How to Pick a Diamond Engagement Ring
For the bride-to-be, a diamond engagement ring is the most important and precious ring she will ever own. It is a symbol of devotion and love and can be especially intimidating for the giver when there are so many ring styles, settings, diamond cuts and price ranges to consider; all while keeping the ring and intentions an elaborate secret. However, picking the perfect engagement ring with confidence is possible when properly educated.
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Instructions
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Research the basics of engagement rings and diamonds. Become acquainted with the "Four C's" of diamond quality as diamonds are priced according to these four attributes: Clarity, carat, cut and color. Become acquainted with the differences between setting and shapes.
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Determine your budget. Engagement rings vary in price and diamond engagement rings tend to run more than other precious gems. Diamond engagement rings can be priced anywhere from a few hundred dollars, to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the carat of the diamond and the choice between gold or platinum bands.
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Choose a reputable jeweler. Ask friends or family for recommendations for their jeweler of choice, or go to a local jeweler with a long history. Seek for certification and credentials whenever in doubt. Finally, a chain jeweler such as Jared's or Zales are ideal, as well.
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Decide on the metal for the ring. Most engagement rings are yellow gold, white gold or platinum. Yellow gold is the most popular metal for engagement rings. White gold is also a popular metal for the modern couple and reflects a contemporary white/silver finish. Finally, platinum is the strongest metal and is rarer than gold. Platinum is the most expensive metal of the choices, however, it is the simplest to care for.
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Select a setting for the ring. The setting determines how the diamond is displayed. Settings such as the "cathedral" is a romantic setting that has the diamond displayed with arches on each side, reminiscent of cathedral arches. The "trellis" is an elegant setting that has four elaborate prongs that cross over each other. The classic "solitaire" holds the diamond high and allows the diamond to reflect more light and is the most popular setting. Decide on a setting according to the bride-to-be's personality.
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Choose a shape for the diamond. The shape is what sets the ring apart from others. Diamond shapes may affect the cost of the diamond. Intricate shapes such as the pear, princess, Leo Diamond, Hearts on Fire and asscher shapes are more expensive as they have more facets, whereas round and emerald shapes may cost less as they are more popular and easier for the jeweler to craft.
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Choose an adequate size diamond for the ring. The size of the diamond is measured by carats. The larger the diamond, the more carats the diamond consists of. The weight of the carat determines the price of the diamond. Diamonds cut in the shape of an emerald may look larger because of the shape; however, when cutting a diamond into intricate shapes, one may want to go with a larger diamond as it will lose size in the process.
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Choose a diamond with exceptional clarity. Diamonds with poor clarity are significantly less expensive and have considerably less valuable. Clarity is an indispensable attribute of the diamond and should be taken in consideration when purchasing. Research a diamond clarity scale which will assist in selecting premium diamonds from those consisting of imperfections.
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Tips & Warnings
It is important to obtain a certificate of authenticity of the ring you purchase. The certificate will be proof of the engagement ring's true value. Certificates are generally issued by the Gemological Institute of America or the American Gem Society. Both of these organizations are widely accepted and well respected.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Engagement Ring image by Kimberly Barton from Fotolia.com
