If you’ve always looked forward to using a diamond engagement ring, you surely have an eye for great things. Of course, finding someone you wish to spend the rest of your life with is something to be cherished, and what better way to mark such an exciting moment than with a sparkling diamond ring?
But hold up; before heading off to an online jeweler, there are things you need to know to ensure you get the right diamond engagement ring.
Know the 4Cs
The Four Cs is the official grading system for diamonds’ quality and the Cs stand for Cut, Carat, Clarity, and Color. Knowing what they mean can guide you in choosing the right diamond for your needs and budget.
Cut
The first C of the 4Cs is the diamond’s cut. This refers to the depth of the diamond. It’s a hugely important part of all engagement ring styles, and you therefore need to make sure that you are happy with it – and that your partner will be, too of course. If the cut is right, the whole effect is going to be a lot better, so that is certainly something to remember here. A well-cut diamond has an ideal depth that allows more light to pass through the crown, making it sparkle brilliantly. If it’s too deep or shallow, light rays will escape, and the precious stone won’t sparkle so well.
Carat
The weight or size of diamond is measured in carats. This will factor significantly into the cost, so you want to go for nothing bigger than your budget. 1-2 carats is the average weight of a diamond in an engagement ring. Most people go for something within that range. Of course, you can go for something smaller or larger depending on your budget.
Color
Diamonds come in a variety of shades, but the rarest and most valuable ones are colorless. These shades are denoted by the letters of the alphabet, from D (no color and most expensive) to Z (light yellow and least expensive). When buying, be sure to compare the diamond color side-by-side, as the difference may be hard to tell just by looking at the diamonds individually. If you can’t afford the most expensive one, you can go for near colorless (from G to J), and hardly anyone will know.
Clarity
Diamonds are naturally-occurring crystals, so they tend to have flaws — tiny flecks of lines — as they form over time. The fewer and less visible the flaws are, the more clarity and value the diamond is said to have.
Choosing your diamond shape
Diamonds come in different shapes, so you want to be sure you select one that fits your lover’s style.
Round diamonds are the most sought-after as the shape emphasizes the diamond’s brilliance. But if her fingers are long and lean, an oval shape will work well. If either of you is artsy, a square emerald may best highlight that art deco feel.
While a princess cut (broad, flat-top, and pyramidal) can look very attractive, it usually appears smaller than the weight. So you may be surprised that you’re paying more for a smaller diamond. If you’re going for a smaller carat, consider opting for the long tapered shape.
Best place to buy diamond engagement rings
If you’re buying your diamond from a national jeweler, know this: the exquisite store lighting can give a false color to the diamond. It’s best to stand near a window to see the true diamond color. However, the in-store experience can be worth it.
On the other hand, a private jeweler will offer better pricing than a national jeweler. That said, online jewelers offer you the convenience of browsing through hundreds of stones and choosing your preferred diamond color, shape, and size. You can also customize the engagement ring to your style before delivery.
A marriage proposal can be a precious moment and the beginning of many more to come. It’s enough to feel excited to purchase the most expensive diamond engagement ring. However, you want to set a realistic budget before heading to the store.