3 Stone Platinum Engagement Ring, Engagement ring tips?
I was wondering if anyone had any special tips or stories to share
about shopping for engagement rings. I've done some asking around and surfing
the web and came up with this:
1) Do NOT go to mall jewelry stores
2) Info on clarity, color, cut, and caret
3) Make sure your gemstone is certified
Is there anything else I should know? I'd love to hear personal
anecdotes and experiences from people, either posted here or via e-mail.
Thanks in advance! :)
To be honest, I think the most important thing is to go
window shopping. Get an idea of the sort of thing that you (both of
you) like and what looks good when being worn (you shouldn't run into
too much trouble trying rings on. After all you *are* ring shopping.
It's perfectly reasonable to want to try a ring style on for comfort
before buying.) before applying any rules like 3-months salary or
whatever. You want something you can live with and it's not everyone
who likes the look of a stanard gold tiffany setting with a huge
diamond in it, or wants one, or feels one would fit into their life
style. Some people don't even go for diamonds.
Once you have an idea of what you want (and it can't hurt to
take notes of general prices whlie you're window shopping) then start
applying the rules about quality, etc. to the actual ring you intend
to purchase. This is when concerns about metal are important, too,
moreso than when you're just trying to get a feel for things. Also,
think about how much you can afford to spend, and if you're willing to
go a bit over that for the "perfect" ring, etc. Don't let anyone
pressure you into getting something you don't want because it's bigger
or sparkles more or whatever.
Remember, this is something you're going to want to have around
your whole life, so, within your budget, get exactly what you want.
It all depends....
1.) What is your budget? Are you really interested in spending up to 3 months
salary for a ring? If so, then go for it. But remember that these "salary
guidelines" were invented by the diamond industry. You can find a diamond
engagement ring from about a hundred dollars at a pawn shop, on up to tens of
thousands at a quality jeweler.
2.) What is your credit rating? If you are young and fairly new to the whole
work/credit experience, you will probably not be able to get more than a few
hundred dollars credit at a chain jewelry store. And probably no chance for a
$10,000 bank loan to pay for the ring.
Also, what other expenses do you have? Rent? car note? other credit payments?
It is generally not a great idea to go way into debt on a ring before you are
even married. Starting a new life is difficult enough, without bringing debt
with you.
3.) The most important things are:
Cut: The shape of the stone, and the faceting pattern of the stone.
Color: Any undertones or actual tints to the stones. (A high-quality
"white" diamond can have a faint cool or warm cast to it.
any obvious yellow or dinginess is not good, but there are
diamonds with an obvious color to them they are called
"fancy", and are more valuable than white diamonds).
Clarity: Are there any obvious flaws or cloudiness to the stone?
This is rated along a system of : VSI VSI2 SI SI2 etc.....
Flaws in diamonds are called "inclusions". The jeweler
should be able to explain this to you thoroughly.
Carat: The weight of the diamond. Most popular are 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1
The larger the stone, the higher the price increase. So, a 1
carat stone will be much more than twice the cost of a 1/2 c
stone of equal quality.
4.) If you are buying the ring from a reputable jeweler, they will "certify"
your diamond. That is issue a certificate stating the specifics of your
stone, and mapping any inclusions. (Some insurance companies require this
before insuring your ring). But, some retailers require a surcharge for
certifying any stones under a certain carat weight.
5.) Mall Jewelry stores....... Why not? Some have credit programs that can
help buyers on a budget. Most I have shopped at have knowledgeable staff. I
have seen large, high quality, certified stones in some mall stores. These
stores are good for the 1/4 to 3/4 Carat stone range. Most have a guarantee
and maintenance program. (Anytime I am in the mall, I can get my cluster ring
cleaned and the mountings checked for free.) It is okay for the couple
looking to spend between $300-$1200 on a ring.
6.) Mountings/Settings: What type of metal do you want? Gold, Platinum,
Silver? Platinum is strongest and most expensive, but is difficult to
resize/repair. Gold is most popular, either white or yellow. make sure the
stone is securely held to the band. There are different types of settings:
Tiffany, channel, bezel, etc.......
7.) What does the ring mean to you? The answer to this question will
determine what you are looking for. Is it important to have a large,
expensive stone? Will it fit in with your everyday lifestyle/fashion style?
If you never wear flashy jewelry and like to go hiking a lot, maybe a huge
diamond just isn't for you. Will you wear it constantly? Then it must be
sturdy.
It doesn't really matter where you buy it or how big it is. Get the best
you can afford comfortably. (A good 1/2 C stone is more valuable than a
mediocre 1 C stone). Make sure the jeweler can answer all your questions. If
buying a large stone, get it certified and mapped for insurance. Make sure
the jeweler stands behind their merchandise. Make sure the jeweler is
certified or that stones have been inspected and certified by a GIA certified
jeweler. (Most jewelry store employees are just commission salespeople, and
are not experts on gemstones). Get a very detailed receipt with all the
specifics of the stone on it.