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Engagement Rings
By:
Published: July 25, 2006
If you're lucky, it will only happen once. But before the excitement of the engagement and the wedding planning process, comes picking out the engagement ring. To alleviate some of the stresses of engagement ring shopping, here are some things you should know before you begin looking:
Choose the shape first
Shape refers to the geometry of a stone, which shouldn't be confused with its cut, or the number and placement of the angles and facets on a stone. If the diamond is of the highest quality, the shape is what people notice before anything else. And, if the shape doesn't fit the woman's style, neither will the rest of the engagement ring design. For a timeless, traditional look, a round diamond will be your best choice. After all, this shape still remains the most popular among engagement rings. Or, you may opt for a more modern style, in which case a pear shaped diamond will be suitable.
The setting comes next
The setting refers to the way in which the stone(s) in a ring are mounted within a metal framework. Even before you purchase a diamond or decide the design of the ring, you should select which setting the stone(s) will have. After all, the most appropriate setting type for a stone is solely contingent upon its shape. In most cases, many different settings will work fine with the same shape. But the setting still should be determined before the engagement ring is designed, as it will likely impact its overall style. The most popular type is the prong setting, which may include 3-6 metal claws and creates a basket-type hold for the stone(s). Prongs can be pointed, rounded, flat, or V-shaped.
Even engagement rings have their own style
That is why you should be careful to choose one that is reflective of the woman's own personal style. The best way to determine this is to pay attention to the type of jewelry and how much of it she wears at once. Don't just notice if she only wears a few simple pieces, or thicker, more gaudy ones. Determine what metal choice (gold, silver, or platinum) will be most appropriate by taking note of what she wears most. If she wears a combination of both gold and silver, two-tone rings may be a safe bet.
Shop smart
Although engagement rings, like all other fine jewelry, are positive investments to make because they retain their value well, this doesn't mean that you should go into a lot of debt when buying one. Most jewelers will recommend spending approximately two months salary. But if you can't afford to spend that much, choose a ring with slightly more surface area. Although the cut won't be as deep, and some of the brilliance will be lost, the stone will appear larger. Also, you can buy shy of the next carat weight (0.9 instead of a 1.0 carat) and save up to 20%, or choose a setting with smaller stones on both sides of the main stone, which helps give the appearance that the stone is larger. Regardless of what you can spend, though, always determine your price range before you shop, as jewelers will attempt to persuade you to buy more than what you originally set out to get.
Don't just go to any store
If you're choosy about which ring you buy, why shouldn't you also be selective about where you shop? Stores that are accredited by Jewelers of America or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) are the most reliable. Chain stores often offer sales and are also generally dependable, but it may also mean paying more in ticket price for a similar ring at a privately-owned jeweler. Buying engagement rings by a designer will also substantially raise the price of an engagement ring, and often mean forgoing individuality as they sell many different rings of the exact same design.
Don't buy an engagement ring straight from the case
Stones that are already placed in settings are usually for sample purposes instead of for retail sale. While you can purchase an engagement ring with a pre-selected stone, setting, and design, it is wiser to take the extra time and design your own. This means buying a loose stone first and then choosing the design. Since the stone accounts for the majority of the total ring cost, anyway, buying it separately ensures that you are getting the best stone for your money. This also allows for more creativity when selecting the ring's design, making it more individualized and unique.
No impulse buying here
While it is possible to shop for and purchase an engagement ring in the same day, it is best to make that your last possible option. As mentioned before, not only do you limit the design options for a ring by choosing a pre-set stone, but you also take the risk of paying a lot more for it. And, even then, you may not walk out of the store with the ring on the same day. Any customization (including sizing) may take additional time to complete. It is best to allow around six weeks for the ring to arrive, which may end up being even longer if a custom design is extremely intricate. When you buy, you should also become familiar with the store's return policy. . . just in case.
Save your receipt
Yes, even diamonds come with these. It is very important for verification purposes to ask for a receipt for an engagement ring, especially if the stone is one carat in weight or higher. This receipt will include a grading report by a gemological association, like the GIA or American Gemological Society. A fingerprint of the engagement ring may also be available with the bill of sale, which includes detailed information about the 4C's of the diamond, its shape, dimensions, any cosmetic enhancements, and anything else that may affect its value (including if it is a custom design, of a particular designer, or is an antique.)
Choose the shape first
Shape refers to the geometry of a stone, which shouldn't be confused with its cut, or the number and placement of the angles and facets on a stone. If the diamond is of the highest quality, the shape is what people notice before anything else. And, if the shape doesn't fit the woman's style, neither will the rest of the engagement ring design. For a timeless, traditional look, a round diamond will be your best choice. After all, this shape still remains the most popular among engagement rings. Or, you may opt for a more modern style, in which case a pear shaped diamond will be suitable.
The setting comes next
The setting refers to the way in which the stone(s) in a ring are mounted within a metal framework. Even before you purchase a diamond or decide the design of the ring, you should select which setting the stone(s) will have. After all, the most appropriate setting type for a stone is solely contingent upon its shape. In most cases, many different settings will work fine with the same shape. But the setting still should be determined before the engagement ring is designed, as it will likely impact its overall style. The most popular type is the prong setting, which may include 3-6 metal claws and creates a basket-type hold for the stone(s). Prongs can be pointed, rounded, flat, or V-shaped.
Even engagement rings have their own style
That is why you should be careful to choose one that is reflective of the woman's own personal style. The best way to determine this is to pay attention to the type of jewelry and how much of it she wears at once. Don't just notice if she only wears a few simple pieces, or thicker, more gaudy ones. Determine what metal choice (gold, silver, or platinum) will be most appropriate by taking note of what she wears most. If she wears a combination of both gold and silver, two-tone rings may be a safe bet.
Shop smart
Although engagement rings, like all other fine jewelry, are positive investments to make because they retain their value well, this doesn't mean that you should go into a lot of debt when buying one. Most jewelers will recommend spending approximately two months salary. But if you can't afford to spend that much, choose a ring with slightly more surface area. Although the cut won't be as deep, and some of the brilliance will be lost, the stone will appear larger. Also, you can buy shy of the next carat weight (0.9 instead of a 1.0 carat) and save up to 20%, or choose a setting with smaller stones on both sides of the main stone, which helps give the appearance that the stone is larger. Regardless of what you can spend, though, always determine your price range before you shop, as jewelers will attempt to persuade you to buy more than what you originally set out to get.
Don't just go to any store
If you're choosy about which ring you buy, why shouldn't you also be selective about where you shop? Stores that are accredited by Jewelers of America or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) are the most reliable. Chain stores often offer sales and are also generally dependable, but it may also mean paying more in ticket price for a similar ring at a privately-owned jeweler. Buying engagement rings by a designer will also substantially raise the price of an engagement ring, and often mean forgoing individuality as they sell many different rings of the exact same design.
Don't buy an engagement ring straight from the case
Stones that are already placed in settings are usually for sample purposes instead of for retail sale. While you can purchase an engagement ring with a pre-selected stone, setting, and design, it is wiser to take the extra time and design your own. This means buying a loose stone first and then choosing the design. Since the stone accounts for the majority of the total ring cost, anyway, buying it separately ensures that you are getting the best stone for your money. This also allows for more creativity when selecting the ring's design, making it more individualized and unique.
No impulse buying here
While it is possible to shop for and purchase an engagement ring in the same day, it is best to make that your last possible option. As mentioned before, not only do you limit the design options for a ring by choosing a pre-set stone, but you also take the risk of paying a lot more for it. And, even then, you may not walk out of the store with the ring on the same day. Any customization (including sizing) may take additional time to complete. It is best to allow around six weeks for the ring to arrive, which may end up being even longer if a custom design is extremely intricate. When you buy, you should also become familiar with the store's return policy. . . just in case.
Save your receipt
Yes, even diamonds come with these. It is very important for verification purposes to ask for a receipt for an engagement ring, especially if the stone is one carat in weight or higher. This receipt will include a grading report by a gemological association, like the GIA or American Gemological Society. A fingerprint of the engagement ring may also be available with the bill of sale, which includes detailed information about the 4C's of the diamond, its shape, dimensions, any cosmetic enhancements, and anything else that may affect its value (including if it is a custom design, of a particular designer, or is an antique.)
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