Longs Magazine 2021/2022

Platinum and 18K Rose Gold Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Setting with Hidden Halo by Mark Patterson

18K White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring Setting with Hidden Halo by Sylvie

18K Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring Setting with Hidden Halo by Long’s Jewelers

I think it’s important that people come in with a budget. In regards to how much they want to spend, it’s better to have that in mind and let the sales associate know. We will work together to give the best options that meet your budget — whether that’s $2,000 or $100,000. What is your selection of mountings and loose diamonds like? Sonja: We have the largest selection of mountings and loose diamonds in New England! We pride ourselves on having something for everybody in our cases. Whether you’re looking for something simple or if you’re looking for something very ornate, different, or even vintage — we have everything across the board. In metals, we always recommend platinum, but if somebody’s looking for a different colored metal — we have those, too! With loose stones, if you want to come in and spend $500 or $500,000, we have a little bit of everything. We have all different shapes, colors, clarity; you name it. We have it.

If a couple brings in a family heirloom or diamond, can you make a custom ring, and how does that process work? Sonja: Yes, we absolutely can. There are two different ways we can do this. First, many people don’t realize that when they come in to buy an engagement ring, unless it’s the right finger size, metal, and fits their center stone, it’s going to be a custom order, regardless. If a customer brings in a family heirloom, we can use one of the mountings we already have in our case or make one specifically for that stone and to the specifications that the customer wants. Or, we can do a fully custom piece in-house.

Platinum and 18K Rose Gold Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Setting with Hidden Halo by Mark Patterson

How much should someone expect to spend on an engagement ring? Sonja: Some people use the three-month salary rule, but I think it all comes down to your personal preferences and finances. Nobody should be telling you how much you should be spending on this piece when you’re trying to start your life out. You don’t want to push the bank and overdo it, but you want to get what you think is special.

Is a diamond the only way to go?

Judd: No, there is no rule. But what’s important is that whoever you’re getting this ring for has to be happy, and you have to be proud. It can be a diamond, or it can be a ruby. It can be a gold band or whatever will make you proud and make the person you’re getting it for happy. Sonja: Every relationship is different. You shouldn’t buy a diamond engagement ring just because that’s what everyone else does. You didn’t get to this point in your relationship doing what everyone else is doing. You did what’s right for you. I think that’s an important way of looking at buying this ring — it should be just like Judd said, whatever makes you happy!

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