One of the most stressful aspects of proposing is buying an engagement ring. Most people who propose have never bought a diamond ring before and many have not had the opportunity to purchase much jewelry in the past. Due to this, the idea of buying a ring can be stressful and lead to a great deal of anxiety.
However, research is the key to easing a lot of this stress. By doing some research and learning more about diamond rings and the process of buying a diamond engagement ring, you can give yourself some additional confidence and take the stress and anxiety out of the purchase.
Here are a few questions that people commonly ask when purchasing a ring as well as the answers. Knowing this information will make your search for the perfect engagement ring much easier.
What are the 4 Cs and which is the most important?
If you’ve done any research on diamonds, you’ve likely come upon the 4 Cs. This term refers to the color of the diamond, the clarity, the cut, and the carat weight. For more detailed information on these terms, please visit our Diamond 4 Cs Education Page.
Out of the 4 Cs, the cut of the diamond best determines its beauty and sparkle. The cut does not refer to the shape of the diamond as much as it does its proportions, symmetry, and polish. A larger diamond that is cut poorly will look worse than a smaller diamond with a high-quality cut.
If a diamond is not well-cut, it will appear dull and uninteresting, even if it otherwise has good color and clarity ratings.
What carat weight should I buy?
The price of a diamond will be affected by it’s cut and diameter as well as its weight. However, it is typically quite difficult to determine the carat weight of a diamond by simply looking at it. This is because, as mentioned, a well-cut diamond will sparkle more than a poorly cut stone, which will make it appear larger.
In general, it is often easiest to select a stone’s color, cut and clarity first and to then come up with a carat weight that fits your budget.
Who grades diamonds?
There are several grading and diamond certification groups. However, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), The International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the American Gem Society (AGS) are held to the highest grading standards internationally.
When you’re buying a diamond, ask the jeweler for the grading certificate. This will give you a lot of important information about the diamond you are looking at.
How do I know if I’m getting a fair price on a diamond?
The best way to figure out if you are getting a fair price is to look at several similar diamonds from different jewelers. Speaking with a jeweler and asking questions can also help you gauge the trustworthiness of the jeweler.
What does “Eye-Clean” mean?
A diamond that is considered “eye-clean” is one that does not have any inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye.
In order to look for visible inclusions, look at the stone’s top from a distance of about eight-to-10 inches. Only wear corrective lenses (such as glasses) if you typically do so in order to clearly see items at this distance. Try to look at the diamond in broad daylight or lighting conditions that are close to daylight.
If you cannot see any visible inclusions (such as cloud, dots or lines) then you can consider the diamond to be “eye-clean.”
When looking at diamonds online, remember that these stones are typically magnified in order to give you more detail. Any inclusions that may be visible in these images will look much more serious online than they will look in real life.
How much should I spend on an engagement ring?
You’ve likely heard the rules of thumb that you should spend two months’ salary (or sometimes three months’ salary) on an engagement ring. These suggestions are good for general guidance, but there is no specific rule for how much you need to spend on an engagement ring.
It’s important to consider your budget and your financial situation when buying a ring. It’s also important to note that most reputable jewelers (such as Damasci) will have great looking rings available at various prices to suit nearly any budget.
