Open Regular Hours: 6501 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615

Engagement Rings

Engagement Rings To Adore At CMI Jewelry Showroom

Personalizing your engagement ring is almost as important as asking her dad for his blessing! CMI Jewelry Showroom makes this quest easy by skillfully guiding you through a selection of hundreds of mountings and helping you choose the perfect setting for your ideal diamond. Whether she wants yellow or white, big or small, classic or lots of sparkle. We also have a wide variety of colored gemstones for the trendy bride. Whatever you wish for we have the perfect engagement ring for you.

Your engagement ring is meant to be treasured for a lifetime. Our jewelers have selected the most beautiful bridal settings and diamonds from the leading manufacturers in the jewelry industry to ensure you find the ring of your dreams.  As always, at CMI you will be impressed by our fine jewelry selection and our historic values. “You won’t believe your eyes at CMI!”

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Top 5 Facts When Shopping For The Perfect Engagement Ring

Traditional etiquette suggests you spend 2-3 months’ salary. We tell our clients it is personal decision based on financial situation and the importance of the ring to their intended fiancée’. If you don’t know the importance of the ring to your girlfriend maybe you should reconsider proposing right now!

The easiest answer is look at her friend’s hands for an an idea of her expectations. While color and clarity is important, the size of your diamond will be a delicate balance of quality versus size with the limit of your set budget. Remember, whether they admit it or not many women feel “Bigger is better.”

We can have you engaged today! We have hundreds of rings that can be ready to present the same day you select it. The delivery time for a custom size or style created just for you ranges from 2 days to 2 months, which will be determined upon purchase.

We have a master jeweler on site who sets diamonds, sometimes even while you wait! We are certain to deliver the same diamond you worked hard to select. Future maintenance on your ring is also done right here at CMI so there are no long waits for adjustments.

The 3 owners of CMI are in the store daily and encourage a casual, fun atmosphere. We have the unique perspective of low mark ups to sustain high volume which achieves the same profit as high mark up jewelers with lower volume. We would rather make a little money lots of times than overcharge our clients once.

How to Pick the Perfect Engagement Ring: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make. This ring will symbolize your love and commitment for years to come, and it should reflect both your partner’s style and your shared story. Whether you’re overwhelmed by the endless options or just starting your search, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding the perfect engagement ring.

1. Understanding the 4 Cs: The Basics of Diamond Quality

The foundation of selecting a diamond is understanding the 4 Cs—cut, clarity, color, and carat weight—developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). These factors will determine the beauty and value of the diamond you choose.

Cut

The cut of the diamond significantly impacts its sparkle. The better the cut, the more brilliantly the diamond will reflect light. A well-cut diamond, regardless of its size, can look more dazzling than a poorly cut larger diamond. Popular cuts include round, princess, oval, cushion, and emerald shapes, each offering a unique aesthetic.

Clarity

Clarity refers to the number and size of imperfections or inclusions in the diamond. Most imperfections are microscopic, so they don’t detract from the diamond’s appearance, but a higher clarity grade ensures a flawless look.

Color

Diamonds range from colorless to slightly yellow or brown. The less color a diamond has, the more valuable it tends to be. Colorless diamonds, graded D to F, are the most sought-after, but near-colorless diamonds graded G to J offer excellent value while still appearing stunning to the naked eye.

Carat Weight

Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. While larger diamonds are often considered more desirable, factors such as cut quality and personal preference should also guide your decision. For instance, a smaller, better-cut diamond may appear more striking than a heavier, poorly cut stone.

At CMI Jewelry, we carry a diverse collection of diamond engagement rings with various options in all four of these categories, ensuring you find the perfect match for your budget and style preferences.

2. Selecting the Perfect Ring Style

Once you understand diamond quality, the next step is choosing a ring style. The setting and design of the ring play a significant role in how the diamond is presented and how the ring reflects your partner’s personality.

Solitaire

A solitaire setting is a timeless classic that emphasizes a single, brilliant diamond. This minimalistic design is perfect for showcasing a high-quality diamond and suits those who appreciate understated elegance.

Halo

In a halo setting, smaller diamonds encircle the center stone, amplifying its sparkle and giving the illusion of a larger diamond. This style is ideal for those who love a bit of extra glamour.

Three-Stone

Three-stone rings feature a central diamond flanked by two smaller stones. This design is rich in symbolism, often representing the past, present, and future of your relationship.

Vintage and Art Deco

For the romantically inclined, vintage or Art Deco-inspired rings offer intricate designs and old-world charm. These rings often feature unique detailing and craftsmanship reminiscent of different eras.

Custom Design

If you want something truly one-of-a-kind, consider custom design options. At CMI Jewelry, we offer bespoke services where you can work with our expert jewelers to create a ring that embodies your partner’s distinct style.

3. Choosing the Right Metal

The metal band is just as important as the diamond itself, as it affects the overall look and durability of the ring.

Platinum

Platinum is a popular choice for engagement rings because of its durability and luxurious white-silver sheen. It’s hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin. Although more expensive than other metals, platinum’s strength ensures your ring will stand the test of time.

White Gold

White gold offers the same sleek, modern look as platinum but at a more affordable price point. It is typically plated with rhodium to enhance its shine but may need re-plating over time to maintain its brilliance.

Yellow Gold

For those who prefer a classic, timeless appearance, yellow gold is a great option. It’s a traditional choice for engagement rings and complements diamonds with warmer tones.

Rose Gold

Rose gold has gained popularity for its romantic and vintage feel. Its warm, pink hue is unique and pairs beautifully with diamonds or other gemstones.

Each of these metals is available in a variety of karats, with 18K and 14K being the most common choices. At CMI Jewelry, we offer a wide selection of bands, from platinum to rose gold, ensuring you find the right metal for your partner’s engagement ring.

4. Considering Gemstones for a Unique Twist

While diamonds remain the most popular choice for engagement rings, more couples are opting for colored gemstones to make a bold statement. Gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and morganite can add a personal and unique touch to your engagement ring.

  • Sapphires, often associated with loyalty, make a stunning and durable choice for a center stone or accent.
  • Emeralds symbolize rebirth and love, adding a vibrant green hue that stands out.
  • Rubies are known for their deep red color and represent passion and vitality.
  • Morganite, a blush pink gemstone, is perfect for those who want something delicate and romantic.

Many of these stones can be found in our colored gemstone jewelry collection at CMI Jewelry.

5. Setting a Budget

Setting a budget for an engagement ring is a critical part of the process. While it’s tempting to focus on the “three months’ salary” rule, the most important factor is finding a ring that fits both your financial situation and your partner’s expectations.

Keep in mind that factors such as the 4 Cs and the choice of metal can affect the overall price of the ring. Custom designs and unique gemstones can also influence cost, but CMI Jewelry offers a range of engagement rings at various price points, allowing you to find something stunning within your budget.

If you’re unsure where to start, schedule a consultation with one of our jewelry experts at CMI Jewelry. We’ll guide you through the selection process and help you find a ring that meets both your aesthetic and financial needs.

6. Personalizing Your Ring

Beyond the traditional considerations, you can add personal touches to your engagement ring to make it truly special. Consider adding an engraving inside the band with a meaningful date, a personal message, or both of your initials. You can also incorporate family heirlooms or mix metals for a modern twist.

At CMI Jewelry, we offer engraving services to make your ring even more unique.

7. Shop with Confidence: CMI Jewelry’s Quality Assurance

Purchasing an engagement ring is a significant investment, and ensuring its quality is essential. At CMI Jewelry, we pride ourselves on offering only the highest quality of workmanship. Every piece in our collection comes with our quality assurance, protecting you from any manufacturing defects.

Our showroom in Raleigh, NC features a wide range of engagement rings from top designers, including Scott Kay, Venetti, Fana New York, and more. Whether you prefer a solitaire setting, a halo ring, or a custom design, you’ll find the perfect ring at CMI Jewelry.

In Summary

Selecting an engagement ring is an exciting journey, and at CMI Jewelry, we are here to make that experience enjoyable and stress-free. By understanding the 4 Cs, choosing the right style and metal, and setting a budget, you’ll be well-equipped to find the perfect ring. Explore our wide selection of diamond engagement rings, custom design services, and colored gemstones to find a ring that reflects your love story.

Leading Engagement Ring Settings from Top Designers in Raleigh

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Bridal Bells

BRIDAL BELLS is created specially for CMI Jewelry Showroom. This collection of engagement rings with matching wedding bands have simple classic designs that add big drama to a center diamond of any size.

The Romance Collection

THE ROMANCE COLLECTION is specially made for CMI Jewelry showroom in the patented “Precise-White” gold for the pristine whiteness of platinum without the extra cost. Whether you are looking for an antique style ring with sapphire accents or a classic diamond shank ring this collection is a winner.

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Fana Bridal

FANA BRIDAL New York offers fresh designs in diamond engagement rings from a fourth generation jeweler, Bobby Jain. If you want your wedding set to stand out as the most brilliant in the crowd, visit CMI Jewelry Showroom in Raleigh to preview Bobby’s latest creations.

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Frederick Goldman

FREDERICK GOLDMAN, INC.‘s success is the result of years of uncompromising dedication to a never-ending quest for excellence. Their special use of precious metals, precious stones, special finishes and manufacturing techniques has made Frederick Goldman, Inc. masters in the art of jewelry making.

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S.Kashi & Sons

S. KASHI & SONS features a beautiful selection of traditional diamond earrings, diamond necklaces, and diamond bracelets all crafted in the USA. In the mood for a diamond circle pendant or maybe a classic diamond tennis bracelet? S. Kashi & Sons has it all.

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Levy Creations

LEVY CREATIONS is one of the largest manufacturers of distinctive engagement rings and wedding bands in the USA. Their designers are constantly working to bring you new and unique styles whose beauty and durability are unsurpassed.

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Peter Storm

PETER STORM jewelry has made a welcomed debut in Raleigh, NC. CMI Jewelry Showroom is proud to be the exclusive jeweler of Peter Storm’s exceptionally unique engagement sets and fashion jewelry, which utilize negative space and clever geometric design to accent a woman’s natural beauty.

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Venetti

VENETTI master jewelers meticulously craft each piece knowing that one day soon, it will be transformed into a symbol of someones love. Our designers, working from our studio in the heart of the Los Angeles jewelry district, create unique and masterfully expressive pieces that can be found no where else.

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Unique Settings

UNIQUE SETTINGS of New York manufactures a huge selection of engagement ring mountings from basic to extravagant. They offer hundreds of mountings including solitaire trellis prong settings, chapel or “raised shoulder” settings and three across ring mountings. Click on the link above to browse the extensive selection available on their website or stop by CMI for an entire showcase full of samples.