An engagement ring marks a moment, a promise, a beginning, a story in the making. At Greenwich St. Jewelers, we approach every ring as a collaboration, curating designs that are timeless, consciously crafted, and uniquely yours.
Our collections feature responsibly sourced, mindfully made materials, blending beauty with intention. Whether you’re exploring options or ready to create something personal, our team of experts is here to guide you with warmth, knowledge, and care. This is jewelry they’ll love — crafted to last a lifetime.
Step 1: Discovery: Understanding Your Vision
We begin by getting to know you. The engagement ring process can feel overwhelming, there are styles, timelines, budgets, and big feelings in the mix. So our first step is simple: we have a conversation.
Where are you in the process? Are you just starting out or narrowing things down? Are you shopping on your own or together? Do they know you're looking yet?
We ask these questions not to sell, but to listen. Because understanding what matters to you, how you want the ring to look, feel, and be remembered, helps us guide you in a way that’s thoughtful, relevant, and personal.
Step 2: Meet Greenwich St. Jewelers
Once we understand what you’re looking for, we’ll share a bit about who we are and why so many couples choose to start their story with us.
Greenwich St. Jewelers is a second-generation, Latina-owned fine jewelry boutique in New York City. For nearly five decades, we’ve built our reputation on curated designer collections, conscious craftsmanship, and a personal approach to jewelry that’s designed to last a lifetime.
We’re not a showroom full of glass cases and sales pitches. Our team includes GIA-certified gemologists, experienced jewelers, and stylists who care deeply about quality, design, and helping you find something truly meaningful. The process is collaborative, never rushed, and centered around your vision.
Whether you're here to explore options or craft something bespoke, you’ll be met with warmth, care, and guidance every step of the way.
Explore Our Engagement Ring Collection
Step 3 – Tailoring the Engagement Ring Approach to You
Every couple approaches this moment differently, some walk in ready to make a decision, while others are just beginning to understand what they want. We tailor our guidance based on where you are in the journey, so your time with us always feels intentional and supportive.
If You’re Ready to Buy
When you're close to making a decision, we’ll help you refine your vision and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Start with Shape and Setting
If you’re still deciding on a diamond shape, we’ll walk you through the most popular styles, from round and oval to emerald and cushion, to see what resonates. Once you’ve narrowed it down, we introduce a few classic setting styles like solitaire, three-stone, or pavé to help you visualize the look.
Curated Diamond Presentation
Next, we present a small selection of diamonds that meet your criteria. Usually, this means 2–3 stones, shown side by side to compare what matters most to you: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. We take time to explain the 4Cs in a clear, non-technical way, so you're empowered to choose based on what feels right, not just what looks good on paper.
If We Don’t Have the One
If none of the in-stock diamonds feel like the right fit, we’ll curate new options based on your preferences. We gather the details, shape, size range, color, clarity, budget, and source stones specifically for you. A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled within a few days to review your custom selection.
If You’re Still Exploring
If you're earlier in the process, the focus is on discovery, helping you fall in love with what’s possible.
Try On Shapes and Settings
We’ll guide you through different diamond shapes and ring settings so you can see how each one feels in person. It's not about rushing to a decision, but about finding what draws you in.
Build Your Wishlist
If certain styles speak to you, we’ll start a wishlist. That way, you have something to return to whether you’re coming back on your own, sharing with a partner, or revisiting options later.
Why People Return to Greenwich St. Jewelers
Some guests need time to think and that’s expected. What brings them back is more than just a beautiful ring. It’s the experience: the trust built through thoughtful conversations, the expertise shared without pressure, and the assurance that we’re here to deliver enduring quality in every detail.
Our promise isn’t simply to curate something extraordinary it’s to create something exceptional, grounded in craftsmanship, care, and an unwavering commitment to quality. From the diamonds we source to the settings we shape, everything we do is rooted in integrity and made to last a lifetime.
What to Consider Before Buying an Engagement Ring
Buying an engagement ring isn’t just about checking off specs — it’s about understanding what matters to you and what your partner will cherish. From timelines and budgets to design and durability, here are a few things to think through as you begin.
Know Where You Are in the Journey
Are you early in the process or ready to buy? Have you talked about rings together or are you planning a surprise? Knowing your place in the journey helps guide how much exploration, education, or customization will be most useful.
Understand Your Budget
There’s no set rule, despite what you may have heard. Some people go by the “three-month salary” guideline, but that’s far from a requirement. It’s more important to land on a number that feels meaningful and manageable. Our goal is to help you find the highest quality and best value within it, whether that’s a natural diamond or lab-grown.
Think About Their Style
Minimalist or vintage-inspired? Bold or delicate? Noticing what your partner wears day to day — metal colors, favorite designers, how often they switch up their jewelry — can reveal a lot about what they might love in a ring. (And yes, we can always help decode the clues.)
Decide If Custom Is Right for You
Some couples come in with a clear vision and are excited to design something bespoke from the ground up. Others fall in love with a style right from the case. There’s no “right” way to do it. If you’re leaning toward custom, we’ll walk you through the process — from choosing a diamond to selecting every detail of the setting.
Timeline & Planning
Depending on the style and stone, creating an engagement ring can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. If you’re aiming for a specific proposal date or travel plans, we’ll help you map out a schedule that makes sense, without feeling rushed.
Understanding the 4Cs and Why They Matter
The 4Cs — Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat— are the key characteristics used to evaluate diamonds. While these terms may sound technical, they’re really about helping you make informed decisions based on what matters most to you, not just what ranks highest on paper.
Cut
Cut isn’t about the shape — it’s about how well the diamond interacts with light. A well-cut stone sparkles more because it reflects light beautifully. That brilliance is what most people fall in love with. At GSt, cut is often the most important factor we emphasize when curating stones.
Color
Most diamonds fall on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (noticeably yellow or brown). Many people prefer a near-colorless look (G–H range), especially when paired with white gold or platinum settings. But some clients love warmer tones or are working within a budget that makes near-colorless a great fit.
Clarity
Clarity measures the natural inclusions within a diamond. Most inclusions can’t be seen without magnification, so this is often the place where clients can choose a slightly lower grade without compromising beauty. We’ll help you find that sweet spot where clarity meets value.
Carat
Carat is a measurement of weight, not size, though the two are closely linked. A larger carat weight usually means a bigger-looking diamond, but how the diamond is cut can make just as much of an impact on visual presence. Whether you're looking for maximum size or a balanced proportion, we’ll help you compare the difference.
White Gold vs Platinum: What’s Best for Your Ring
When it comes to choosing a metal for your engagement ring, white gold and platinum are two of the most popular and for good reason. Both offer a sleek, silvery tone that complements diamonds beautifully, but there are subtle differences that can impact your decision.
Look & Feel
At a glance, white gold and platinum look nearly identical: cool-toned, radiant, and modern. But their finishes evolve differently over time. White gold is coated in rhodium to enhance its brightness, which may need re-plating over the years to maintain its crisp, icy sheen. Platinum, on the other hand, develops a soft patina, a satiny, matte glow that many consider part of its charm.
Durability & Maintenance
Platinum is denser and naturally hypoallergenic, which makes it a top choice for clients with sensitive skin or those looking for a low-maintenance metal. Its strength also offers added security for prongs and settings. White gold is slightly lighter and more affordable, but it does require periodic upkeep to retain its brightness.
Price & Preference
Platinum typically comes at a higher price point due to its density and rarity, while white gold offers a similar aesthetic at a more approachable cost. The best choice ultimately depends on your priorities: if you value durability and weight, platinum may be the winner. If you’re after a lighter feel and flexibility in budget, white gold could be your perfect match.
Still deciding? We’ll walk you through both in person, so you can feel the difference and choose what speaks to you.
What About Yellow Gold?
Yellow gold is a classic for a reason. Warm, radiant, and timeless, it offers a striking contrast to diamonds and lends vintage appeal to any design.
A Heritage Hue with Modern Appeal
For those drawn to tradition with a twist, yellow gold has reemerged as a bold choice. It brings a richness that feels both nostalgic and fresh, especially when paired with fancy shapes like marquise or cushion cuts, or vintage-inspired settings like bezels and halos.
Who It’s Right For
Yellow gold is beloved by those who appreciate color, contrast, and a little edge in their fine jewelry. It complements warmer skin tones beautifully, and pairs effortlessly with colored gemstones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.
If your partner gravitates toward retro details or wears a lot of mixed metals, yellow gold might be the metal that ties everything together. It also has a slightly lower maintenance profile than white gold, since it doesn’t need rhodium plating to maintain its hue.
How Long Does It Take to Buy an Engagement Ring?
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline when it comes to engagement rings — it depends on where you are in the process, how custom your design is, and whether we’re sourcing a diamond just for you. That said, we’ll always work with your timeline and make sure everything feels thoughtful, not rushed.
In-Stock Styles
If you choose a ring from our in-stock or ready set collection, whether it’s a classic solitaire, a three-stone setting, or a vintage-inspired design, the process can move quickly. We’ll check for any sizing or setting adjustments and typically have the ring ready within a few business days.
Custom Designs or Diamond Curation
If you’re working with us to source a diamond or create something bespoke, the process usually takes a bit longer. Once we gather your preferences, we’ll curate a selection of diamonds within 3–4 business days. From there, creating or modifying the setting typically takes 3–6 weeks depending on complexity.
Planning Ahead
If you’re aiming for a specific proposal date, season, or travel schedule, we recommend coming in at least 6–8 weeks ahead, especially if you’re interested in a custom piece. But if you’re on a tighter timeline, let us know. We’ll do everything we can to help you find something extraordinary that fits your schedule.
Whether you're just gathering ideas or hoping to move forward soon, setting up a one-on-one consultation can help bring clarity to the process.
Create Your Custom Engagement Ring
If you’re looking for something that feels completely personal, a ring designed around your story, your style, and your vision, custom might be the right path.
At Greenwich St. Jewelers, bespoke design is a collaborative process. Whether you have a detailed idea or just a feeling you want to capture, we’ll walk you through every step. It starts with selecting a diamond or gemstone that fits your priorities, then designing a setting that reflects your aesthetic. Clean and minimal? Vintage-inspired charm? Something with a bold silhouette? We’ll sketch, refine, and create it together.
Many clients use our Create Your Ring tool to explore settings, stones, and styles before coming in. Others work closely with our team in person or virtually to build something from scratch. No matter how you begin, you’ll end with a piece that’s one of a kind, made with care, and designed to last a lifetime.
Why Choose Greenwich St. Jewelers
The engagement ring process can be emotional, exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, which is why having the right partner matters. At Greenwich St. Jewelers, we’re here to make it feel clear, intentional, and even joyful.
We’re a second-generation, Latina-owned small business with deep roots in New York and decades of experience in curating fine jewelry. Our approach combines design-driven guidance, conflict-free diamonds, and responsibly sourced gems and precious metals, always with your priorities at the center.
Whether you're choosing from our curated designer collections or creating something entirely your own, we’ll meet you with honesty, warmth, and deep knowledge. This isn’t about trends. It’s about helping you find something meaningful, a ring that holds your story and feels uniquely yours.
Whether you’re ready to design the ring or still exploring ideas, we’d love to be part of the process. Book a consultation, in person or virtually, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
