Five Top Tips to Buying an Engagement Ring

diamond engagement ring
Diamond Engagement Ring

For men, it’s always a stressful time to propose to a woman and find that perfect diamond engagement ring. There are lots of choices including a variety of engagement band metals, such as gold, platinum titanium, silver and more.

Searching for the perfect engagement ring is a challenge. February is a popular month for diamonds as millions of couples becoming engaged on Valentine’s Day, alone. But when love is n the air, proposing is a beautiful thing anytime of the year.

So if you are looking for some help and planning to pop the question, here are five Top Tips to Buying an Engagement Ring. Learn these important shopping tips to help you make a smart purchase.

1) Ignore the 3-Month Salary Rule
Spending the traditional two to three month’s salary is no longer the case, says Salim Shamy of LaViano Jewelers in New Jersey, a popular destination for engagement rings and wedding bands. In fact, in 2010, consumers spent an average of $5,392 on an engagement ring—or roughly, 10 percent of the average U.S. household income. These days, the purchase depends largely on one’s financial situation, disposable income and savings. “Don’t go beyond your ability,” says Shamy. “If you prepare to spend $10,000, just make sure you’re getting the best product at $10,000.”

diamonds

2) Learn About Diamonds
Before walking into a jewelry store, have some idea of what you want. Learn what makes a diamond special and what kind of diamond your special someone might prefer. A diamond’s rarity—and therefore its price—is determined by four unique characteristics: the Four C’s: carat (the weight), clarity (the degree of flaws or blemishes), color (from colorless to yellow) and cut (the shape). This is the universal grading system used to objectively compare diamonds.

3) Pay Special Attention to the Cut
A diamond of a smaller carat, but with an exquisite cut, could take on the appearance of a much pricier gem. So much so that Shamy of LaViano Jewelers rates a diamond’s cut or shape—ranging from excellent to poor—as the most important purchasing criteria, because it helps to determine its brilliance or “sparkle.” The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) agrees, saying that the “allure of a particular diamond depends more on cut than anything else.” Some of the key factors in a diamond’s cut include its proportions, symmetry and polish.

4) Choose the Stone First, Setting Second
Gem experts advocate buying a loose diamond first, then deciding on its setting. The diamond, after all, is the most important and expensive aspect of the ring. You want to be able to pick the best stone that fits your budget, and when the diamond is loose, you’re better able to evaluate its 4 C’s. Preset diamond rings tend to be slightly more expensive, as well.

5) Request Certification
All diamonds should come with a stone certificate, a document from an independent third-party authority, such as the GIA or the American Gem Society (AGS), which verifies its authenticity and description. Reputable jewelers should provide this without hesitation. If not, take that as the ultimate red flag that the diamond is not all its hyped up to be. The GIA Diamond Grading Report, for example, provides technical information, such as the dimensions, quality and characteristics of a loose diamond. For added piece of mind—and for insurance reasons—you may also want to have the diamond valued by an independent appraisal specialist.

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3 Responses

  1. jodi randle says:

    Thanks for sharing these tips. Your article is great! And I love the diamond ring posted. So elegant!

  2. Athena Mendez says:

    Knowledge about the 4 C’s is quite important. Men must read this post. I find it very helpful and informative. Good job!

  3. Adrina says:

    We can say engagement ring is symbolized true love, eternal commitment, loyalty, faith, trust and care so I think it should be beautiful, unique and attractive.

    If you are choosing the ring for your partner, then you must pick the band that is thicker and wider.