Things You'll Need:
- Credit card
- Engagement ring budget
- Knowledge of the 4c's
- Knowledge of bride's ring preferences
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Step 1
Establish a budget. Building your own engagement ring is often more costly than purchasing one pre-designed by a jeweler. Determine whether you will splurge on the diamond, but save on your choice of metal or elaborate setting options. Factor in the cost of your wedding bands, as well as additional stones and engravings into your final wedding jewelry purchases.
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Step 2
Compare prices between Internet and boutique jewelry stores. Type in the words “build an engagement ring” into your favorite web browser and select an online jeweler. Use the engagement ring site tools to select the type of stone, setting and carat. Use this price quote as a starting point to finalize your ring budget and as a price comparison between website and jewelry store purchases.
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Step 3
Determine the bride’s style. If your bride-to-be craves a two-carat solitaire diamond engagement ring, and you choose a simple wedding band without any sparkle, expect disappointment from your future wife. Prevent any engagement ring mistakes by observing her current jewelry choices. Use these pieces to guide your engagement ring purchase.
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Step 4
Select the metal and the setting for the engagement ring. Stones can be set in platinum, titanium, white gold or yellow gold. Platinum is the most expensive option for wedding rings. Titanium, however, is not as flexible as the other metal options. It does not allow the jeweler to create an intricate design on the band of metal.
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Step 5
Focus on the 4c’s. If you are purchasing a diamond become familiar with cut, clarity, color and carat weight. These four categories determine the price, brilliance and quality of the stone. A large stone could have a high carat weight but have inclusions and imperfections that will cloud the stone and effect brilliance.
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Step 6
Choose your stone carefully. If you decide to build your own engagement ring, a jeweler can sell you a loose diamond without the setting. The Internet is also filled with new sites that sell loose stones. Buyers should choose their stones with caution. Purchasing a loose stone is a risky proposition for shoppers who can't identify imperfections or quality over the Internet.
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Step 7
Select an experienced jeweler. Engagement rings can not only by purchased and created online, but handcrafted by jewelers as a lifelong memento for brides. A reputable jeweler should be consulted before purchasing a ring, whether you build the engagement ring online on in person.
Comments
engagedguy said
on 11/9/2009 This is great advice... and I agree that you should design the ring together if she's up for it. Also, buying online does have advantages, like a wider selection and lower prices, but it's a good idea to restrict your search to diamonds that come with grading reports from GIA. The reports detail the qualities of your stone, so you can be sure of what exactly what you're buying. It's definitely possible to find a great diamond online, just make sure to get proper documentation and check the site's return policy.
woot said
on 2/13/2009 Good suggestions, but I highly recommend you both work to design the ring. Don't just observe her tastes. You are starting your lives together. If you are lucky, she will wear this all her life. Something like an engagement ring really shouldn't be a surprise!