What To Know Before Buying A Diamond Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is one of the most cherished pieces of jewelry. As a symbol of constant love and affection, it’s a piece that will be worn every day and treasured forever. To choose the best possible ring for your partner, be sure to arm yourself with the knowledge you need before you buy.

 

1. Educate yourself on the 4 Cs.

The “4 Cs” are some of the most important aspects you’ll need to know about diamonds before you begin shopping. Cut, color, clarity, and carat are the four factors that affect a diamond’s quality—and also its price. 

1. Cut: Cut is arguably the most important of the four Cs because cut affects a diamond’s sparkle. The stone should be cut to specific angles and proportions to allow for the most brilliance and internal fire. Diamonds that are cut to these exact proportions are more valuable than stones that are too deep or too shallow, which diminishes sparkle.
2. Color: Though diamonds are mostly known for their sparkling, colorless qualities, they actually are found in a wide range of colors. Sometimes seen with tints of pink, yellow, brown, or green, the color quality of a diamond plays an important role. All diamonds are graded on a scale created by the Gemological Institute of America, or the GIA. The scale ranges from D color on the high end to Z on the low end. Typically, the more colorless a diamond, the more expensive it is.
3. Clarity: Clarity measures the imperfections both on a diamond’s surface and below the surface. A diamond’s imperfections, called inclusions, are typically graded at a highly magnified level and are not usually visible to the naked eye. The fewer the imperfections, the higher the diamond’s clarity grade.
4. Carat: Though many people think a diamond’s carat refers to its size, it is actually a measurement of weight. The larger the carat weight, the larger the stone. Carat weight typically has the biggest impact on the overall price of an engagement ring.

 

2. Know your partner’s style preferences.

Your partner will likely wear their engagement ring every day, so it’s important to pick a style they’ll love—and one that also reflects their overall personal style and wardrobe. Take notice if they gravitate towards simpler jewelry and accessories, or if their style is more ornate or vintage. These clues will help lead you towards an engagement ring that is right for them. If all else fails, try asking their best friend or family members for help. The people that know them best will often know instantly what style ring they’ll prefer. 

 

3. There’s no “right” budget.

There are many frequently asked questions about buying a ring, but often one of the biggest is about budget. While there may be an old adage that an engagement ring should cost three months’ salary, that’s no longer the accepted rule of thumb. Instead, your budget is a very personal decision—evaluate your finances and choose a price point that you’re comfortable with. 

You can also make trade-offs to make sure you both stay in budget and get the ring of your partner’s dreams. If they’re hoping for a larger carat size, for example, you could choose a stone with a lesser color or clarity grade to make up the difference without busting your budget. 

 

4. Choose a reputable jeweler. 

An engagement ring is often one of the biggest purchases you’ll make, so it’s important to buy from someone you trust. Many jewelers are recognized by large industry organizations, like the Jewelers of America of the Gemological Institute of America. These jewelers will be able to advise you on all of the technical aspects of the ring, like if it can be resized and can provide detailed information on repairs. They will also offer authentications and certifications, like a GIA certification, when applicable to prove the authenticity and provenance of the stone you purchase. 

 

5. You don’t have to buy a pre-made style.

While you always have the option to purchase an existing style, you can also customize your own engagement ring to create the perfect style for your partner. Whether you’re looking to choose the individual diamond, create your own setting, or incorporate personalized touches, customizing your ring is a wonderful option for a piece that’s even more romantic and thoughtful.

If you’re looking for a custom engagement ring, look no further than Finer Custom Jewelry. With years of experience in the industry and a custom-centric mission, Finer Custom Jewelry is making it easier than ever before to craft the ring of your dreams. Simply reach out to their team of experts to get started developing the ring you’ve always imagined. 

Setup an appointment to get started today.