Get It Right The First Time: A Guide To Buying Diamond Rings
Diamond engagement rings are an investment you want to make wisely. You don’t want to have to replace your precious stones down the road because you didn’t do your due diligence when choosing them in the first place!
Choosing a diamond ring is not as easy as simply picking one out from among all those on display at your local jewelry store or online retailer. However, if you want to get it right the first time, there are some things you should know before buying diamond rings.
Use The Four Cs
- Choose a Carat Weight: What carat weight do you prefer for your engagement ring? Do you want something noticeable but not flashy, or are you looking for something that screams “brilliant”? There is no correct or incorrect answer; the choice is entirely yours.
The price rises in tandem with the carat weight. Choosing a diamond less common in weight can save you money without sacrificing beauty.
- Select Clarity Grade: A clarity grade measures internal flaws in a diamond. The most common flaw is inclusion. It’s not a valuable stone.
- Select Diamond Cut Quality: The term “cut” refers to how well a diamond has been polished and shaped during its manufacturing process. A poorly cut diamond will have flaws that detract from its sparkle and brilliance, but a well-cut diamond will sparkle brilliantly as it catches light from all angles.
- Choose the Right Diamond Color: The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has established a color scale that ranges from D to Z. D represents colorless diamonds, while Z indicates those with an extreme yellow tinge.
If you’re looking for an engagement ring or anniversary gift, choose a small stone with a “G” to “J” color grade. These are considered near-colorless and are ideal for everyday wear.
Pick a Diamond Shape
Choosing the right diamond for your ring is important because it will affect its appearance. The shape of the stone and its cut, color, and clarity will all play a part in determining how much sparkle it has. Round brilliant diamonds feature the most sparkle and are the most popular diamond engagement ring shape.
Choose A Metal For Your Band
When choosing a metal band, keep in mind the overall look you are trying to achieve. Gold, white gold, silver, and platinum, are the most traditional choices. But rose gold is becoming more popular—it’s a new and modern option. While platinum resembles silver in appearance, it is significantly more expensive due to its higher density and scarcity.
Also, it’s important to consider the sturdiness of different metals before selecting a ring. For example, gold is softer than tungsten, so it easily scratches. You should also consider whether or not you want stones on the band.
Choose a Setting Style that Matches Her Personality
When choosing an engagement ring, consider the wearer’s personality and her lifestyle. For a simple and elegant look, choose a solitaire setting. For something more ornate and eye-catching, go with a halo setting.
Pick Side Stones
The best way to make sure your ring looks great is to pick side stones that complement the center stone perfectly. You want to make sure that both the shape and size of the side stonework match with your center stone so that it doesn’t overwhelm or get lost in it.
Know Her Ring Size
Find out what size ring she wears by asking her friends or family members. You can also measure one of the existing rings she wears, but be sure to get the correct measurement from a jeweler to avoid any mistakes.
Compare Prices
It can be tempting to go online and find the cheapest price on the web, but this isn’t always the best option. While there are some great deals out there – especially if you know what you’re looking for – it pays to do your research first. That way, you can get an idea of what prices are available in your area and whether any of them are offering special discounts or deals.
Buy From Reputable Retailers
It is important to buy from reputable retailers who have high-quality standards for their products and services. You want to ensure that the retailer has been in business for some time and has an excellent reputation among customers and industry professionals.That’s why you should first research the nearby jewelry stores when buying engagement rings and expand your search only if you don’t find anything at your local dealers
You also want to make sure that they offer a wide range of ring styles and designs so that you can find one that fits your budget and style perfectly. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, ask them if they can get something similar or custom-made for you.
Finally, ask about any warranties or guarantees that come with their products to know what protection you will have if anything goes wrong later. Also, ask about their ring return policy. Most retailers will allow you to return the ring within 30 days if you or your partner aren’t satisfied with the purchase.
Demand a Diamond Grading Report.
Demand a diamond grading report from any jeweler you’re considering buying from to know exactly what quality you’re getting before purchasing. Ensure that GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or AGS (American Gem Society) certified your jeweler. These organizations have strict guidelines for diamond sellers that ensure their standards are high enough for consumers’ needs.
Insure Your Diamond
Once you’ve found an engagement ring your fiance will love, you’ll want to protect it with insurance. You should be able to get adequate compensation from the insurer if the ring is ever lost. To get a policy, most insurers require a diamond grading report —that way, they can be sure that your purchase is of high quality.
Summary
Online diamond shops make finding the right engagement ring a lot easier. The availability of accessible design and quote tools lets you explore all options before buying. When it comes to a diamond ring, several factors should affect your buying decision. With so many diamonds, settings, stones, and designs available online, you can find a selection that fits your budget in one place.
