How to Select an Engagement Ring from Zales

Zales jewelry stores carry a range of rings from diamond solitaires to wedding sets.

Since 1924, Zales jewelry stores have carried an extensive selection of engagement and wedding jewelry. As of 2011, the company operates more than 750 retail outlets throughout the U.S. Each location's sales staff undergoes training to answer customers' questions about jewelry and help them choose engagement rings. For shoppers who prefer to buy online, the company also has a retail presence on the Internet.

Things You'll Need

• Polishing cloth
• Jeweler's loupe

Instructions

1. Decide on a type of stone for the engagement ring. While Zales carries a wide variety of traditional diamond engagement rings, the stores also feature an array of suitable non-diamond rings. Couples who prefer rubies, sapphires or emeralds can ask to see a selection of these gems instead.

2. Choose a ring type. The classic diamond solitaire features a single stone on a gold, white gold or platinum band; wedding sets include an engagement ring with a more ornate setting and a wedding band that matches the engagement ring in shape and style.

3. Narrow down the choices to about half a dozen possibilities. More than five or six options will likely become confusing.

4. Ask for assistance. Zales sales associates will open jewelry cases and show each ring a prospective buyer asks to see. Expect to compare two or three rings at a time, as sales associates receive training to show no more than two rings at once for security purposes.

5. Inquire about the "four C's" of diamond selection if shopping for a diamond engagement ring. The sales associate will then describe each ring's cut, clarity, color and carat weight along with how these characteristics affect the diamond's value and appearance.

6. Polish each stone with a soft micro-fiber jewelry cloth to remove dust and oils that could dim the gem's fire. Zales supplies multiple cleaning cloths to associates on the sales floor, so one should never be far from reach.

7. Borrow a loupe from the sales associate and examine the gemstone under magnification and in good lighting. Zales jewelry stores must typically place special orders for "loupe-clean" stones of flawless clarity, but some inclusions mar a stone's beauty more than others. Look for small black freckles as opposed to larger cloudy areas, as these small dots have less effect on the stone's brilliance.

8. Check the ring's tag for the price and diamond information. Zales marks each diamond ring clearly with the stone's "four C's" and list price.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask about credit options or payment plans to help defray the cost of a larger ring; sales associates can run in-store credit checks and apply the engagement ring purchase to a new account within minutes.

• Look at jewelry other than diamonds for economical and unusual engagement ring options; sales clerks can direct you to suitable gems and styles for engagement rings.

• Zales stores typically offer sales during the pre-holiday shopping season and near Valentine's Day; shop during these times for lower prices.

• Sales associates at Zales collect a commission and may apply firmer sales techniques to induce customers to buy; stick to a pre-arranged budget.

• After purchasing the ring, keep all documentation, warranty information and maintenance schedules together in a safe place; Zales has a replacement policy, but only with all the original paperwork.

References

• Zales.com: About Us
• Gemological Institute of America: About the 4Cs