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Engagement Ring Buying Guide for Boston, MA: Top Tips for the Perfect Proposal

A bride and groom embracing under a willow tree during their Boston City Hall wedding.

In Boston and planning to propose? Cut through the noise with this guide to buying an engagement ring in Boston.

Let this guide be your insider’s tour through Boston’s top spots for engagement rings, where you’ll get the lowdown on diamond quality and uncover how to pick a ring that truly embodies your one-of-a-kind love story, all within the bustling and eclectic Boston shopping scene.

Top 10 Jewelry Stores in Boston

Boston is home to several classic and iconic jewelry stores that have been serving the city for decades. These establishments are not just stores, but landmarks steeped in history, offering a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary designs that have been part of countless romantic proposals over the years. They all showcase an array of timeless pieces, from diamond engagement rings to wedding rings, along with a variety of other precious gemstones.

DePrisco Diamond Jewelers

  • Address: 333 Washington St., Boston
  • Phone Number: 617-227-3339
  • Website: boston.deprisco.com
  • A storied Boston jewelry store, DePrisco offers extensive knowledge and a user-friendly ring-buying guide, ensuring personalized service in designing an engagement ring. They also boast a curated selection of fine jewelry that caters to a range of tastes, from the traditional to the avant-garde.

Barmakian Jewelers

  • Address: 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill
  • Phone Number: 617-965-5555
  • Website: quadrumgallery.com
  • Originally a painting gallery, Quadrum now focuses exclusively on designer jewelry, offering a museum-like experience with a wide range of unique and artistic pieces. This shift from canvas to carats allows art lovers to adorn themselves with wearable diamond masterpieces.

Laura Preshong

  • Address: 558 Tremont St., Boston
  • Phone Number: 617-236-7660
  • Website: laurapreshong.com
  • Laura Preshong prioritizes ethical sourcing, using responsibly sourced diamonds, other gemstones, and recycled metals to craft low-profile, elegant rings that are designed to stack beautifully.

E. Scott Originals

  • Address: 199b Highland Ave., Somerville
  • Phone Number: 617-776-2814
  • Website: escottoriginals.com
  • E. Scott Originals is known for crafting unique modern heirlooms with a focus on sustainability, offering engagement rings under $2,500 and custom pieces using recycled metals and ethically sourced stones and diamonds.

E.B Horn Company

  • Address: 429 Washington Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108
  • Phone Number: 617-542-3902
  • Website: ebhorn.com
  • Apart from their ready-to-wear collection featuring diamonds and high-quality gemstones, E.B. Horn Company offers custom design services, allowing you to create a bespoke engagement ring tailored to your specifications.

Quadrum Gallery

  • Address: 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill
  • Phone Number: 617-965-5555
  • Website: quadrumgallery.com
  • Originally a painting gallery, Quadrum now focuses exclusively on designer jewelry, offering a museum-like experience with a wide range of unique and artistic pieces. This shift from canvas to carats allows art lovers to adorn themselves with wearable diamond masterpieces.

Shreve, Crump & Low

  • Address: 39 Newbury Street, Boston MA 02116
  • Phone Number: 617 -207-6219
  • Website: shrevecrumpandlow.com
  • Shreve, Crump & Low boasts a legacy as one of America’s oldest jewelry establishments, renowned for its handpicked selection of diamonds and precious stones, and its masterful craftsmanship. This storied store offers everything from timeless elegance to cutting-edge modern designs.

Sophie Hughes

  • Address: 681 Tremont St., Boston
  • Phone Number: 617-247-7426
  • Website: sophiehughes.com
  • Sophie Hughes stands out for creating engagement rings that blend simplicity and elegance using recycled gold and responsibly sourced gems. Her designs are available at her South End boutique and a space on Beacon Hill, offering a unique selection alongside other brands.

Adamas Fine Jewelry

  • Address: 22 Lincoln St., Newton
  • Phone Number: 617-558-8899
  • Website: adamasfinejewelry.com
  • Adamas Fine Jewelry specializes in designing timeless engagement rings, repurposing heirlooms, and crafting custom engagement rings, with an emphasis on personal consultation.

Joseph Gann Jewelers

  • Address: 387 Washington Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA, 02108
  • Phone Number: 617-426-4932
  • Website: josephgann.com
  • Joseph Gann Jewelers prides itself on a tradition of custom-crafted settings and a diverse selection of loose diamonds of all qualities, shapes, and sizes. They hold a firm stance on ethical standards, ensuring each diamond is conflict-free and certified through the Kimberley Process.

Before You Buy an Engagement Ring

Boston’s local jewelers are renowned for their extensive offerings. This list offers a mix of unique, custom, and ethically sourced engagement rings, ensuring that you can find the perfect engagement ring to symbolize your love and commitment. Every reputable jeweler in Boston has its own specialty, from modern heirlooms to ethical diamond sourcing and exclusive designer collections, providing a range of options for every taste and budget.

As you wander through Boston’s streets of traditional jewelry stores and custom designers, keep these tips in mind for your engagement ring shopping:

  • Let your individuality and your shared story be your guide, and set a budget that feels right for you.
  • Give yourself a generous timeline—start looking around a couple of months in advance of your proposal to ensure everything falls into place.
  • Think about customizing your engagement ring with something meaningful—it could be engraving a date, a phrase, or a promise that’s special to both of you.
  • Trust your instincts and when you’ve found the ring that feels like a part of your love story, you’ll be ready to take that exciting step towards your future together.

Savvy Shopping: Engagement Ring Insurance and Warranties

An engagement ring is a significant investment, both emotionally and financially. It’s therefore crucial to protect it with insurance and warranties.

Engagement rings, while small in stature, carry immense value and are prone to being misplaced or stolen. Opting for engagement ring insurance also ensures that you’re financially protected in such unfortunate events, providing the means to replace the ring without incurring a hefty cost. Most policies offer comprehensive coverage, safeguarding your diamond ring whether it’s lost at home, during your travels, or in any other situation.

Moreover, securing a warranty for your engagement ring can offer additional reassurance, covering any potential issues related to craftsmanship or material quality. Such warranties usually include services for repair or replacement if any defects arise from the making of the ring during a specified timeframe post-purchase.

Knowing that your engagement ring is insured and backed by a warranty can give you peace of mind and allow you to wear and enjoy the ring without worrying about potential risks or costs associated with loss, theft, or damage.

iceland engagement photos by nicole chan photography

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the average engagement ring cost in Boston?

The average cost of an engagement ring in Boston is $10,600.

When considering this average, it’s important to note that it encompasses a wide range of ring types, and types of diamonds, from the more modestly priced to the lavish, high-end custom designs. Despite the higher average cost, affordable options are available, letting every couple find a beautiful ring within their means.

How long should I plan to buy an engagement ring?

You should plan to start your engagement ring search at least two months before the planned proposal. This allows time for choosing the perfect ring and any necessary customization.

Starting early gives you more time to check out jewelers, set a ring budget, and learn about diamond sizes and carat weight.

You may also need time to think about whether your partner would be most delighted with the traditional luxury of white gold or yellow gold, the blush charm of rose gold, the contemporary sheen of silver, or a different metal that matches their unique style.

What should I consider when choosing to buy an engagement ring?

  • Get to know the basics of diamond quality, such as how well the center diamond is cut, its color, how clear it is, and the carat weight
  • Reflect on both your personal styles and daily activities
  • Establish a financial plan and seek out rings that align with your budget.
  • Explore the ring setting options, such as the timeless solitaire rings, the encircling brilliance of halo settings, and others. Opting for the right setting can enhance the visual impact of the center stones, making the diamonds appear larger and more prominent.
  • Study the metal types for your band, including options like traditional Yellow Gold, sleek White Gold, romantic Rose Gold, and others.

How do I know the ring size?

Sneakily borrow one of their existing rings to have it sized. Alternatively, use a ring sizing chart or measuring tool to estimate their size. Another option is to ask their friends or family if they know their ring size.

If you’re aiming for a complete surprise, consider tracing the inside of a ring they already wear on a piece of paper or press it into a bar of soap for an impression. Just be sure to return the ring without arousing suspicion!

What is the difference between different diamond cuts?

Diamond cuts are essential in determining the stone’s shape and its interaction with light, influencing the brilliance and overall appearance of the diamond.

The most popular center stone cuts include the round cut for a timeless look, the princess cut with its contemporary square shape, the cushion cut center stone that offers a soft, vintage appeal, the emerald cut featuring clean lines and a unique reflection, and the pear cut with its graceful teardrop silhouette.

Should I choose lab-grown diamonds or mined diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds offer an ethical and environmentally responsible jewelry alternative to mined ones, appealing to those who prioritize sustainable practices. On the flip side, traditional diamonds extracted from the earth carry a long-standing tradition and rich symbolism that many still find compelling.

Explore your options

Looking for that special diamond engagement ring in a Boston traditional jewelry store is like catching up with a good friend over coffee—comfortable, familiar, and full of pleasant surprises. The city’s rich heritage mingles with a lively, modern vibe to give you a friendly, down-to-earth experience as you find the ring that feels just right for your story.

Take your pick from a treasure trove of diamond rings – think classic solitaire engagement ring, think sparkly new twists with side stones, or a unique center stone. Got something special in mind? Go custom with your diamonds. Or why not remix Grandma’s old engagement ring into a shiny new showstopper?

Custom Designers and Ethical and Eco-Friendly Options

As mindful shopping gains momentum, Boston’s jewelry industry is distinguishing itself by offering a selection of engagement rings that are both environmentally conscious and ethically sourced. From conflict-free diamonds to ethically sourced gems, these jewelers prioritize environmental responsibility without compromising on style or quality. This growing dedication to eco-consciousness mirrors a trend among modern couples who are choosing to celebrate their union with environmentally and socially responsible decisions.

When deciding between the two, it’s essential to weigh your personal values, financial considerations, and style preferences to make the best choice for your unique situation.

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