A diamond ring is an enduring symbol of love and romance, something to be cherished and loved forever—but it’s not just the sparkle that makes it special.
While the price of a diamond may go up or down, its quality never changes; that’s why it’s so important to make sure you buy high-quality diamond rings when you propose or buy one for your significant other. This beginner’s guide will help you pick out the perfect ring for any occasion, whether you want to save money or you want the most impressive ring in the world.
The Importance of Size
The size of your diamond is crucial in determining how much it’s worth. A 1-carat diamond can cost two or three times as much as a half-carat, but four or five times as much as a 0.25-carat stone so think hard about what size diamond you want and look for quality, not just quantity. The bigger your rock, after all, the more impressive it will be on your bride-to-be’s finger! Whether a big diamond is right for you depends on your budget, as well as personal taste; some men prefer smaller diamonds than others.
Still, if she has always dreamed of having the biggest ring possible, don’t let her down by going too small! If she ends up wanting something smaller once she gets used to wearing it every day, that’s fine but no one ever regrets getting too big first. Also, bear in mind that carats are not mass measurements like pounds or ounces: Carats refer to diamond weight by measurement.
You also have access to actual photos taken with a calibrated camera under controlled lighting conditions so you get an accurate idea of how your diamond looks before placing an order.
When Should You Buy Your Ring?
When it comes to engagement rings, timing is everything. On average, both men and women are waiting longer than ever before to get engaged—which means that you’re probably not going to be buying your ring immediately after proposing. You may also want to wait until you know how much money you’ll have available for a ring or if you even want something beyond an inexpensive band. Keep in mind, there are no hard and fast rules on when you should buy your diamond; however, you should think about how long you plan on saving up for a ring as well as any debt payments or other major expenses (like school) that will be competing with saving up for an engagement ring. Your best bet? Start saving sooner rather than later!
Where Do I Start Looking for My Engagement Ring?
You’ve popped the question, and now it’s time to pick out your engagement ring. There are so many different styles of diamond rings available; from colored gemstones to diamonds with shared prongs and beyond. To narrow down your search, ask yourself: what kind of ring do I want my fiancee to wear? Do I want my fiancee’s engagement ring to complement her other jewelry or stand out on its own?
How Much Should I Spend on My Engagement Ring?
The average engagement ring costs between $5,000 and $6,000, but that’s just an average. It’s up to you—and your bank account—to decide how much your ring should cost. Most couples say that price doesn’t matter as long as it shows their significant other how much they love them. No matter what you decide, though, consider quality: When it comes to diamonds, only 100% natural gems are worth your hard-earned money.
Synthetic stones can chip or lose color over time, so don’t waste your cash on something that won’t last more than a few years. Instead, choose one with high clarity and sparkle and make sure it has been laser-inscribed for extra protection against wear. When looking at rings with other precious gemstones like sapphires or rubies, look for similar things like color saturation; if not naturally grown from the earth, these stones need lots of TLC to maintain their luster. Jewelry stores will gladly tell you everything you need to know about each stone they carry during an inspection; take advantage of these sessions! If possible, try on rings before purchasing them so you can feel how lightweight (or not) each one is in its setting.
What if it Doesn’t Fit?
If you’re buying your ring from a brick-and-mortar jewelry store, your ring must fit perfectly. Rings can often be resized for free or for only $50, depending on where you buy it and who did the work. So, if you end up with an ill-fitting ring, get it resized as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Diamonds are forever, and when it comes to one of our most treasured heirlooms, we want something that’s every bit as beautiful, timeless, and valuable. But with an array of color, clarity, cut and carat options available on today’s market (not to mention all those marketing claims), it can be difficult for even experienced shoppers to know what makes one diamond ring better than another.
