When it comes to buying an engagement ring, a lot of people get worried, anxious or scared. This makes sense because, for the vast majority of people who buy engagement rings, this is their first time making such a purchase.
An engagement ring is a big purchase, both financially and as a life milestone. The ring that you buy will be worn by your loved one every day of their life. So, before you make a purchase, you’ll want to have as much information as possible.
Unfortunately, some jewelers aren’t completely forthcoming with information. There are a lot of things about buying an engagement ring that many jewelers won’t tell you. The good news is that we will. We believe that when customers have the most accurate information, they make the best purchases.
Here are some things about buying an engagement ring that many jewelers won’t tell you.
The Overall Look of a Diamond is Determined Principally by its Cut Grade
The 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat weight) are important. However, it’s crucial to remember that all four aspects are not equal. Cut is, in many ways, the most important factor when it comes to determining the overall look of a diamond.
A diamond that is poorly cut will appear dull, even if it receives otherwise excellent color and clarity grades. Likewise, a diamond that receives lower color and clarity ratings can still look incredible if it has an excellent cut.
Almost all Diamonds Contain Tiny, Natural Imperfections
While some inclusions are noticeable to the naked eye, many imperfections are only visible under magnification. In addition, tiny inclusions do not always affect the overall beauty of the stone. For a diamond that is free of all eye-visible inclusions, Damasci suggests considering diamonds which are VS2 or the higher VS1 grade.
Such stones are less costly then flawless diamonds while still remaining wonderful to look at.
Looking at a Diamond is Not an Accurate to Determining its Carat Weight
While carat weight and size are among the first things that come to mind when thinking about diamonds, carat weight doesn’t necessarily accurately portray a diamond’s size. Just because a diamond has a higher carat weight, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will look bigger. Instead, it means that the diamond is heavier.
Two stones of the same carat weight can have different dimensions and thus look very different.
The physical dimensions of a diamond are affected by how it is proportioned. A stone with a shallow cut will appear larger than one with a deep cut. However, diamonds that are cut too shallow or too deeply will not appear as brilliant. When a diamond is ideally cut, most of the light will be reflected back through the top or the crown of the stone, giving it greater brilliance and scintillation.
Some Diamond Grading Laboratories aren’t as Stringent and Consistent with Grading Standards
You should always obtain a certification report when buying a diamond. These reports verify the complex specifications of the diamond that you purchased.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), The International Gemological Institute (IGI), and The American Gem Society (AGS) are the most highly regarded institutions when it comes to grading standards. They are known for their strict, consistent and accurate standards.
Other laboratories may have less strict standards, resulting in them potentially overvaluing a diamond.
Beautiful Diamonds Are Available in Various Price Ranges
You may have heard that you should spend one month’s (or two months’ or three months’) salary on an engagement ring. It’s important to remember that these recommendations are just a guide. There is no set in stone “rule” for how much you have to spend when buying an engagement ring.
In fact, there are great diamonds available at a number of different price points, so you don’t necessarily need to break the bank in order to get a diamond engagement ring that your special someone will love.
It is recommended that you set a budget before you start shopping and that you set this budget based on your personal financial situation. Everyone is at different points in their lives and everyone has different financial priorities and realities. Rather than overextending yourself financially, it makes a great deal of sense to review your finances and determine a budget that works for you.
Remember to include the diamond setting mount in your budget calculations, which can range from $500 to $5000, depending on the setting that you choose.
