Engagements are a wonderful occasion and though there is stress and anxiety leading up to that event, it is a wonderful moment when they say the words ‘I will marry you.’ One of the most stressful moments leading up to the actual proposal is finding and deciding upon the right engagement diamond ring. Thankfully there are some steps you can take to significantly reduce the stress of finding the perfect diamond ring for your perfect someone. We are going to go over them here:
Choose Your Favorite Diamond Shapes
We have helped many couples plan the perfect wedding, starting with tips for ring choices, and we can do the same for you too! If you know what you want in terms of diamond shape, that helps focus your engagement ring hunt immensely. Every diamond is cut in a different way and different shapes cost different amounts. Rounds and hearts are among the most expensive where square and drops are some of the more affordable cuts. Think about what your lover already wears and what style gemstones they seem to like or are interested in and use that as a basis to determine what they may like. When you have two or three shapes in mind you will be better prepared to talk to the gem experts and find the diamond that is right for that ring!
Choose the Metal for the Band
Traditionally, engagement rings have the basic ring made from high quality yellow gold, white gold, silver, or platinum. It’s important to note, however, that silver and platinum look almost the same, but platinum costs significantly more. There are differences in how each metal reacts to things like wear and tear and high heat and exposure to the elements. Doing some research on basic metals that your special someone likes can help you focus in on one or two metal choice that will be best for your unique situation. Some rings can be designed with more than one type of metal so that is an option to keep in mind as well!
Have a Carat Size in Mind
You will need to determine is quality or quantity is more important in your ring. Some people want a big rock and others want the brightest and purest stone. You will need to know whether you want to put your money to the biggest stone or the best looking stone. Remember that diamond prices increase significantly as the weight increases and the most common weights go up by full and half carats. If you by a 3carat diamond it will cost less than a 5 carat diamond and stones at less common weights will also often be cheaper. So a .90 carat stone will cost less than a 1 carat stone and no one will be able to tell the difference!
Consider How the Wedding Band Will Look
Many couples get caught up in the moment of picking the engagement ring and forget to think about possible wedding bands. It is best to stay simple on the design features of the engagement ring, even if you are going with a large stone, so that it is easier to find or design a wedding band that complements the ring and looks good when worn together. Once the engagement ring is bought it often sets the tone for the type of metals used in the wedding ring ads well as any other design features of the ring so be sure to think about the long term goals and the ultimate ring- the wedding ring!
Always Buy Certified
Don’t let the romance of the day take over- this is one of the biggest purchases you will make aside from a home or car and is a huge step towards your commitment to a relationship. Make sure you only buy your diamond if it is a certified stone from an accredited laboratory such as the American Gem Society or the Gemological Institute of America. Diamonds certified by the other labs will have false rankings or will jack up the prices in order to offer you what looks like a huge discount on a sub-par stone. Always buy certified diamonds and check that the stone matches the certificate you are presented with at the local store. Most diamonds and gemstones today are laser inscribed in such a way that they can be checked very easily with a jeweler’s loupe. Check the certificate number and for any identifying marks in clarity- no diamond is 100% pure so the certificate should point out any marks and imperfections that you can also check to ensure they match up.
Be Smart About the Quality of the Cut and Clarity
You can save a pretty penny by choosing a diamond a few shades down from pure white. No one will be able to tell the difference by eye and you won’t be spending nearly as much money. Look for lower color grades that are still basically clear white. “For round diamonds in white gold, this is typically an I or J color. In yellow gold, you could even go down to a K color…The difference in price between a J color and a D color is enormous!”(Brides) As for clarity, the same concept goes. Get the lowest clarity diamond that is still clean to the naked eye, as it’ll look identical to a flawless diamond assuming all else is equal
Contact Cashmere Dreams Today
If you are feeling confused, lost, and overwhelmed when it comes to finding the right diamond for your engagement ring you are not alone. For some insider tips and ideas and an expert eye on the local market, contact Cashmere Dreams today and let us help you in your search. The magic starts with the engagement and carries on through the wedding and we can help you with the entire planning process. So, contact us today and let us show you how easy it can be and how much simpler the engagement ring search can be when you know what to look for and what to consider! Call now for an appointment!
Content written by Sarah Jo Lorenz-Coryell
