For numerous folks, shopping for an engagement ring is a daunting experience. They are shopping for a diamond for the first time and they are wondering what to look for. I'm here to help! As odd as it may sound, shopping for an engagement ring should be enjoyable. We will explore the first 3 things you need to decide on. Once you know these 3 things you will be able to focus on the most important area of the ring - the diamond!
Decide on a Budget
I always recommend that my clients do this first thing. Decide what price you can easily afford and stay with that price. There is not a definite rule about how much one should spend, but there are some people that have paid out about 2 months of their salary on a ring.
Please never spend more than your budget is. Some of my friends actually took out large loans for the express purpose of buying a larger ring and they wind up paying on the loan for years. You do not want to wind up with financial problems. Remember that if you can't get her the size stone she wants now you can upgrade it for her later on in life when you have more money. You will figure your budget depending on a few factors, but be ready to put out a large chunk of cash. Diamonds are not inexpensive, but she will wear them forever and I promise the smile it puts on her face will be worth it.
2) Choose the type of metal for the band
There are three choices for the metal used in the setting for the ring: yellow gold, platinum, and white gold. Look at the kind of jewelry she now has. If her preference is yellow gold that's an easy choice and the decision is made. On the other hand if her favorite jewelry is white gold or silver then your choice is between platinum and the white gold. Platinum is a whopping 3 times the price of white or yellow gold, so if you're on a budget white gold becomes an easy choice. However, platinum is the most durable of the 3 metals and numerous folks love it as they believe it's durability makes it possible for the ring to become a family heirloom. Keep in mind that the platinum will get a matte look unless you polish from time to time. This is really the only maintenance with this metal.
White gold is cheaper and a bit more shiny than platinum. It will damage a bit easier but not enough to worry about. You may have to have it replated once every year or so. White gold is not actually white; it is actually gold combined with different metals that give it a look of white. Rhodium is used to plate it with to take the yellow tinge away. If this plating comes off you will start seeing the yellow tinge return. Replating is not very expensive just remember this will need to be done.
You need to compare the looks of both platinum and white gold at this point. You will be able to see which you prefer this way. This will help you decide which to buy.
Select the Setting
The setting is just the style of the ring. Does it have multiple diamonds? Does it have just a singular diamond? This is decided by which setting you pick for the engagement ring. You have 3 main types to choose from. The most popular is the solitaire engagement ring, which is also the simplest. There is a single diamond on the band. What a perfect way to help show off that beautiful diamond. A 3 stone ring has one diamond in the center, and 2 diamonds that are smaller 1 being on each side. The diamonds on the sides are about 30 to 60% the size of the larger center diamond.
Then there are the diamond engagement rings that have side stones; these have one large stone in the center and several smaller diamonds on each side. These diamonds are usually inexpensive because they are extremely small. Try to figure out which one she would like. Maybe one of her friends would find out for you but make sure she would not give away the secret first. As much as girls talk about jewelry she won't be suspicious. You will feel more secure in the knowledge that you got her the kind she wants.
You can now get to the fun part since you have done the three first steps - selecting the diamond! Since she will wear this ring for life make sure to concentrate on getting a diamond that is truly stunning - it is such a pleasure watching my wife receive positive remarks on hers. Lets me remember that I did good picking it out! - 16651
Decide on a Budget
I always recommend that my clients do this first thing. Decide what price you can easily afford and stay with that price. There is not a definite rule about how much one should spend, but there are some people that have paid out about 2 months of their salary on a ring.
Please never spend more than your budget is. Some of my friends actually took out large loans for the express purpose of buying a larger ring and they wind up paying on the loan for years. You do not want to wind up with financial problems. Remember that if you can't get her the size stone she wants now you can upgrade it for her later on in life when you have more money. You will figure your budget depending on a few factors, but be ready to put out a large chunk of cash. Diamonds are not inexpensive, but she will wear them forever and I promise the smile it puts on her face will be worth it.
2) Choose the type of metal for the band
There are three choices for the metal used in the setting for the ring: yellow gold, platinum, and white gold. Look at the kind of jewelry she now has. If her preference is yellow gold that's an easy choice and the decision is made. On the other hand if her favorite jewelry is white gold or silver then your choice is between platinum and the white gold. Platinum is a whopping 3 times the price of white or yellow gold, so if you're on a budget white gold becomes an easy choice. However, platinum is the most durable of the 3 metals and numerous folks love it as they believe it's durability makes it possible for the ring to become a family heirloom. Keep in mind that the platinum will get a matte look unless you polish from time to time. This is really the only maintenance with this metal.
White gold is cheaper and a bit more shiny than platinum. It will damage a bit easier but not enough to worry about. You may have to have it replated once every year or so. White gold is not actually white; it is actually gold combined with different metals that give it a look of white. Rhodium is used to plate it with to take the yellow tinge away. If this plating comes off you will start seeing the yellow tinge return. Replating is not very expensive just remember this will need to be done.
You need to compare the looks of both platinum and white gold at this point. You will be able to see which you prefer this way. This will help you decide which to buy.
Select the Setting
The setting is just the style of the ring. Does it have multiple diamonds? Does it have just a singular diamond? This is decided by which setting you pick for the engagement ring. You have 3 main types to choose from. The most popular is the solitaire engagement ring, which is also the simplest. There is a single diamond on the band. What a perfect way to help show off that beautiful diamond. A 3 stone ring has one diamond in the center, and 2 diamonds that are smaller 1 being on each side. The diamonds on the sides are about 30 to 60% the size of the larger center diamond.
Then there are the diamond engagement rings that have side stones; these have one large stone in the center and several smaller diamonds on each side. These diamonds are usually inexpensive because they are extremely small. Try to figure out which one she would like. Maybe one of her friends would find out for you but make sure she would not give away the secret first. As much as girls talk about jewelry she won't be suspicious. You will feel more secure in the knowledge that you got her the kind she wants.
You can now get to the fun part since you have done the three first steps - selecting the diamond! Since she will wear this ring for life make sure to concentrate on getting a diamond that is truly stunning - it is such a pleasure watching my wife receive positive remarks on hers. Lets me remember that I did good picking it out! - 16651
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It's important to read a diamond buying guide to make sure you know exactly what to look for when shopping for an engagement ring. You can save huge cash on a diamond - Click Here to discover the ways to save money!
