After meeting a special woman and dating her for a while, you decide that it’s really time for you to pop the question. Some guys see it as an exciting moment while other are scared out of their minds. It really doesn’t matter which category you’re in, once your decision is made, you have to actually ask her and then get engaged if she says yes.
Lots of novels and movies have popularized the idea of asking your lady to marry you in an informal setting, and then if she says yes, you go together to the jewelry store to choose the engagement ring, many women readily admit that there’s something special and incredibly romantic about wearing a ring that their future husband has chosen specifically for them.
Knowing where to start looking is actually harder than it should be, with all the choices that are in front of you. Fortunately, you can do your research quite easily and get some basic knowledge: you’ll be more confident when making a purchase, and people will have a hard time pulling a fast one on you.
Your first stop should be the Internet. It’s full of information, plus it’s free. There, you’ll learn how diamonds are graded, as well as what’s referred to as the 4 C’s of diamonds and how these factors influence the beauty and value of diamonds.
The value (and price) of a diamond is determined by its Clarity, Color, Cut, and Carat Weight, known as the 4Cs.
Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that occur during the formation process. The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine what is called the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and thus are more highly prized, and priced.
The color of diamonds varies from colorless (highest quality) to many shades of yellow (less rare). Some people ignore the “popular” trend toward the colorless and prefer the warmth of light yellow tints.
Cut refers to the proportions, finish, symmetry, and polish of the diamond. These factors determine the fire and brilliance of a diamond. Well cut diamonds sell at a premium and poorly cut diamonds sell at discounted prices. With the advent of technology, the cut of the diamond can be determined through the use of the Dia-Mension system, a computerized system which takes accurate measurements and proportions of a diamond in seconds, in addition to the standard millimeter gauge.
This is the weight of a diamond measured in carats. As the carat weight of a diamond increases so does its rarity and therefore its price. One carat is divided into 100 “points,” so that a diamond of 75 points weights .75 carats. The carat-weight of a diamond is the easiest measurement to determine. Most importantly, two diamonds can be of equal carat-weight, but their value can differ greatly due to their cut, color, and clarity.
If you can make sure they’re not going to tell her, you might collect an incredible amount of information from her friends and mother. From what metal she would prefer for the ring, to what size and shape of diamond she likes most, all the way up to her ring size (they can even sneak and get a ring she doesn’t usually wear in case they don’t know her ring size). This is invaluable information.
Enough information now. Time to start looking. Compare online offerings to what you can find in brick and mortar jewelry stores. You can make your purchase from either; it all comes down to what they offer and how much your budget allows you to spend.
Determine your budget and stick to it. The fatal mistake that many people make is getting carried away. We can’t all afford D-flawless diamonds. The sooner you realize this the better. Only you know what you are comfortable with spending. Don’t pay attention to the misconception that you have to spend the equivalent of 2 months salary on your diamond engagement ring, its a myth. And, after all, she will see her engagement ring as a token of your love for her, not as a financial investment.
The most important thing, though, is to talk to specialists in the field. They’ll guide you and offer professional advice as well. Just make sure that you don’t collect so much information that you get analysis paralysis: master the basics, and then get out there and start looking for your ring.
Manhattan Jewelers carries a lot more jewelry-related information, such as stores that sell fancy in NYC.
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