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How To Choose an Engagement Ring & How Much to Spend
Embarking on the journey of choosing an engagement ring can be stressful. That is why Catbird has created a guide on how to buy an engagement ring. Explore our best selling engagement rings, our lab grown engagement rings and wedding bands for your special moment.
If you want more information on how to buy an engagement ring visit our Online Shopping Experience to learn more tips on choosing the perfect engagement ring for your special day.
This is our guide to your ring buying journey:
Define Your Budget: Determine a budget that aligns with your financial comfort, ensuring a meaningful yet practical investment. There are no rules when it comes to what is appropriate, and we proudly offer a selection of rings suitable to every budget and lifestyle, always made with the finest ethical metals and conflict-free stones.
Discover Preferences: Understand your partner's style and preferences, noting whether they prefer gemstones, diamonds, or an interesting setting. Here at Catbird we cover all the preferences with our extensive wedding & engagement jewelry collection. From classic solitaire diamonds to vintage inspired rings to non-traditional styles, our ring and band pairings are tailored to you, and uniquely you.
Explore Styles and Settings: Explore various ring styles and settings to find one that resonates with your partner's taste and personality, whether it's a classic solitaire or a more intricate design we offer engagement rings that speak to you.
Know Your Partner's Ring Size: Ensure the perfect fit by discreetly discovering your partner's ring size, perhaps with the help of a friend or by using one of their existing rings as a reference. See our sizing guide for all of your options.
Consider Ethical Sourcing: Embrace ethically sourced diamonds and metals for a socially responsible choice, ensuring your symbol of love reflects values that matter. Catbird’s diamonds are all ethically sourced, lab grown, or 100% recycled. Explore our lab grown engagement rings, engagement rings and wedding bands.
How much should an engagement ring cost
The cost of an engagement & wedding rings is subjective and should align with your financial comfort. Prioritize ethical sourcing, choosing a ring that symbolizes love without compromising financial well-being or indulging in unnecessary societal pressures. Get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn more about our financing options as well.
How much are engagement rings
Engagement ring costs vary widely based on factors like materials and design. Catbird offers a diverse range, from the elegant Classic Wedding Band at $230 to the luxurious Grand Swan Solitaire at $28,000. Explore a spectrum of choices within different budgets at Catbird's engagement ring collection, ensuring there's a perfect ring for every love story.
Engagement rings under $5000
Embrace the allure of luxury engagement & wedding rings with Catbird's captivating engagement rings priced under $5000. Elevate your cherished moments with our carefully curated selection:
The Grand Swan Solitaire, Emerald Cut (Lab-Grown Diamond) - Adorned with a mesmerizing lab-grown diamond this ring seamlessly blends timeless sophistication with modern ethics.
Anna the Swan, Supreme - A majestic manifestation of supreme craftsmanship, this engagement ring captivates with its intricate details.
Daphne Solitaire Ring - This ring features a solitaire design that exudes simplicity and sophistication, making it a perfect embodiment of your enduring love.
Engagement rings under $1000
For those seeking affordable elegance, Catbird offers stunning options: Below we have a list of our preferred choices however you can always explore our full range of Engagement rings under $1000
Fairy Light Curved Demi-Pavé - A delicate choice and as always with ethically sourced metals and diamonds.
Catbird Classic Wedding Bands - Timeless design without breaking the budget.
Diamond Wave Band - Affordable sophistication with a touch of sparkle.
Do men wear engagement rings?
Absolutely! It’s increasingly common for all gender identities to wear engagement rings as a symbol of commitment. At Catbird, love knows no bounds. Explore these stunning unisex wedding bands, perfect for expressing yourself.
Catbird Classic Wedding Band - This timeless band, with its half-round design, represents the unending nature of love—a perfect symbol for a lifetime commitment.
Gatsby Ring 4mm - Inspired by the elegance of the Roaring Twenties, the Gatsby Ring embodies a timeless and sophisticated commitment to everlasting love.
Never Say Die Band - As resilient as its name suggests, the Never Say Die Band is a testament to enduring love, with a design that speaks of strength, unity, and eternal devotion.
At Catbird, we take great pride and care in quality control - all outgoing pieces are inspected with rigor by our experienced in-house team. Within the first year of purchase, we offer complimentary resizes on eligible styles, diamond or stone tightening, and ring reshaping. If we determine a repair issue is due to a manufacturing defect, Catbird will cover any repair or replacement fees, and will replace side or accent diamonds that go missing due to a manufacturing defect. Our wedding and engagement jewelry come with lifetime polishing and matting service and lifetime warranty.
In the pursuit of the perfect engagement ring, Catbird offers a range of ethically sourced options, ensuring love knows no bounds. Regardless of your budget, discover timeless symbols of commitment, crafted with care and consciousness, making your journey towards forever as beautiful as the love you share.
Jewelry Birthday Gift Ideas
Jewelry, with its enduring charm, makes for a sentimental birthday gift, worn close to the heart. Explore our birthday jewelry gift collection and find the perfect gift for the one you love.
Jewelry Birthday Gifts Ideas For Some But Not All BIG Birthdays :)
16th Birthday
Consider delicate pieces that symbolize the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Personalized charms, birthstone jewelry, or friendship bracelets make thoughtful 16th birthday jewelry gifts.
Our Catbird Dollhouse Locket in yellow gold is a classic gift, radiating timeless elegance and sentimentality. Annie wore a heart locket, remember!?
Explore our Birth Month Jewelry Collection, full of charming charms - stack them together, layer them over time to tell a story.
Finally the Sweet Nothing Bracelet is our delicate best-selling bracelet, made with 100% recycled gold — sustainably made and shining make it a perfect birthday jewelry gift.
18th Birthday
Oh, the precipice of adulthood! Kind of. Opt for timeless classics like a pendant necklace, a pair of pearl earrings or drop earrings. 18th birthday jewelry gift ideas can include items that signify growth, and the journey ahead.
The Love Letter Charm is made with 100% recycled gold and engraved by Catbird jewelers in our Brooklyn studio. Choose a special message, perhaps a childhood address?
The Baby Pearl Hoop Earring is our choice for an 18th birthday jewelry gift, full of youthful elegance with ethically sourced pearls.
Little Disco Earring, a shimmery, wear-them-always choice for an 18th birthday gift.
21st Birthday
The 21st birthday marks a significant turning point. Exciting! Choose jewelry that capture this milestone – perhaps a symbolic piece representing newfound freedom like Key Charms or heart jewelry.
The Twelve Stars Zodiac Charm, a cheeky choice for a 21st birthday jewelry gift.
The Tiniest Key Charm can be engraved with anything from a hometown zip code, or a secret message. You choose!
The 1976 Gold Bracelet is Cool with a capital C, just like all 21 years old we know.
30th Birthday
For the 30th birthday, consider jewelry pieces that exude sophistication and elegance. Diamond earrings and personalized jewelry with engraving are loved by all.
Fairy Light Diamond Hoops add the perfect touch of diamonds to everyday.
The Greco Lariat Necklace is a Catbird favorite.
The Dollhouse Signet Ring for personalized, classic shine.
40th Birthday
Opt for timeless pieces that reflect experience, pearls for your pearls of wisdom. A carefully chosen pearl necklace, a diamond bracelet or a pair of fine earrings are all excellent choices.
The Pearl Moonflower Earrings are the most romantic future heirlooms.
The Snow Queen Bracelet, or as we call it, the bracelet for ALL seasons.
The Swan Lake Diamond Drop Earring, graced with ethically sourced diamonds, captures the essence of grace and sophistication.
Thank you for joining us in your quest for jewelry birthday gifts. At Catbird, our number one goal is to make jewelry that creates joy now through forever.
Shop the Look
Two favorite looks from our Valentine's Day shoot - shot on a gold & glowing winter's day.
Catbird Classics
What is the difference between Solid Gold & Plated?
Since Day 1 we have been committed to working in 14k solid gold, never plated. Here we’ll highlight a few of the key differences between our solid gold jewelry and plated options offered elsewhere.
Plated gold is a less expensive option, featuring a thin layer of gold over a base metal. Over a short period of time, you can expect plated jewelry to wear off or tarnish, and it’s unfortunately not waterproof. In contrast, solid gold is a timeless investment crafted from the precious metal. More importantly, solid gold rings, gold necklaces, gold earrings and gold bracelets are made to last and live within our circular economy while plated jewelry is often made with chemicals and can be disposed of once it tarnishes.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Gold Plating:
Advantages:
● Budget-friendly option.
● Often offers more trend based designs
● LightweightDisadvantages:
● Prone to tarnishing over a short time.
● Limited durability.
● May cause skin reactions for some individualsAdvantages and Disadvantages of Solid Gold Jewelry:
Advantages:
● Timeless and enduring.
● High durability and resistance to tarnish.
● Valuable long-term investment.
● Sustainably sourced at Catbird, with over 95% of gold certified recycledDisadvantages:
● Higher upfront cost than plated
● May be heavier than plated alternatives.
Difference Between Gold Filled & Solid Gold:
Gold-filled pieces consist of a thick layer of gold bonded to a base metal, offering a balance between quality and affordability. In contrast, solid gold represents an investment crafted entirely from the precious metal. Consider your preferences for longevity, budget, and design when navigating between these two options.
Solid vs Plated Gold Jewelry - Which to Buy?
Navigating the choice between solid and plated gold jewelry is in the end a personal choice.. At Catbird, we aim to offer a price range that allows you to create your solid gold jewelry look with pieces starting at just $48.
Solid gold, a timeless investment, embodies enduring beauty and holds intrinsic value. Its durability and resistance to tarnishing will always make it a symbol of lasting commitment.Consider your budget, style preferences, and the significance you attribute to your jewelry when choosing between these two options.The choice ultimately is personal, each piece reflecting a unique chapter in your journey.
Catbird Solid Gold & Silver Jewelry
Catbird's collection of Solid Gold & Silver Jewelry embodies impeccable craftsmanship and lasting quality.
A delicate essential, showcasing minimalist allure with a slender band, perfect for stacking or wearing alone.
A solid gold stunner, elegantly drapes with Grecian-inspired form, making a statement.
In the realm of Solid Silver Jewelry, Catbird presents the Tomboy Ring in Silver, a bold and versatile piece that adds an edgy touch to your style.
Adjustable Sweet Nothing Chain, Silver
A delicate yet impactful look, allowing you to personalize with its adjustable length and complimentary charms and lockets. Each piece, whether gold or silver, encapsulates Catbird's commitment to responsible materials and and individual expression.
In the quest to choose between solid and plated jewelry, Catbird ensures that each solid gold piece we make reflects ethical craftsmanship and enduring beauty. Whichever path you choose, our collection epitomizes the commitment to sustainability, allowing you to embrace your unique style with a clear conscience and at accessible prices.
What is Ethical & Recycled Gold Jewelry
At Catbird, we believe in the beauty of responsible luxury, this is why we are proud to offer ethical gold jewelry & recycled gold jewelry such as our ethical engagement rings. Discover with Catbird the ins and outs of ethical and recycled gold jewelry.
What is Ethical Gold Jewelry
Ethical gold jewelry, sometimes referred to as responsibly sourced gold, is crafted using gold that has been mined with minimal environmental impact and under humane working conditions. The goal is to ensure that the entire process, from extraction to production, is in harmony with both nature and humanity. This often involves supporting artisanal miners, investing in community development, and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals in the extraction process.
What is Recycled Gold Jewelry
Recycled gold jewelry, on the other hand, takes a different approach to sustainability. Instead of sourcing new gold from mines, recycled gold is derived from previously used jewelry. This process helps reduce the demand for new mining, limiting the environmental footprint of gold extraction. By repurposing existing gold, recycled gold jewelry contributes to a circular economy, where resources are reused and waste is minimized.
Ethical Gold vs Recycled Gold
While ethical and recycled gold jewelry aim to address sustainability concerns, they differ in their approaches.
Ethical gold focuses on responsible mining practices, ensuring that new gold is sourced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
Recycled gold, on the other hand, tackles the issue by reusing existing resources, thereby minimizing the need for new mining altogether.
Both options offer environmentally conscious consumers the opportunity to make choices that align with their values.Top Jewelry Picks for Ethical Gold Jewelry by Catbird
Crafted with ethically sourced gold, exemplifies timeless elegance while positively impacting the communities involved in its production.
A minimalist statement piece, reflects our commitment to responsible sourcing.
For those seeking a touch of sparkle, our Fairy Light Diamond Hoop, made with ethically sourced diamonds and gold. Adds a celestial charm to any ensemble
Another exquisite creation in our ethical gold collection - a testament to our dedication to sustainable luxury.
Adorned with responsibly mined diamonds, captures the essence of ethereal beauty.
As ethical and recycled gold jewelry gain prominence, consumers have the power to make choices that extend beyond mere aesthetics. Catbird's commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainable practices shines through in our curated collection, proving that beauty and ethics can coexist seamlessly. By opting for ethical gold jewelry, recycled gold jewelry, or a harmonious blend of both, you contribute to a more sustainable and conscientious future—one adorned with timeless pieces that tell stories of responsibility, beauty, and compassion.
From the Vault: Ghost Rose Thorn Charm
Our Ghost Rose Thorn Charm is a reissue of an old favorite; I started working at Catbird (then a teeny tiny store, with a teeny tiny website!) in 2005. Rony had started making jewelry by then — necklaces like a tiny doll's crown set with a ruby, little gold and silver bells, a miniature seahorse cast from a baby, and a single perfect and slightly ominous rose thorn.
It's so special to bring back archival pieces to celebrate our 20th (!) birthday. I still feel like that girl who worked in a tiny shop alone on winter days and the rose thorn is like a Proustian madeleine teleporting me to another time. Time travel with me, kittens?
xo LeighLove a Rose, Love Its Thorns
Wedding Band & Engagement Ring Pairings
Fine craftsmanship, beauty, and magic above all else - at Catbird, we’re here to help you find the ring you’ll love now through forever. We feel truly honored to be a part of all types of relationships and love, from marriage to friendship to family. We offer inclusive sizing, no pressure consultations and a lifetime of concierge care of your ring.
We often get questions on how to wear wedding bands with other luxury rings and so we have happily put together a little guide on how to wear wedding bands & engagement rings. Tumble into our world of starry stacks of diamond rings & gold rings, and unlock the secrets to creating poetry on your fingers.
How to Wear a Wedding Band
How to choose a wedding ring should always be your choice but we have a few tips to make yours shine. Place it on the ring finger of your left hand, closest to your heart. Ensure a comfortable fit, allowing for daily activities. The choice often depends on individual comfort, style, and the significance attached to each ring.
How to Wear an Engagement Ring
Wearing an engagement ring is a tactile reminder of love. At Catbird, we understand the importance of getting it just right. Slip your engagement ring onto the same finger as your wedding band – the left ring finger. These rings symbolize the unity of your commitment and the bond they share. Some opt to wear a wedding band and engagement ring together simultaneously for everyday elegance, while others may choose to reserve an engagement ring for special occasions. Our highly curated engagement ring collection - found only at Catbird - represents the best and brightest in the jewelry world. Your ring will be not only unique but of the highest quality and sustainability standards.
How to Match Your Wedding Ring with Other Rings
Love your engagement ring on its own, and your wedding band, too. You might not always wear them together, so they should each stand separately. Whether it's adding stacking rings or mixing metals, at Catbird, our selection of wedding bands and engagement rings is designed to complement each other effortlessly. Experiment with textures, stones, and shapes to create a personalized stack that tells your story.
Tradition dictates that the wedding band ring is worn closest to the heart, followed by the engagement ring. An eternity ring, symbolizing everlasting love, can be worn between the two, with other rings added over time to celebrate milestones (anniversaries, children, triumphs).
Shop Catbird Wedding & Engagement
Neighborhood Walks
Why not take your favorite friend for a meander around the neighborhood and find yourselves a corner to warm yourselves in together.
xo LeighStrolling Jewelry
How to Curate Your Ring Stack
What is Ring Stacking
What is a stacking ring, you ask? Well, we believe nearly any ring can be a stacking ring! Rings which are slender, with straight lines, are very easy to stack, one on top of the other, layered over time. And then there are open rings, signet rings, rings with curves and center stones, to help build a ring stack that is personal to you.
How to Stack Rings
Whether you're inclined towards a bright and shining jumbled mix, or in favor of a more pared-back look, Catbird stacking rings are the building blocks for a put them on, never take them off collection of rings, to ebb and flow as it suits you over time.
Essential Stackable Rings
From the poetic world of Catbird — designed in our Brooklyn studio and available only at Catbird. Sustainably made with over 95% recycled diamonds and recycled 14k gold.
How to Stack Gold & Silver Rings
How to stack gold rings and how to stack silver rings? Mix and match to create your unique combination, whether you prefer a minimalist or bolder statement. Explore the stacked ring look with our silver and gold stacking rings collection.
Tips for Styling Stackable Rings
With personalized bands and a large assortment of beautiful designs and sizes, you can create a unique and meaningful stack that reflects your personal style. All Catbird rings are designed with our trademark attention to detail—the perfect addition to any ring stack.
Different Ring Stack Designs
What is a Lab Grown Diamond?
We often are asked “what is a lab grown diamond?”, in addition to inquiries about our options in true sustainable diamonds.
When it comes to sourcing diamonds for our wedding & engagement and fine jewelry collections, we choose to go above standards set by the jewelry industry. Our long standing suppliers hold certification that assures the mines they work with adhere to internationally recognized standards for ethical, conflict-free diamond mining practices.We are committed to providing every sustainable option available, allowing you to choose the ring and stone that speaks to you. In addition to our ethically mined natural diamonds, our engagement ring line is created with 95% recycled diamonds. Recycled, or reclaimed, diamonds are extracted from fine jewelry with a previous life, and placed back into the diamond supply chain. They carry no new environmental or labor impact, and are GIA certified to meet the same cut, clarity, and color grading standards set for our newly mined diamonds.
Our lab grown diamonds are cultivated in controlled lab environments that mimic the process found in nature. The end result is a diamond that is both visually and molecularly the same as a natural diamond, with the same grading system that considers cut, color, clarity, and carat. We partner with labs certified in sustainable cultivation, using the lowest energy and emission footprint.
Explore Our Lab Grown Diamond Collection
The same brilliance found in every Catbird Diamond.
Our lab grown diamonds are a mining free, sustainable option. Catbird natural diamonds and lab diamonds are optically and molecularly the same, and our lab diamonds provide an excellent value for the highest quality clarity and color. Our newest lab grown milestone and engagement rings start at $1,900 and come with their own IGI or GCAL certification.
If you’d like to make an appointment for a complimentary (and pressure free) meeting with a Catbird ring expert, we offer both in-person and virtual appointments every week. You can book a solo spot, or bring a significant other or loved one with you. Find out more and reserve your spot.
