Choosing a piece of jewellery is never easy, especially if it involves diamonds and rings. Essentially, there is no such thing as the right ring, and you will encounter an endless line of suitable prospects. If you do find the “right one” consider yourself extremely lucky! Diamond engagement rings have many differences based on shape, colour, cut, weight, setting, the metal used, etc. Going in blind will be the worst mistake you could make. Adequate research and planning are essential if you want to claim success.
To prepare you for this daunting challenge, we have compiled a checklist of points to remember and some things to ask along the way to finding the best Icy diamond engagement ring that will justify the bag of money you will be providing.
#1. Know your measurements and requirements
Having a predetermined idea of what your measurements (ring size) are will save time and allow you to get straight into the process. It will also help avoid falling in love with a ring that does not fit. Plan a list of features you will be looking for, and this could be a budget, diamond shape, weight, etc. We also prefer you to make a list of what you DO NOT want (there are some gifted sales personnel in jewellery shops).
Heading out with these objectives in mind will keep you focused and on track. Straying from this can result in time mismanagement, something we all want to avoid.
#2. Research: Know your four C’s
When referring to diamonds, we describe them in terms of the famous four C’s. These each represents a specific parameter. These are Carat, Clarity, Colour, and Cut. They stand for the following:
Carat is concerned with the weight of the diamond. These are most commonly in decimals (0.95,1.25).
The cut represents the shape in which the diamond splits to release the maximum amount of light. Examples are round, oval, cushion, emerald, pear, and so on.
Colour aims to grade the stone based on its lack of colour. Diamonds are colourless, and the greater the transparency of the diamond, the higher is the value.
Clarity refers to the absence of blemishes and other imperfections. A rare clear diamond should not have any obscuring sight in the arc of light that passes through it.
#3. Choose the metal for the ring band.
Precious metals have long been used for making ring bands and are what completes the ring and compliments the stone. Options that are available to you are Silver, gold, platinum, or Rhodium-plated gold.
Silver:
This is the cheapest option and will compliment the natural appearance of the stone. The only drawback with this metal is that it may require some polishing many years from when purchased.
Gold:
Regarded as a metal with high value in every market in the world, especially India and other Asian and Middle-Eastern countries. This glistening yellow metal is evergreen and sophisticated. It can match coloured stones better than a colourless stone.
Platinum:
The most expensive and somewhat rare metal, platinum is considered the most graceful metal that will feature alongside the diamond.
#4. Select the best stone setting
A stone requires a setting that will hold it in place and keep the diamond safe and prevents it from falling out. The setting aims to display the full exquisite natural beauty of the stone. In total, there are three main types of stone settings:
Bezel Setting:
The bezel setting is a one in which the mould takes first preference, and then the diamond is cut into this specific shape and placed into the mould. This setting provides extreme safety for the diamond, preventing any chances of falling out or scratches.
Prong Setting:
The prong diamond setting is the most famous type of stone setting. It consists of a stone elevated by many narrow metal protrusions, called prongs. They are the most commonly seen type of engagement rings and are also thought of as old fashioned as opposed to newer stone setting styles.
Halo setting
Countless smaller stones form an outer circle around the main diamond that occupies the central spot of the ring, hence the name “halo”.
#5. Accompanying stones or not
Although the most common diamond engagement rings have only one enlarged central stone, others have two or several other supporting stones that add an exotic twist to the ring. You will have to decide before ring hunting so that energy can be exerted elsewhere! If you choose to avoid additional stones, do not let the sales staff persuade you otherwise.
#6. Know what style will match up with your appearance
If you are choosing the ring for yourself fair enough, if you are buying it for your fiancé, we strongly advise that you take someone to help you pick out the best ring your money can buy. That said, you have to imagine what type of ring she would like and what will suit her appearance and make her shine. It is no simple task, ask the jeweller about their exchange or return policy in case there is some last-minute change in details.
#7. Pick a jeweller
Pick out a list of professional jewellers you would like to go to. Make sure they are certified diamond dealers who deal with GIA graded and approved diamonds. Check the ways to determine the originality of a diamond to make sure they are not fake! Also, before buying any diamond, make sure they are legally procured to prevent any legal problems.
#8. Rate your compromises
In case you find yourself out of your budget, write down what you would rather want instead of the other. The compromising will be done in this order: Clarity, Colour, and Cut. Unfortunately, if you still find yourself struggling to handle the price, the last chance to stay inclusive of your budget is to cut the diamond weight, a small shave will not be noticeable.
With all this information giving you some wisdom, you are all set to make the big decision. Best of luck!
Author Bio:
I am Navneet, and I blog at shreediamondmfg.com. I am a professional diamond blogger and diamond expert. I write about diamond guides, hacks and tips on diamonds.
