How to Compare Engagement Rings
Buying an engagement ring can be challenging if you're not prepared. While more and more couples shop together for the ring, some future grooms prefer to surprise their special someone. Before purchasing the perfect engagement ring, do a little research. Pay attention to jewelry she already owns and wears. If you're lucky, she may have shown you the type of ring she wants beforehand. Determine your budget. Once you have a style and price in mind, go pick something special out.
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Instructions
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Look at the setting. According to The Knot, this determines how formal, modern or traditional the ring will be. Choose from a variety of settings, including prong (where claws hold the stone), tension (where pressure holds the stone) and channel (where metal sandwiches a row of stones). Consider whether to buy a simple solitaire style or something more elaborate, with additional stones or decorative metalwork.
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Look at the shape of the stone. Notice that diamonds come in many different shapes, from round to oval and even heart-shaped. Round diamonds are the most brilliant (or sparkly); radiant diamonds are similar to rectangular but are slightly more brilliant. Marquise diamonds tend to look bigger than their actual carat weight. Oval is similar to a round cut, but it offers a slightly different look some brides prefer.
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Examine the four C's of diamonds: clarity, cut, color, and carat weight. Clarity means the purity of the diamond and ranges from F (flawless--no imperfections) to I3 (imperfections can be seen by naked eye), based on the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) scale. Cut stands for the symmetry and proportion of the diamond, which make it sparkle. Diamond color ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow) on the GIA scale. Carat refers to the weight and size of the diamond. According to Diasource, one carat is 0.20 grams.
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Decide which type of metal you want. Two popular choices are platinum and gold. Platinum is silver in color, hypoallergenic and more expensive. Gold is available in different colors such as white, yellow, and rose. You may find that you prefer mixtures of metals or other non-traditional metals such as palladium, which is gray.
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Consider the shape of your future bride's hands when you choose an engagement ring. The Diamond Review suggests a more significant stone for long, bony hands. Bigger, prong settings flatter large hands. Smaller hands look better with delicate settings, such as antique-style rings with smaller stones. Short fingers look better in low-profile rings that hold the stone flat against the finger. Consider her occupation as well. Don't buy a prong setting for someone who works with their hands on a daily basis, because prongs tend to get caught on things.
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Tips & Warnings
The Knot notes that you may be looking at loose stones and settings, unless you're buying an estate ring. Look at it closely with a jeweler's loupe.
A general rule of thumb is to buy a ring that's about two months worth of salary. The Knot suggests buying the best ring you can without putting yourself in debt.
If you don't find a ring you like in a jewelry store, look into creating a custom ring.
Make sure to get your diamond grading report if your diamond is over one carat. It should be issued by the GIA or another gemological association.
When looking for a jeweler, look for accredited stores (by the GIA, for example) and look into their return policy.
References
- Photo Credit solitaire diamond ring on velvet image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
