15 Places to Shop for a Stunning Engagement Ring
Because nothing seals the deal like a little sparkle.
Photo courtesy of Sophie Hughes
You’ve found “the one,” you know where you’ll pop the question, and you’ve planned what you’ll say. All you need now? The ring. Choosing the sparkler that’ll perch in your hand as you’re down on one knee, waiting for the answer of all answers, isn’t easy. Luckily, though, there’s no shortage of local shops where you can find a stunning engagement ring for any style, ring size, or budget.
Sophie Hughes
Sophie Hughes is a young designer who works in the tradition of old-school craftspeople, using time-tested tools to create rings that are equal parts simple and elegant, with recycled gold and responsibly sourced or reclaimed gems. She graduated with a BFA in metalsmithing from MassArt and launched her business in 2009. Now at Ore, which maintains a sunny, brick-interiored South End boutique as well as a charming space on Beacon Hill, Hughes sells her designs alongside rings from brands such as DMD and Lori McLean.
681 Tremont St., Boston, 617-247-7426; 88 Charles St., Boston, 857-233-4203, sophiehughes.com
E. Scott Originals
Inside her small Somerville shop, Emily Scott Surette handcrafts one-of-a-kind modern heirlooms that are just as unique as your fiancé-to-be. In addition to her core collection of engagement rings under $2,500, Scott Surette can also create completely custom pieces. The icing on the cake: All of the rings at E. Scott Originals are made from recycled metals and feature antique or ethically sourced stones.
199b Highland Ave., Somerville, 617-776-2814, escottoriginals.com
Laura Preshong
At Laura Preshong, ethics come first: The company only uses responsibly sourced diamonds and gemstones, mine-free gold, and recycled metals. With these materials, trained jewelers with an eye for detail handcraft pieces that last a lifetime. Their focus? Low-profile rings that aren’t clunky and stack perfectly with other rings. Additionally, you can customize the stone, metal, finish, and prong style on most models, or opt for a completely bespoke design.
558 Tremont St., Boston, 617-236-7660, laurapreshong.com
DePrisco Diamond Jewelers
DePrisco has been an iconic Boston jewelry store for years, and that means its staff has a wealth of knowledge to offer. Luckily, their ring-buying guide, which you can find online or pick up in-store, is easy to follow, and walks you through the process of designing a ring from band to fit to cut. With help from the shop’s consultants, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.
333 Washington St., Boston, 617-227-3339; 32 Wianno Ave., Osterville, 508-420-7400; boston.deprisco.com
Adamas Fine Jewelry
Brother-and-sister team Anto Aboyan and Veronica Sagherian have run their Newton shop for 18 years, designing timeless, elegant engagement rings, repurposing family heirlooms, and working with couples to create custom pieces. Their experienced salespeople will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect bauble and even sit down with you for a one-on-one consultation.
22 Lincoln St., Newton, 617-558-8899, adamasfinejewelry.com
Quadrum
Quadrum originally opened as a painting gallery, but for the last 30 years the store has exclusively focused on designer jewelry. The Chestnut Hill space could still easily be mistaken for a museum though, with artful pieces showcased inside well-lit glass cases. The shop offers designs for every bride’s personality, whether that means a striking ring with a black diamond or a petite pear-shaped piece.
199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, 617-965-5555, quadrumgallery.com
Barmakian Jewelers
If you’re looking for a jeweler with experience, it’s hard to top the Barmakians, who have owned and operated their shop in the Jewelers Exchange Building since 1910 (plus locations in Framingham and Nashua.) They’ll chat with you about what you’re looking for and walk you through a variety of potential options. Then, once you’ve chosen a setting, you’ll move to a private viewing room to examine and choose a loose stone with help from a gemologist.
333 Washington St., Boston, 617-227-3724; and other locations; barmakian.com
Photo courtesy of M. Flynn
M. Flynn
From pear-shaped, sapphire sparklers to classic princess-cut diamond bling, the on-trend engagement rings in this South End boutique are undeniably eye-catching. Sisters Megan and Moira stock rings from their own collection, as well as pieces by designers such as Anna Sheffield, Page Sargisson, and Jenni Kwon. They can also masterfully remake an existing piece or create a custom design that perfectly fits the bride-to-be’s tastes, working with you to turn your ideas into a computer-rendering and then a real-life ring in about eight weeks.
40 Waltham St., Boston, 617-290-0401, mflynnjewelry.com
Long’s Jewelers
The only thing vaster than the inventory at Long’s Jewelers? The knowledge each of its diamond specialists wields, from understanding the importance of finding a ring that fits your bride’s lifestyle to breaking down how engagement rings are priced. No matter which of the shop’s five locations you visit, you’re bound to walk out of the 140-year-old business an expert.
100 Summer St., Boston, 617-426-8500; and other locations; longsjewelers.com
Hannah Florman
Hannah Florman doesn’t just offer custom jewelry—she specializes in it. The corporate litigator turned private jeweler will work with you to design almost anything. The process starts with her “Engagement Ring 101” booklet, which she’ll send you before your first meeting. Then you’ll discuss your vision, choose your stone, and approve a 3-D photo rendering of your design. An unexpected bonus: Hannah Florman rents out Ring Cams, a ring box with a tiny hidden camera that will capture your proposal on video.
745 Boylston St., Boston, 617-651-4665, hannahflorman.com
Descenza Diamonds
Descenza Diamonds first opened a one-room office in Downtown Crossing’s Diamond and Jewelers Building in 1915. Today their shop spans an entire floor of the building, featuring diamond rings in a variety of metal types and settings. Stop by the flagship or one of three other Massachusetts locations to shop selections from designers including Sasha Primark and Sylvie. If you’re looking to incorporate inherited stones, Descenza Diamonds can also rework heirloom gems to give them a new life.
387 Washington St., Boston, 617-542-7974; and other locations; descenza.com
Royal Jewelers
Family-owned Royal Jewelers offers a personalized experience that’s totally pressure-free. All staff are non-commission, so they’ll let you take your time while you’re browsing for the perfect ring. Plus, their roster of options runs the gamut from simple, classic designs by Whitney Boin to showstoppers by Christopher Designs.
58 Main St., Andover, 978-475-3330, royaljewelers.com
Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth is known for its commitment to ethical, environmentally responsible jewelry, but the company also specializes in custom and customizable rings featuring everything from natural and lab-grown diamonds to gemstones. If you’re looking for something pre-designed, the Newbury Street shop boasts an impressive collection of vintage and antique rings, too. Make an hour-long appointment with a jewelry specialist for one-on-one attention in the showroom.
38 Newbury St., Boston, 800-691-0952, brilliantearth.com
Cynthia Britt
Cynthia Britt specializes in custom engagement rings and unique pieces, such as restyled heirloom jewelry and two-tone styles. All rings are made to order, so this is the place to go if you have a vision that you’d like to make a reality. Having worked with celebrity clients such as Mira Sorvino, Britt isn’t afraid to go bold either, whether that means playing with color or mixing gemstones and diamonds.
45 Newbury St., Boston, 857-239-9885, cynthiabritt.com
Sidney Thomas
Created by the founder of Ross-Simons, Sidney Thomas is all about luxury. Their large selection means you’ll be able to get a feel for a variety of styles, from simple solitaires to ornate halos. During your visit, ask to speak with a gemologist or take a peek at their diamond guide, which will give you helpful insights into cut, clarity, and color.
800 Boylston St., Boston, 617-262-0935, sidneythomas.com
