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10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying A Diamond Engagement Ring

Updated on September 2, 2024

With over 40 years of expertise, Diamond Registry’s CEO and owner, Nissan Perla, is your trusted guide in the diamond-buying world. Recognized by prestigious publications like The Washington Post and Chicago Tribune, Nissan’s extensive knowledge and experience in evaluating, buying, and selling diamonds are unparalleled. Our commitment to integrity, transparency, and delivering exceptional value ensures that you make an informed decision when acquiring your timeless treasure. Choose Diamond Registry for personalized guidance, education, and a curated selection of the finest quality diamonds, backed by decades of industry expertise and dedication to your satisfaction.

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wedding ring engagement ring diamond jewelry
Published on March 6, 2024
Updated on September 2, 2024

If you’re looking for a diamond ring, don’t just buy any old one. Make sure it fits your budget and style. If you have any doubts about what to look for in an engagement ring, ask friends or family members who have been married before. They can tell you what worked well for them and what didn’t work out so well!

What makes us your trusted partner

With over 40 years of expertise, Diamond Registry’s CEO and owner, Nissan Perla, is your trusted guide in the diamond-buying world. Recognized by prestigious publications like The Washington Post and Chicago Tribune, Nissan’s extensive knowledge and experience in evaluating, buying, and selling diamonds are unparalleled. Our commitment to integrity, transparency, and delivering exceptional value ensures that you make an informed decision when acquiring your timeless treasure. Choose Diamond Registry for personalized guidance, education, and a curated selection of the finest quality diamonds, backed by decades of industry expertise and dedication to your satisfaction.

When you’re shopping for a diamond engagement ring, it’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of the moment. But what happens when you realize that you’ve spent thousands of dollars on a ring that you didn’t love? Or worse, what if your fiancé doesn’t like it either? In an attempt to avoid these scenarios, I decided to do my research before buying an engagement ring. Here are some things I wish I knew before buying one:

1. The 4 C’s Of Diamonds Are Not Created Equal

You may be familiar with the 4 C’s of diamonds: cut, color, clarity and carat. It’s important to remember that these are not created equal. While the first three can often be overlooked in favor of size or price—and you should definitely do your research on those as well—cut is by far the most important element of a diamond. Cut refers to how well a stone has been crafted and polished, which affects its brilliance and sparkle. Color is also important but less so than cut; it refers to how strongly colored (i.e., yellow) or pale (i.e., white) a stone appears under certain lighting conditions (e.g., daylight). Clarity refers to imperfections inside the stone that can be seen under magnification; in other words, this is where flaws such as scratches or chips form on its surface when it’s being cut out from its original rough shape during manufacturing process called “sawing”–and yes! these imperfections are natural because no two gems are exactly alike!

2. It’s Good To Be Skeptical

I’m not saying you should walk into a jewelry store and immediately assume that every person who walks out with an armful of diamonds is a liar, but you should be wary of salespeople who are too eager to close the deal. They might be trying to take advantage of your excitement for this very special purchase by making unreasonable promises about how much money you could save at the last minute by buying that diamond ring now, even though it’s already been paid off in full. Or maybe they’re just giving their best pitch so they can make their commission on your next big purchase. Either way, it doesn’t hurt anything for them if he or she is telling you what you want to hear—it only hurts if they’re not being honest with themselves about what kind of value their product offers compared to other options available today.

If something doesn’t feel right—if there’s any suspicion at all that something isn’t quite right here—then don’t hesitate: Walk away! I know this sounds counterintuitive given how many people have told me over the years “I wish I had walked out before things got too far along,” but trust me when I say those regrets will quickly fade once happiness starts flooding back into your life again after getting away from whatever bad decisions were made while under pressure or influence by others around them during those crazy days leading up until December 25th each year (if Christmas Day falls on Saturday).

3. Even $10,000 Is A Good Deal For Some Engagement Rings

Even if $10,000 seems like a lot to spend on a ring, it’s important to keep things in perspective. The average cost of an engagement ring hovers around $5,000, so if you’re spending more, you’re likely getting something special in terms of size, quality, or design. A higher price tag often reflects a combination of premium elements, such as a larger carat weight, higher clarity, or a designer setting that makes the ring truly stand out.

If you’re drawn to something even more luxurious and are willing to spend over $10,000, then go for it! At the end of the day, your engagement ring should be a reflection of your love and commitment, so it’s worth investing in a piece that truly resonates with you. However, it’s also important to set a budget that makes sense for your financial situation. While splurging on a ring can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, make sure it’s an investment you can comfortably afford without sacrificing your long-term financial health. After all, the true value of the ring lies in the meaning behind it, not just the price tag.

4. Be Patient

A diamond ring is a big purchase, so it’s important to be patient and not rush into it. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding the perfect engagement ring, but you shouldn’t buy it before you’ve done your research. There are other things that need to be considered when purchasing a diamond.

Also, don’t feel like you have to pay full price for your engagement ring—there may be ways you can save money on your purchase! For example, look around at different jewelers and see if they offer any promotions or discounts that can help reduce the cost of getting married (and buying an engagement ring). Or try negotiating with them: ask how much off their price would be if there were no extra charges (like sales tax) added onto the final amount due today. You might also want some flexibility about when payment needs to happen; maybe there’s no rush since this won’t affect anything except on paper right now anyway?

5. Choose The Shape Of The Diamond Carefully

It’s important to choose the shape of your diamond carefully. The most popular shape is round because it looks good on any finger, but if you have an edgy style or have trouble finding rings that fit comfortably, consider a square or emerald cut diamond. A pear-shaped diamond will also complement an edgier look, as well as adding some weight to your ring so it doesn’t feel too light on your finger once it’s complete.

When selecting the diamond shape, think about how it reflects your personality and lifestyle. Round diamonds are timeless and versatile, fitting well with any fashion or occasion. However, if you’re someone who loves to stand out, shapes like marquise, oval, or heart can add a unique flair to your ring. For those who prefer a touch of vintage charm, an Asscher or cushion cut might be the perfect choice. Each shape brings its own character and style, so take your time to explore different options that resonate with who you are and how you want your ring to be perceived.

6. Consider Other Gemstones

If you have a limited budget and time frame for shopping, it’s good to know that there are other options than diamonds. Many people are unaware that there are other types of gemstones available. If you’re looking for something more affordable or with more rarity, take a look at sapphires, rubies and emeralds. 

Additionally, if you want something more unique and eye-catching than your typical diamond engagement ring, consider purchasing an heirloom piece such as amethyst or moonstone engagement rings. Heirloom pieces can be passed down through the generations and will maintain their beauty throughout time due to their durability compared to traditional diamonds.

7. Get An Independent Appraisal

If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering how to know if your diamond engagement ring is worth the money that you paid for it. I wish I had known that while diamonds are forever, the value of their cut and clarity can change over time. What was a high quality stone when purchased might not be so high quality anymore. It may also have been bought at an inflated price because of its popularity or rarity at the time.

The best way to know if your investment will hold its value is by getting an independent appraisal from someone who doesn’t sell jewelry for a living (like some jewelers). This person should be qualified enough to assess several factors of your diamond ring: cut, color and clarity as well as weight and carat size. Once they complete their evaluation they can tell you what they think it’s worth today based on current market conditions—and whether or not it has appreciated in value since purchase—and let them know if any repairs need done on their diamond before resale.

8. Look At The Loose Diamond Before It Is Set In A Ring

After you’ve chosen a loose diamond and set it in a ring, look at it again. Look at the cut (the proportions of the stone), clarity (the number and size of inclusions or flaws), color and carat weight. Then consider an equally important factor: the shape. A good-looking round brilliant can be ruined by an ugly setting, just as a less attractive cushion cut might look better in an elegant platinum solitaire than a diamond halo with many smaller stones clustered around it.

The next thing to examine is polish – does your ring sparkle? If so, great! But if not, that’s okay too – this isn’t about vanity but about maximizing light return for your money. The last thing to do is check symmetry and fluorescence: if there are any small imperfections on one side only then they’ll be hidden when set in a ring but still visible if held up to light directly (and therefore visible on your finger).

9. Don’t Stress—You Can Upgrade Your Ring Later

When you’re picking out an engagement ring, it’s easy to feel pressured into getting the biggest and best right away. But if your dream ring is out of reach financially, don’t worry—there’s always the option to upgrade later. Many couples choose to enhance or replace their original engagement ring to mark special milestones like anniversaries or birthdays. 

This way, you can start with a beautiful ring that fits your current budget and gradually work toward the ring you’ve always wanted. Remember, your love story isn’t defined by the size of the diamond but by the journey you take together, and upgrading later allows you to grow your ring along with your relationship.

10. Explore Affordable Alternatives To Mined Diamonds

Before settling on a mined diamond, take a moment to explore the alternatives that are gaining popularity. Lab-grown diamonds are one such option that offers the same sparkle and durability as mined diamonds but at a more affordable price—usually about 30% less. These diamonds are created in a controlled environment, making them a more sustainable choice, and they look just as stunning. 

If you’re open to something different, lab-grown diamonds can give you more bang for your buck, allowing you to invest in a larger stone or a more intricate setting without breaking the bank. Plus, knowing you’ve made an eco-friendly choice can add even more value to your ring.

Bonus!

Sell your diamonds with ease with Diamond Registry’s comprehensive approach and vast global industry connections to help you find the best buyer for your diamond fast. Visit www.diamondregistry.com/sell-your-ring to take your first step to fast, easy and reliable way of selling your diamond.

Want to check and calculate diamond per carat instantly? Go to DR’s diamond price calculator to know how. Reliable and trusted carat calculator in the diamond industry since!

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Rebecca Schott
Rebecca Schott
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Nissan, David and his team were extremely accommodating, understanding and patient with our purchase. They took the upmost care to find the best solution for our needs and went above and beyond normal ‘customer service’ standards. I have absolutely no qualms recommending their products and services. Both were absolutely flawless. I will continue to sing them praises and will most definitely purchase from them again in the future. Thank you again!
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Gershom Menachem
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Great team of diamond experts who show personal care for the client’s needs and aftersales service. They really go the extra mile to make it happen no matter the challenges ahead. Rush orders, international shipping, upgrade service, jewelry repair, large diamonds, small items, precious stones. Very honest and open information to the clients. You will feel like talking to a friend.
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Thom P.
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Bought a beautiful stone here for an engagement ring. I was a little apprehensive since you’re buying something unseen. But Cid made it easy. In fact, Nissan, the owner also gave a call to make me more comfortable. They sent me the stone to take to a local jeweler with only my Amex in case I bailed on them.
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