Buying guide
Diamond Shapes: How Each Cut Looks, Wears and Costs
Compare diamond shapes for engagement rings, from round and oval to emerald, pear, marquise and Asscher, by sparkle, apparent size and durability.
Taya Sel
Editorial Jewelry Writer, Engagement Unique Rings
Taya Sel is the editorial voice behind Engagement Unique Rings. She plans, researches and writes the site's buying guides, style explainers and brand pages, and she keeps them up to date.
Her work is research-based. She reads brand policies, product listings, grading-laboratory education pages and consumer guidance such as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's Jewelry Guides, then explains what those sources mean for someone choosing a ring online.
Taya is not a certified gemologist or appraiser, and the site does not laboratory-test stones. When an article includes hands-on impressions, it says so. When a fact comes from a brand, it is labelled as the brand's own statement and linked to the source, with the date it was last checked.
Readers can reach her with corrections, questions or suggestions through the contact page.
Read more about our editorial policy and how we choose products. Contact: hello@engagement-uniquerings.com
Articles by Taya Sel
Buying guide
The Engagement Ring Buying Guide
An engagement ring buying guide covering the 4Cs, grading reports, disclosure rules, settings, metals, returns, insurance and questions to ask.
Buying guide
Engagement Ring Metals: Gold, Platinum and What Each Needs
Compare engagement ring metals, including 10K, 14K and 18K gold and platinum, by color, durability, upkeep, weight and allergy considerations.
Buying guide
How to Choose an Engagement Ring
A practical order of decisions for choosing an engagement ring, from ring size and budget to the stone, shape, setting and metal.
Buying guide
Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds: What Actually Differs
Lab-grown and natural diamonds compared on composition, appearance, price, resale value, grading reports and disclosure rules.
Buying guide
Moissanite vs Diamond: An Honest Comparison
Moissanite and diamond compared on hardness, brilliance, fire, color, price and perception, to help you decide which center stone fits your budget and priorities.
Buying guide
Unique Engagement Rings: A Complete Buying Guide
How to choose a unique engagement ring that wears well every day: unusual settings, colored stones, rare shapes and honest budget guidance.
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The Best Metals for Engagement Rings, by Lifestyle
Which engagement ring metal suits active hands, sensitive skin, low maintenance or a vintage look, with notes on 14K and 18K gold and platinum.
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How to Choose a Unique Engagement Ring Without Regretting It Later
A practical checklist for choosing a unique engagement ring: testing a design against daily life, wedding band fit and resizing limits.
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Oval vs Round Engagement Rings: Which Shape Suits You?
Oval and round engagement rings compared on apparent size, sparkle, price per carat, the bow-tie effect and how each flatters different hands and settings.
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Unique Engagement Rings for Modern and Non-Traditional Brides
Ideas for modern, non-traditional engagement rings: east-west settings, toi et moi rings, salt-and-pepper stones, colored sapphires and stacks.