerald cut, a princess cut is a variation on a geographic shape. While the top of the stone is a square or rectangle, the bottom side comes down to a point. This inverted pyramid shape is due to the beveled cut, which creates multiple beautiful facets. A relatively new shape, the princess cut originated in the 1960s and quickly became the second most popular shape for engagement rings, behind the round shaped stone.

A Custom Designed Engagement Ring In Any Shape

If you don't find what you're looking for online or in our jewelry cases, bring in a picture or sketch and our skilled designers will create something for you. We can help you create a custom three-stone engagement ring or any piece of custom jewelry you choose. Stay involved through the entire design process as we offer both computer design images and wax prototypes, addressing any changes you request until you're completely satisfied. Learn more here. 

Explore our full collection of engagement rings at our Huntington Beach showroom, or browse a selection online here. 

"Joe and the rest of the team at Affinity& Co are excellent! Super helpful, incredibly friendly, and they provide wonderful customer service. I came in on short notice to get my engagement ring resized and they were able to expedite the process and take care of everything within the same week. They are genuinely happy to help and appreciate their customers! I would definitely recommend.? — Morgan H. on Google

Comments | Posted in Blog By Ashley Stephens

Tuesday, October 27, 2020 11:32:00 AM America/Los_Angeles

Now that you've found a partner you want to marry, it's time to find the ring.

Comments | Posted in Blog By Ashley Stephens

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 10:27:00 AM America/Los_Angeles

Are you planning on popping the question this fall or winter? 

With a little planning now, you can plan the perfect proposal to end 2020 with a moment to remember! At Affinity & Co. Jewelers, it's our passion to help California-area couples find their perfect engagement ring and tie the knot. In this post, we are sharing our top proposal tips to help you take this next step with ease. 

Like most big decisions in life, communication is key, and picking out an engagement ring is no exception. Even if the proposal will be a surprise, it's a good idea to discuss a few key factors as a couple.

Your engagement ring will likely be your most-used, most-treasured piece of jewelry. It will be worn for years to come, through all seasons and all life events, so now is the time to explore, discuss, and try on different shapes, styles, and sizes to find a ring that feels just right for you.

While you can visit our showroom today and purchase an engagement ring, there is a lot of value in a little preparation. Start with the questions below and visit us when you are ready to find your dream engagement ring.

Chat about it early. 

Even if you plan on making the proposal a surprise, now is a great time to casually bring it up in conversation— fish out little details to see if your partner would want their ideal proposal private or public, indoors or outdoors, and other important details. By bringing it up now, they are less likely to suspect anything when you pop the question later on! 

Start with budget.

It might not be the first thing you want to talk about when considering a proposal, but getting an idea of budget is healthy and helps set expectations for both partners. There are a lot of engagement rings out there, and getting an idea of budget early helps narrow the choices and keep you on track.

Colorless or color? 

Many couples are opting for engagement rings featuring a center or accent colored gemstones. Consider if you want only white diamonds, or if you'd like to include some color as a nod to your favorite color, birthstone, or the month you plan to marry. Consider sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or fancy-colored diamonds.

What about style? 

It's a good idea to get a basic understanding of different engagement ring styles to start off with. Consider a simple solitaire, a bold halo, or a pretty vintage design to get started. You can explore different engagement ring styles here.

How about shape? 

There are a number of different diamond shapes or ‘cuts’ available, and having an idea of which you prefer (round, pear, heart, and more!) will make it much easier to find the perfect gem for your engagement ring. The diamond shape might be the most visually significant choice you make, so be sure to consider shapes that reflect your personal style.

Explore different diamond shapes and sizes here.

About that ring size...

There are three common ways you can measure your ring size right at home so you can finally get your ring measurement right, for good. https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/how-to-measure-ring-size Be sure to measure both at the beginning of the day and at the end, as your fingers are prone to change size slightly throughout the day. Find out how to measure easily at home here. 

Stop by for a visit!

While it's easy to fall in love with engagement rings on Pinterest or Instagram, it's also a good idea to try on different styles in person. You’ll want to know how the ring really feels and fits on your hand until you actually see it up close.

Don’t forget the important stuff.

We'll make sure you are set during and after purchasing your engagement ring. We are happy to provide services to make sure your engagement ring stays as stunning as the day you said "yes!" Learn more about our master craftsmen and graduate gemologists here. 

Explore our full collection of engagement rings at our Huntington Beach showroom, or browse a selection online here. 

"Usually you only hear about customer's loyalty to a business, but never the other way around. This all changed with Affinity where for the first time, I experienced loyalty from a business I have patroned. 

Per my previous review, my husband and I had a great experience buying both of our wedding bands here. Fast forward 4 years later and my husband's wedding ring slipped off his finger while surfing. I called them asking to re-order it, and they offered a discount due to the circumstances of the situation. I had no expectation of that, and was completely taken back at their thoughtfulness. 

They had everything in our records, so re-ordering the ring was a breeze and completely stress free. I'm almost grateful for the experience of needing to re-order because I saw even more of their integrity and love for their customers and it blessed me so. It doesn't get any better than this folks!" — Grace B. on Yelp

Comments | Posted in Blog By Ashley Stephens

Tuesday, September 1, 2020 11:28:00 AM America/Los_Angeles

Your engagement ring is most likely one of the most precious items you own. Incorporating a few precautions and maintenance habits now will make sure your engagement ring shines for years to come!

We've outlined key tips to keeping your engagement ring as dazzling as the day you first put it on!

Guide to Care for Your Engagement Ring At Home

Clean at home with mild solutions.

Regularly wash your ring at home by soaking it in a mixture of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid for roughly 30 minutes before gently scrubbing it with a soft bristle toothbrush.

You can also clean metals and precious stones with baking soda with its mild, non-abrasive consistency that makes it perfect for cleaning . Simply pour a bit of baking soda into a bowl and mix it with a bit of warm water to create a soft paste. Take off your ring and use your fingers to gently rub the paste around the stone, the setting, and the ring. Rinse the ring in warm water and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Consider an alternative ring.

Many brides are choosing to rely on a “backup ring.” This ring is an alternate ring to your engagement ring that is often less valuable and can be worn without worry of it getting lost or damaged.

When you don't want to put your engagement ring at risk (a long day at the beach or gardening, for example), leave the real bling at home and opt for an alternative ring.

Avoid harsh chemical residue.

Chemicals from everyday products ( like the ones in perfume, sunscreen, and lotion) can add residue to the ring and diamond, which can cause potential damage. Make it a habit to remove your ring before applying products that may be made with harmful chemicals.

Have a go-to safe spot.

Whether you always take your ring off to sleep or shower, or if you only remove it when you really must, it's wise to have a designated spot for it. Whether you choose a specific area in your jewelry box, or a small dish on your dresser, having a go-to location will cut down on the chances of forgetting where you put it. 

Restore shine to white gold and platinum.

No matter what care you give your ring, every white gold ring will start to dull and a yellow hue will start to shine through. This is natural and unavoidable, but the gold’s original sheen can be easily restored through a process called Rhodium plating.

While platinum rings do not need Rhodium treatments as platinum does not originally start off as yellow, those who want a shinier look to their platinum engagement ring can opt to have their platinum band plated for more shine.

Get insurance.

As with any serious investment, it's wise to consider getting insurance for your engagement ring. While it might be emotionally difficult to ever have to replace your engagement ring, knowing you wouldn't have the financial upset if you ever did lose it can be more than worth it.

Schedule professional cleanings.

Our jewelers are happy to give your engagement ring a thorough professional cleaning. Not only will we clean your ring, but we will examine it under magnification to make sure the prongs are secure, and to check for diamond fractures and loose stones. It is wise to have your ring professionally cleaned twice a year to maintain the structural integrity of your ring and keep it as dazzling as the day you first saw it.

Explore wedding bands at our Huntington Beach showroom, or browse a selection online here. 

"Usually you only hear about customer's loyalty to a business, but never the other way around. This all changed with Affinity where for the first time, I experienced loyalty from a business I have patroned. 

Per my previous review, my husband and I had a great experience buying both of our wedding bands here. Fast forward 4 years later and my husband's wedding ring slipped off his finger while surfing. I called them asking to re-order it, and they offered a discount due to the circumstances of the situation. I had no expectation of that, and was completely taken back at their thoughtfulness. 

They had everything in our records, so re-ordering the ring was a breeze and completely stress free. I'm almost grateful for the experience of needing to re-order because I saw even more of their integrity and love for their customers and it blessed me so. It doesn't get any better than this folks!" — Grace B. on Yelp

Comments | Posted in Blog By Ashley Stephens

Monday, August 10, 2020 3:37:00 AM America/Los_Angeles

Have you ever wondered why you wear your engagement ring on the "ring finger" and how that came to be?

Today's couples tend to make their own way rather than lean on tradition. We are wear colored wedding gowns, serving donut at the reception, and women are popping the question more than ever.

Still, the tradition of wearing an engagement ring on the left hand ring finger has stuck.

Why the ring finger?

While the answer varies depending on where you are in the world, those in the United States consider the ring finger to be the finger between your pinkie and middle finger (aka your fourth finger). Wearing a ring on your ring finger on your left hand is known to represent your relationship status.

Many credit this custom to the Romans, who believed that the ring finger had a vein running directly to the heart. This vein was called this the Vena Amoris, or the “Vein of Love,” although modern science has shown there is actually no such vein.

Inspired by concept of the Vena Amoris, wearing a ring on the fourth finger represents a connection to the heart and is tied into affection, love and creativity.

Women typically wear an engagement ring after they've accepted their partner's proposal, and both partners will gain a band once married. There is an upcoming trend for men to also wear engagement rings before saying, "I do."

Not all countries or groups of people relate the ring finger on the left hand to represent their commitment.

Many same-sex couples will wear a ring on the right hand to represent that they are in a monogamous relationship, whether that’s a long-term partnership or marriage.

Couples in India and Spain typically wear their engagement and wedding rings on the right hand.

Explore wedding bands at our Huntington Beach showroom, or browse a selection online here. 

"Usually you only hear about customer's loyalty to a business, but never the other way around. This all changed with Affinity where for the first time, I experienced loyalty from a business I have patroned. 

Per my previous review, my husband and I had a great experience buying both of our wedding bands here. Fast forward 4 years later and my husband's wedding ring slipped off his finger while surfing. I called them asking to re-order it, and they offered a discount due to the circumstances of the situation. I had no expectation of that, and was completely taken back at their thoughtfulness. 

They had everything in our records, so re-ordering the ring was a breeze and completely stress free. I'm almost grateful for the experience of needing to re-order because I saw even more of their integrity and love for their customers and it blessed me so. It doesn't get any better than this folks!" — Grace B. on Yelp

Comments | Posted in Blog By Ashley Stephens

Thursday, July 16, 2020 3:20:12 AM America/Los_Angeles

Finding your perfect engagement ring doesn't have to be overwhelming. While we recognize the vocabulary around cut, color, style, and more can sometimes feel more like a lesson in terminology than picking out a meaningful piece of jewelry, we are here to make the engagement ring shopping process easier— and therefore more enjoyable— for you.

If you've ever felt lost when talking with a jeweler or doing engagement ring research, this vocabulary guide is for you. While we promise to use easy-to-understand language when you visit us at Affinity & Co. Jewelers, this guide should serve you as you research and compare to avoid doubt as you find the perfect ring for your partner.

Jewelry and Engagement Ring Vocabulary Guide

The Diamond

4Cs: Acronym standing for cut, color, clarity and carat— these are the top four characteristics to look for when purchasing a diamond.

Accent diamonds: Diamonds that surround or enhance the main diamond; they are typically smaller in size than the main diamond.

Crown: Top half of a diamond.

Halo: Ring of diamonds or stones surrounding a center diamond or stone.

Pavilion: Lower half of a diamond.

Scintillations: Sparkles in a diamond that are seen as the diamond moves under a light.

Table: Flat surface that is the uppermost part of a diamond; it is calculated by dividing the width of the table by the width of the diamond.

The Diamond Cut

Asscher cut: Square shaped diamond with a high crown, step facets, and a small table.

Cushion cut: Square cut diamond with rounded edges and the third most popular diamond cut.

Emerald cut: Rectangular shaped with small, rounded edges and a large, open table.

European cut: Antique diamond cut created before the precision created by modern technology was available.

Heart cut: Diamond in the shape of a heart typically found in solitaire settings.

Marquise cut: Long and narrow diamond-shaped similarly to a football. It’s best set with prongs on each end to protect the points from chipping.

Oval cut: A unique take on a round diamond. Oval-shaped stones come in a variety of widths ranging from slim to wide.

Pear cut: Combination of a round and a marquise shape diamond available in a variety of narrow to wide sizes.

Princess cut:The second most popular diamond cut, below round and above cushion. The cut has a square or rectangular shape when viewed from above, and from the side is similar to that of an inverted pyramid with four beveled sides.

Radiant cut: Square or rectangular diamond with minimal curved edges similar to an emerald shape.

Round cut: Circular-shaped diamond. It’s  the most common shape for engagement rings.

Trillion cut: Triangular shaped diamond, often used as side stones to frame a square diamond.

The Ring Style

Art deco: Rings created during or inspired by the art deco era from 1920 to 1935, known for bold line and geometric shapes.

Baguette: Meaning “long rod” in French, the baguette cut features long, clean lines, and is typically used in side stones.

Band: Ring that tends to accompany an engagement ring. Can be made of a precious metal, alloys, and/or include stones.

Bezel: Metal that completely surrounds the diamond or featured gemstone. A half bezel is the term used when half of the stone is framed by metal. Bezel ring settings are stronger and more protective than prong settings.

Colored diamond: Natural and dyed color diamonds. Popular diamond color options include yellow, pink, blue, chocolate and black.

Colored gemstone: Engagement rings featuring a colored gemstone stone ranging in a variety of colors. Popular gemstone options are sapphire and ruby.

Halo: Ring featuring a center stone that’s surrounded by a circle of stones. Engagement rings can have more than one halo, referred to as a double halo if two circles of gemstones encircle one center stone.

Hand-crafted: Ring that’s been made by hand instead of the casing process of filling a mold. It’s shaped by hand by the jeweler.

Pavé: Setting of stones where they’re placed close together so as to avoid seeing metal in between the stones.

Side Stones: Ring featuring a main stone and surrounded by smaller stones. Can also be referred to as a three-stone ring or a halo.

Solitaire: An engagement ring with a single, solitary center stone.

Tension set: Gemstone is held in place by metal on either side, thus creating tension.

Three-Stone: Ring featuring three stones, typically three diamonds or a diamond centered between two other stones. Known to celebrate a couple's past, present, and future together.

Unique shank: Engagement ring with an individualized lower part that goes around the finger, also known as a shank.

Vintage or Vintage-Inspired: These are classic-style engagement rings typically created, or modeled after, jewelry from the early 1900s or earlier. An antique engagement ring is technically defined as being over fifty years old.

The Metal

14k gold: Made of 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals or alloys.

18k gold: Made of 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals.

24k gold: Pure gold. The softest gold, as gold gets softer the purer it is.

Alloy: A mixture of two or more metals mixed together.

Gold plated: Thin, almost microscopic layer of pure gold used to coat another type of metal.

Platinum: Precious metal with a silvery white color and shine.

Rose gold: An alloy of gold tinted with copper to create a rosy tone. The deeper the pink color, the more copper there is in the alloy.

White gold: Yellow gold mixed with a white alloy.

Yellow gold: The color of pure gold, yellow gold gets darker or changes color the more alloys are mixed with it. 

Explore wedding bands at our Huntington Beach showroom, or browse a selection online here. 

"Usually you only hear about customer's loyalty to a business, but never the other way around. This all changed with Affinity where for the first time, I experienced loyalty from a business I have patroned. 

Per my previous review, my husband and I had a great experience buying both of our wedding bands here. Fast forward 4 years later and my husband's wedding ring slipped off his finger while surfing. I called them asking to re-order it, and they offered a discount due to the circumstances of the situation. I had no expectation of that, and was completely taken back at their thoughtfulness. 

They had everything in our records, so re-ordering the ring was a breeze and completely stress free. I'm almost grateful for the experience of needing to re-order because I saw even more of their integrity and love for their customers and it blessed me so. It doesn't get any better than this folks!" — Grace B. on Yelp

Comments | Posted in Blog By Ashley Stephens

Monday, June 15, 2020 3:19:00 AM America/Los_Angeles

Congrats! You’ve found the perfect diamond ring for your partner and you’ve popped the big question. But now, it’s time to find the perfect wedding band for you (and you thought proposing was the hard part)!

While some men love jewelry and everything that comes with it, some grooms-to-be are easily overwhelmed with the limitless options when finding or creating a wedding band that reflects their style and needs.

There is truly a band for every man. Whether your style is rugged or polished, and if you are a fan of rose gold or technical metals, you are sure to find a ring that truly captures your personal style. Your wedding band will most likely be your most-worn piece of jewelry, and it symbolizes the biggest commitment you will ever make, so we encourage you to take the time to find a ring you will love to wear.

Five steps to the perfect wedding band:

Traditional or modern?

It’s your wedding ring, so the style is entirely up to you. If you want to keep it traditional, choose a simple gold band. If you prefer to choose something a little more unusual, there are plenty of distinctive wedding rings available!

Think about the finish. 

Some wedding bands are naturally polished, providing a high-shine finish. Others use brushed metal, which dulls the natural shine. Think about your personal style, and what is best suited to it.

To match, or not to match? 

Some couples like to have matching rings, to symbolize their union in marriage. Others like to choose rings that celebrate their unique personality. Discuss your options with your bride before choosing a ring, to ensure that you’re both in agreement, whatever the decision.

Know your size. 

It’s always a good idea to know your ring size before heading out to make your purchase. If you’re unsure, it’s likely that the jewelry store will be able to measure your finger for you.

Think about practicality. 

You’ll be wearing this ring every day, so you’ll want to make sure that it can withstand the rigors of your lifestyle. If you work a lot with your hands, you might want to consider choosing a material that is scratch-resistant.

Work with an expert to find your perfect wedding band.

If you’re on the fence with finding the perfect ring, our team of experts at Affinity & Co. Jewelers are happy to show you options that will fit your style and lifestyle. Visit us at our Huntington Beach showroom to experience a large variety of men's wedding bands.

Explore wedding bands at our Huntington Beach showroom, or browse a selection online here. 

"Usually you only hear about customer's loyalty to a business, but never the other way around. This all changed with Affinity where for the first time, I experienced loyalty from a business I have patroned. 

Per my previous review, my husband and I had a great experience buying both of our wedding bands here. Fast forward 4 years later and my husband's wedding ring slipped off his finger while surfing. I called them asking to re-order it, and they offered a discount due to the circumstances of the situation. I had no expectation of that, and was completely taken back at their thoughtfulness. 

They had everything in our records, so re-ordering the ring was a breeze and completely stress free. I'm almost grateful for the experience of needing to re-order because I saw even more of their integrity and love for their customers and it blessed me so. It doesn't get any better than this folks!" — Grace B. on Yelp

Comments | Posted in Blog By Ashley Stephens

Friday, May 15, 2020 10:20:00 AM America/Los_Angeles

While our brave health heroes and other essential workers are going to work for us, they’ve asked Americans to stay at home for them.    

And staying at home together has many people realizing LOVE IS ESSENTIAL.  

For each week that we’re under stay-at-home guidelines, Tacori is giving away a grand prize to a weekly winner.  

This week, Tacori is giving away a Petite Crescent Engagement Ring with a center diamond. 

Comments | Posted in Blog By Ashley Stephens