Choosing a diamond engagement ring can be one of the most important purchases you’ll make in your lifetime. It’s a big decision and there are many factors to consider. The best way to ensure that you get the perfect ring for your fiancé is by doing your research and taking the time needed to find exactly what she wants!
There are few moments in life as special as the one you'll experience when you find the ring that says "I love you." Buying the perfect diamond engagement ring is not something to take lightly, however; it's a big decision that can affect your partner for the rest of her life. In order to make sure you get it right, we've put together this guide on how to look for the perfect diamond engagement ring—from finding out what kind of cut she likes best to setting a budget and shopping around.
You will have to decide if you want to buy a diamond loose or set it in a ring. The first option is cheaper than the second, but it also gives you the freedom to choose your own setting later on. You will also want to know about diamonds before you make any purchases. As such, it's important that you understand how they are graded by their 4Cs: cut (how well a diamond reflects light), clarity (how many flaws there are), color (how vivid the color of a diamond is) and carat weight (the weight of the stone). Diamonds can only be graded on scales of 1-10 or with descriptions like "very good" or "excellent".
The first step in finding the perfect engagement ring is to set your budget. How much money do you have to spend? Will it be $500 or $5,000? It's important that you know what you can afford and stick with it, especially if you are buying an engagement ring for someone else. If this is your first diamond purchase and/or you don't have much experience with jewelry, then I'd recommend setting a minimum limit of $5,000 for an engagement ring without diamonds or higher carat weight diamonds.
The cut of the diamond refers to its proportions, or how the sides and angles interact with each other. There are several types of cuts that are available, and they all have their pros and cons. The most common cuts include round, princess, emerald, cushion and pear.
The cut affects the brilliance of your ring significantly: a poorly cut stone will have dull facets that don't reflect light well, resulting in less sparkle for you! On top of this aesthetic factor, there's also a financial component: poorly-cut diamonds cost more because they are harder to find.
Ultimately it's up to you what kind of cut suits your tastes best—after all, it's one way that you can express yourself through choosing something special for someone else!
The first step in the diamond-buying process is to decide what type of setting you want. Most engagement rings are made with a prong setting, which features four or six claws that hold the diamond in place. Other options include bezel, channel and invisible-set settings.
The next consideration is metal—typically platinum or gold—and stone carat weight. The carat describes how much pure diamond exists in a diamond; one carat is equal to 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams (this measurement can vary slightly depending on whether you measure by weight or volume). If you’re looking for an ultra high-quality ring with minimal flaws, look for diamonds with more than 100 points on the grading scale (that’s over $10K per carat!).
Diamonds come in four main shapes: round brilliant cut, princess cut, marquise cut and pear shaped (also called teardrop). It's important that both partners agree on which shape they like best before making any purchases so there are no surprises later down the road when it comes time for her wedding day!
Before you decide on a ring, it's important to do your research. Start by looking at different stores and brands to get an idea of the market's price range. Don't be afraid to go to different stores or ask questions if something is unclear; this will help you find the best deal for your budget. If a dealer is not willing to negotiate with you, walk away from that store and try another one. Don't be afraid! It's your money, after all—you should make sure you're getting the best value for it!
Ready to sell your diamond and get the best price? Let Diamond Registry's global connections and expert team help you find the perfect buyer. Visit www.diamondregistry.com/sell-your-ring now to get started. And don't forget to use our trusted diamond price calculator to instantly check and calculate the value of your diamond per carat.
