How to Buy Diamond Rings
Diamonds are a girl's best friend, unless you fall into one of the many pitfalls in diamond purchasing. One of the most popular purchases in diamonds is the diamond ring, and you should know how to rate diamond quality before you buy. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
Determine What You Want
-
1
Select a price point. This is extremely important when you are choosing a diamond ring. Once you have set your price point, do not deviate from it. Many salespeople are both charismatic and pushy, and you could end up over your head.
-
2
Decide which cut of diamond you want. Diamonds come in a number of cuts, including princess, round brilliant, cushion, square, emerald, marquis, radiant, heart, asscher and pear. The Diamond Buying Guide shows photos of the different types of cuts (see Resources below).
-
-
3
Decide which clarity you would prefer. Diamonds come in clarity values of flawless, very very slightly included, very slightly included, slightly included and included. Most purchasers stick to the slightly included clarity. Slightly included diamonds look perfectly clean to the naked eye. This gives you the best value for your dollar. Flawless diamonds are the most expensive, while included diamonds have flaws that may be visible to the naked eye. Flawless diamonds tend to be purchased by collectors or diamond aficionados.
-
4
Choose the color of your diamond. Diamonds come in virtually every color. Certain colors, such as blue or yellow, are more costly. Classic white or clear diamonds are the most popular choice for rings; however, other colors are readily available.
-
5
Choose your diamond size, or number of carats. Again, this could be determined by your price point. The larger the number of carats, the larger the price tag. Typically, diamonds that are slightly less or slightly more than a whole or half carat make better bargains for your dollar. For example, you could purchase a 1.5 carat diamond, or a 1.45 carat diamond. The 1.45 carat diamond will typically be priced more inexpensively for almost the same size as the 1.5 carat diamond.
-
6
Decide on your setting. Diamonds are set in a number of types of metal from platinum to yellow and white gold and beyond. Platinum is more costly than white gold, which is more costly than yellow gold. While you are deciding on this, decide on the layout of your stones. Do you want three stones grouped together, or a solitaire? This is essential to your diamond-buying process.
-
7
Prepare yourself for the purchase process. You can get a larger stone if you compromise on any of your other options, such as clarity and color. Keep in mind what your preferred ring looks like, and try to match it as best you can. Take your time to weigh your options. If a ring you are viewing is purchased, another will take its place. Don't be rushed into a sale you may regret.
Making Your Purchase
-
8
Go shopping. Check out local jewelry stores and online vendors. Don't stick with just one store; look at several and compare notes. Some stores have maintenance plans that are included in the price of the ring, while others do not. Similarly, some stores offer upgrade plans, while other stores do not.
-
9
Get your ring sized. The jeweler should offer to size the ring at least once for the purchase. Try on several ring sizes so you can choose the most comfortable size. Make sure the ring isn't too loose, or it could fly off your finger at an inopportune moment. Conversely, don't size the ring too small, or you might have to cut it off.
-
10
Make the purchase. If you are getting financing, you will have to sign documents.
-
11
Take care of your ring. Get it insured, and care for it as you were instructed at the store. This will increase the longevity of your ring. Stick to your maintenance plan if you have one.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Consider going to a high-end jeweler to get detailed information about purchasing diamonds, rings in particular. The high-end jewelers are typically willing to explain the nuances of diamond ring purchasing whether or not you purchase from them.
Be wary of overly aggressive salespeople. Do not rush your purchase; take your time in deciding.
