Introduction
An engagement ring can be one of the most important gifts you’ll ever give or receive. That’s why it is so important that you have the perfect ring to treasure your special moment. Though this pressure might make the task seem challenging, our guide to shopping for diamond engagement rings is here to help!
Shopping For Diamond Engagement Rings
Use the following guidelines to begin your journey of purchasing the perfect diamond engagement ring. These are things you’ll want to consider before you start shopping. This will ensure that you are well researched and prepared when you begin the shopping process.
Set A Budget
Before you begin the search for your diamond engagement ring, the first thing you’ll want to think about is your budget. Diamond rings can be a very costly purchase. It is important to consider how much you are willing to spend so you can immediately filter out rings that are out of your budget and narrow down your search.
Traditionally, many people would choose a price based on their salary. For example, a ring would be worth the money that one could earn in a month. However, these guidelines may be deemed outdated. In reality, there are no rules for how you want to set your budget. You must simply choose what is right for you.
Learn the Basics of the Four Cs
The next thing to be aware of before you begin your search for a diamond ring is how to assess the quality and value of a diamond. One simple way that you can do this is through the four Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat.
1. Cut
The shine of a diamond fundamentally comes from the way it is cut. The best diamonds are cut in a way that best reflects light through the diamond, making it shine. To observe the cut, look closely at the edges, proportions and particular shape of a diamond as well as how its shape reflects light and how bright it shines.
2. Color
The presence of color in your diamond is a sign of a lesser valued diamond. What you want to look for is a lack of color. The best diamonds are meant to be colorless. Look closely at your diamond for hints of color such as a yellow or brown tint.
3. Clarity
The clarity of a diamond depends on how many flaws it has both inside and outside. The less flaws a diamond has, the higher its value. Though finding an entirely flawless diamond can be both rare and costly, it's important to look for the highest clarity grade that you can access.
4. Carat
A carat is a unit that measures the weight of a diamond. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams. The higher the carat weight, the higher the value of the diamond.
Dig For Details
When shopping for someone else, it's always important to know what they like. And buying a diamond ring for your bride is no different! You’ll want to figure out what she’s looking for in her perfect diamond ring.
Pay attention to her personal style and preferences. What color and style of jewelry does she usually wear? You may even want to ask around from her friends or family members or see if she has a Pinterest board or magazine for wedding ring inspiration.
Lastly, this may be obvious but make sure you know her ring size ahead of time. This will save you the pressure of trying to figure that out last minute when you’re buying the ring.
Research Retailers
Begin looking at places you may want to consider buying your ring from. It is important to consider whether each jewelwer is suited for your needs. Look at their warranty, financing options, return policy, customer reviews, and prices to see if a jeweler is a good fit for you. Essentially, you want a retailer that can meet all your needs and help you buy the perfect diamond ring.
Start Your Search For the Perfect Engagement Ring
Now , you’re finally prepared to begin shopping for your perfect diamond ring. Having considered everything you need to know before you start, you should have a good understanding of what exactly you’re looking for.
Preset Diamond or Loose Diamond
In a normal ring, you’ll find a present diamond. This means that the diamond has already been placed in the ring for you to buy as-is. However, you may want to opt for a loose diamond. In this case, you can choose your ring and your diamond separately and then have the diamond placed into your ring as you wish. This can help you get a more unique ring.
Both options have their benefits and drawbacks and there is no right choice. Whether you choose a present diamond or a loose diamond is up to you and your preferences.
Check the Certification
Before you purchase your ring, you’ll want to verify its authenticity. You can do this by reading its certification. You’ll find an assessment of the important aspects of the diamond in the diamond’s Geological Institute of America (GIA) certification report. The GIA, an independent organization, is responsible for assessing the quality of loose diamonds according to the four Cs. Make sure to request this report from your retailer before you make your purchase.
Now you know all the essential steps for buying a stunning diamond engagement ring. Start your journey today and don’t forget to Treasure the Moment!