Updated September 2026
If you're thinking about proposing over the holidays, now is the time to start looking. Not because anyone is rushing you, but because the best rings take a little time. Custom designs need weeks to build. Resizing takes a few days. And if you fall for an antique ring, you'll want to grab it before someone else does, because there's only one.
We've been helping couples find engagement rings in Santa Rosa since 1993, and we've noticed that the people who enjoy the process most are the ones who give themselves room to look around. So here's everything we'd tell you if you walked into our shop today.
Start with the person, not the diamond
It's easy to get lost in carat weights and grading reports. Before any of that, think about who's going to wear this ring every day for the rest of their life.
What jewelry do they already wear? Do they reach for delicate, dainty pieces or bold ones? Yellow gold or silver tones? Do they work with their hands, garden, climb, or teach a room full of kids? A nurse and a gallery owner might love the same ring and still need very different settings.
If you're not sure, look at what they already own. Their favorite pieces will tell you more than any trend report.
Antique, vintage, modern, or custom?
This is the first real decision, and it shapes everything else. Here's how we think about it.
Antique engagement rings are generally 100 years old or more. That includes Victorian rings (1837 to 1901), Edwardian rings (about 1901 to 1915) with their lacy platinum work, and early Art Deco pieces. Many feature old mine cut or old European cut diamonds, which were cut by hand. They don't have the icy flash of a modern diamond. Instead they have a soft, warm glow that a lot of people fall in love with the moment they see one in person.
Vintage engagement rings are younger, usually somewhere from the 1920s through the 1980s. Art Deco rings with their geometric lines, 1940s Retro rings in rose and yellow gold, and clean mid-century solitaires all fall in here. You can browse some of our favorites in our post on vintage engagement rings.
Modern engagement rings give you today's cuts and settings: bright round brilliants, ovals, halos, hidden halos, and slim pavé bands. If your partner loves sparkle above all else, modern is often the way to go. You'll find modern and antique pieces side by side in our engagement ring collection.
Custom engagement rings are built from scratch around your idea. Maybe you want an Art Deco look with a modern diamond, or you have a family stone that needs a new home. Our custom jewelry design team can take you from a rough sketch to a finished ring.
Not sure which direction fits? Our guide to engagement ring styles breaks down the most popular looks side by side.
Why so many couples choose estate rings
Estate simply means the ring was owned before. It can be 10 years old or 150. We carry one of the largest collections of estate engagement rings in Sonoma County, and couples choose them for a few reasons.
They're one of a kind. Nobody at the wedding will have the same ring, because it doesn't exist anywhere else.
The craftsmanship is often extraordinary. Hand engraving, milgrain edges, and filigree that took a jeweler days to finish are hard to find in new rings at any price.
They're often a better value. A pre-owned ring usually costs less than a comparable new one, which can mean a bigger stone or a finer setting for the same budget.
And they're a gentler choice for the planet. Nothing new has to be mined.
Setting a budget you feel good about
Forget the old "three months' salary" rule. It was an advertising slogan, not advice. Spend what feels right for your life.
The most helpful thing you can do is come in with a comfortable range and tell us what matters most. Some people care most about size. Others want a flawless-looking stone, or a platinum setting, or a particular era. Once we know your priorities, we can show you where to put your money and where you can save.
If you do care about diamond specs, the basics are cut, color, clarity, and carat. Cut affects sparkle more than anything else. Small differences in color and clarity are often invisible without magnification, which is one of the best reasons to see stones in person instead of shopping from a spreadsheet online. Hold them in daylight, under store lights, and on your own hand. You'll know.
Picking the metal
Platinum is strong, naturally white, and a favorite for antique and Deco rings. Yellow gold is warm and classic, and it's having a big moment again. White gold gives you a bright look at a lower price than platinum. Rose gold is soft and romantic and pairs beautifully with vintage styles.
Match the metal to the jewelry your partner already wears, and they'll be able to stack it with what they love.
Getting the ring size right (without ruining the surprise)
This is the question we hear most. A few tricks that work:
- Borrow a ring they wear on their ring finger, and bring it in. We can size it in seconds.
- If you can't take it, press it into a bar of soap or trace the inside circle on paper.
- Ask a best friend or sibling to help. They may already know.
If you guess wrong, don't panic. Most rings can be resized after the proposal. A few styles, like full eternity bands and some antique settings, are harder to adjust, so tell us if you're unsure and we'll steer you toward something forgiving.
Planning a holiday proposal? Work backward
December is one of the most popular months to propose, and the holidays sneak up fast. Here's a rough timeline:
- Custom ring: start as soon as you can. Design, casting, and finishing can take several weeks depending on the piece.
- Estate or modern ring: start shopping about two months ahead, so you have time to look, decide, and resize.
- Heirloom redesign: plan for the same timeline as custom. If there's a family stone involved, read our post on turning heirloom jewelry into an engagement ring.
Coming in early doesn't lock you into anything. It just means that when you find the right ring, you're not racing the calendar.
After you say yes
Wedding bands. Many antique and vintage rings have shapes that need a contoured or custom band to sit flush. Plan for this early. You can browse our wedding rings or have one made to match.
Insurance. Get your ring appraised so it can be insured properly. We offer jewelry appraisals in house.
Upkeep. Have the prongs checked once a year, especially on a ring worn every day. If anything ever looks loose, our jewelry repair bench can take care of it.
Common questions
Are antique rings durable enough for everyday wear?
Most are. Rings that have lasted 80 or 100 years were built well. We inspect every estate ring, and we'll tell you honestly if a piece is better suited to lighter wear.
Can you reset my grandmother's diamond?
Yes. We can reset a family stone into a new design or restore the original setting. It's one of our favorite projects.
Do I need an appointment?
You're welcome to stop by during store hours. If you'd like dedicated time to look without feeling rushed, give us a call first and we'll set it aside.
What if my partner doesn't like it?
Ask us about our policies before you buy. We'd much rather talk it through up front than have you worry.
Visit us in Santa Rosa
The best way to choose an engagement ring is to try a few on. Photos can't show you how an old European cut glows or how a ring feels on your hand. Browse our engagement rings online, then come see them in person at either of our Santa Rosa shops.
Historic Railroad Square
125 4th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5:30pm
707-577-8813
St. Francis Shopping Center
110 Calistoga Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95409
Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm
707-539-7002
Whether you already know exactly what you want or you're just starting to look, we'd love to help you find the one.