The Only Guide You Will Ever Need For Buying an Engagement Ring
Choosing the perfect engagement ring is one of life’s biggest (and most rewarding) challenges. The good news is it is not nearly as complicated as you might think. If you start with a budget, find the right retailer and understand a little about the 4-Cs you pretty much have it made. The following is the only guide you really need for purchasing a quality engagement ring or bridal set.
One – Decide on a Budget
The first step is to decide on a budget that you can live with. A standard guideline is to estimate a price in line with two months of your salary. Most importantly, you’ll want to find a reasonably priced quality ring. Michael Hill, for example, is a reputable retailer who offers many great engagement rings and bands in a wide range of prices. The perfect ring will be right for her and priced to suit your finances.
Two – Understand the 4-Cs
The 4-Cs includes color, clarity, carats (weight) and cut. It is important to know that diamonds are never perfectly clear. Color is based on a ‘colorless scale’ from D to F to much more yellow, rated to Z. Clarity has to do with the diamond’s purity, and diamonds include minor flaws. The weight of the diamond(s) and the cut will also affect price, but they don’t have to take away from the diamond’s natural beauty.
Three – Know the Metals
Most wedding bands include either gold or platinum. White gold, rose-gold and yellow gold are combined in truly great combinations. White gold is a great alternative to silver (which frequently does not hold up as well over time). Engagement rings are typically created with 14k or 18k gold. Rose gold provides some beautiful options; it is a mixture of copper and yellow gold. Moreover, many rings are made from amazing combinations of white and yellow gold.
Four – Choose Shape and Style
The style of the setting will play a major role in the appearance of the engagement ring or wedding set. One of the most important considerations will have to do with the shape and style of the ring. Diamonds can be cut in many different shapes. Round, oval, marquise, pear and square are some standard designs. Diamond solitaires are frequently cut into exotic styles, such as emerald, radiant, princess and hearts. Diamond clusters and bands also offer lovely options.
Five – Select the Right Ring
One of the best ways to choose the right ring is to take a good look at the jewelry your sweetheart usually wears. When you buy diamonds from a reputable source, you will just need to narrow your choices down to budget and the ring qualities that you know she will love. Your best guide is using your own good judgment… the same decisiveness that you used when you chose her. There is no token of love more traditional than an engagement ring, band, or wedding set. Finally, styles can range from classic to ultra-modern, to fit your budget and her finger with precision.
