Return to article: How to Buy an Engagement Ring
on 6/12/2008 The correct full name of EGL is European Gemological Laboratory. If you are a guy shopping for a ring a good tip is to also take a friend, or close relative shopping with you -- chances are they will have good insight into her likes and dislikes to help you along the way. DMNDS4YOU
on 8/29/2006 Make absolutely sure the stone you buy has a certificate from one of the major certification institutions. These certs are laminated, and should have not been tampered with in any way. Also, watch out for word games like "European Gemological Laboratory".This simple cert will eliminate many common frauds or tricks 'o the trade, like grade inflation, or stone swapping.AGS - American Gemological SocietyGIA - Gemological Institute of America EGL - European Gemological LaboratoriesIGI - International Gemological Institute
on 8/8/2006 We bought my engagement ring in Dubai, UAE - great selection, you can bargain (if you are good at it). Beware though, you'll need to be reasonably educated before you buy - there are some vendors that try to give you a flawed diamond.Another good destination I've heard is Antwerp, Belgium.
on 8/4/2006 If your girl is more of the sentimental type, think about a family heirloom. Your mom might have her grandmother's old engagement ring, or if not, maybe your girlfriend's mom has a ring that's been in the family for ages. The only thing you might need to shell out cash for is cleaning and resizing. This option does run the risk of making you look cheap, but it also shows that you want to make her part of your family.
on 3/28/2006 If you're willing to go the less than traditional route, consider stones other than diamonds as the centerpiece of your engagement ring, perhaps with smaller flanking diamonds or diamond chips. My (now) husband and I got a sapphire with three diamond chips on either side and spent less than $300 on it. Nice on a student's salary!
on 11/22/2005 If you are not rich, but want to wow her with an awesome diamond that will last forever, go for about a 1/3 carat. It's big enough to see, and it's very tasteful. You can also get a much higher quality cut and clarity, without paying out of your tail. No one wants a big, old, scratched up, yellowed diamond that cost $5,000 anyway. I got a 1/3 carat with an awesome cut, clarity and color, and it only cost me $700! She loves it! It's not all big and hokey, but you can still see the detail with your naked eye. Plus, I used the money I saved on a sweet honeymoon!
on 11/22/2005 I bought my wife's engagement ring online and I got an exceptional deal. I was lucky in that a female friend of mine worked at a jewelry store as a teen and she knew what to look for. That being said, the two most important things to look for are clarity and cut. I bought my wife a .82 carat ring, internally flawless and exceptional cut, and it looks much better than a friends 1.1 carat monstrosity. Two months salary? Hardly. You can get a great diamond for 4 grand. Ask yourself what is important; a huge diamond or being able to buy a house for her.
on 11/22/2005 Many girls, despite how modern they may seem to be, dream of the perfect ring way before they even think of marriage. Ask friends, ask family, snoop her favorite web sites, even ask the girl (subtly, of course), but don't venture out on your own without any input on her dream ring.
on 11/22/2005 if you are unsure of what type of ring your significant other might like but you want it to be a surprise you can speak with her mother, sister, friend, or someone close to her who can maybe take her shopping and in a get some ideas for you without ruining the surprise.
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