If you’re thinking of proposing, you’ll probably want to buy a diamond engagement ring. Your search will likely lead you to a jewelry store. Be prepared with questions to ask, and the jeweler will try to help you narrow down your choices.
1. Are you new to engagement ring shopping?
The jeweler asks this question not just to break the ice, but to understand where you are in the diamond shopping process and how much information you have. If you are just beginning to shop, don’t be afraid to speak up. Any good jeweler will be happy to describe the steps of choosing an engagement ring and begin to impart knowledge about diamond quality, jewelry settings, and more.
If you want to get a head start, do some research on diamond engagement rings ahead of time. Browse websites. Flip through magazines. Talk to friends or family members who know your significant other’s style.
Color and clarity are especially important in emerald cut diamonds, as inclusions can mar the diamond’s icy beauty. The center stone of this ring is a 1.09 ct D VVS1 color work of art.
2. When do you plan to propose?
Before you purchase a diamond engagement ring, your jeweler will want to make sure there is enough time to create your perfect diamond ring. The jeweler will prepare the engagement ring with pre-set melee diamonds (called a semi-mount ) to hold the center diamond of your choice. This can take anywhere from a few days to a week. A custom ring can take up to six weeks to complete, so be sure to plan your proposal accordingly.
3. What is your engagement ring budget?
Many people are shy about talking about money. It doesn’t have to be. It’s a reasonable question that can help you navigate the price range. When shopping for a diamond engagement ring, the price can range from $500 to $100,000 or more. With so many incredible options, it’s easy to be tempted by choices that are beyond your financial means. Setting a budget and sticking to it is so important that it’s one of the first topics your jeweler will broach. Answer honestly and don’t be intimidated. Remember: your goal is to get the best quality engagement ring within your budget. A good jeweler will help you do that.
4. Are you familiar with the 4Cs of diamond quality?
This is by far one of the most important questions, because the price of your engagement ring is largely determined by the quality of the center diamond. The diamond’s color (or how colorless it is), clarity (how many inclusions it has), cut (the shape and cutting style of the diamond), and carat weight (the size of the diamond) determine the overall quality of the diamond and its ultimate price. The 4Cs of quality provide important facts about a diamond. This simple rule can help you: the higher the quality of the diamond, the rarer it is, and the more expensive it will be.
Each of the “Cs” is evaluated differently and contributes to the overall appearance of the diamond in different ways. This is where confusion can arise. A well-trained jeweler will not only explain the 4Cs to you, but will also help you understand the differences between gemstones that appear similar.
Your jeweler will likely ask you which of the 4Cs is most important to you and show you diamonds that match your choice. For example, if a certain size is essential, you should understand how carat weight affects the cost of a diamond. A large, beautiful, sparkling diamond will cost more per carat than a smaller diamond of the same quality.
When choosing a diamond, a GIA diamond grading report is very important. This report provides an independent and impartial diamond evaluation, including a complete 4C standard evaluation. GIA (Gemological Institute of America) created the 4C standard and is a non-profit research and education institution that does not buy or sell diamonds.
Large, colorless, flawless diamonds are extremely rare. A 2.78 ct stone like this one, with a D color, internally flawless grade, must be very expensive.
5. Does she want a round brilliant cut or a fancy shape diamond?
Another question your jeweler may ask before buying a diamond engagement ring is, what is her favorite diamond shape? The round brilliant cut diamond is the most popular, with more than half of brides wearing this diamond shape. This diamond shape is very beautiful and, when cut well, will give off incredible sparkle .
Although the round brilliant is popular, you can still look at other diamond shapes . All other diamond shapes other than round are collectively called fancy shapes, and each shape has its own charm. For example, the marquise shape has an aristocratic traditional slender shape, similar to the oval, which can make the bride’s fingers look longer. Currently, the emerald cut and other rectangular cut styles are popular.
If you’re not sure which diamond shape she prefers, look at the gemstones in her other rings to see if she has a favorite. Also, ask friends and family if they know her favorite shape.
Make her look stunning by purchasing a marquise diamond engagement ring. This three-stone engagement ring features a marquise diamond centerpiece flanked by half-moon cut diamonds and surrounded by a halo of round brilliant cut diamonds.
6. What style of ring does she wear?
Before buying a diamond engagement ring, your jeweler will want to know what kind of ring your loved one likes. To find out, your jeweler may ask if she loves the latest trends or if she prefers vintage pieces. Maybe she likes bold pieces or prefers delicate jewelry. If her favorite celebrity just got engaged, maybe she would like that celebrity’s diamond engagement ring. Pay attention to these clues and you’ll be sure to find a ring she’ll love.
Your jeweler will also ask you about her lifestyle. Why? To help you find the right setting for your diamond. If she loves movies and museums, your jeweler may suggest a prong setting . This setting shows off the diamond, but it may be more susceptible to damage. If she loves the outdoors, a bezel setting may be a smart choice. It shows off the diamond while protecting it from accidental drops and bumps.
The bezel setting protects a 0.58 ct yellow diamond and a 0.05 ct colorless diamond.
The four prongs of the prong setting hold a 1.74 ct round brilliant cut diamond. The diamond is set in platinum and surrounded by baguette diamonds.
7. What color metal does she like?
When shopping for a diamond engagement ring, you have your choice of metal, typically yellow, white or rose gold , platinum or a combination of metals. Yellow gold has been used in jewelry for thousands of years and is also popular in antique and vintage jewelry, including Victorian and vintage diamond engagement rings.
Rose gold was also popular during the Victorian and Vintage eras and remains on trend today. White gold diamond engagement rings were very popular during the Edwardian and Art Deco eras and remain popular today. Platinum and white gold are your two main metal choices.
This rose gold ring creates a subtle contrast with the colorless diamonds.
The exquisite metal of platinum lends timeless appeal to this Edwardian-inspired engagement ring. A 1.23 ct diamond dazzles at its center.
8. What is her ring size?
When you propose, you want to make sure her engagement ring fits her finger perfectly. A ring that’s too small or too large can ruin the moment. If you plan to shop for rings together, your jeweler will use a finger measuring kit to determine her exact ring size.
So what can you do if you want to keep your diamond engagement ring a secret while ensuring it fits your finger properly?
Here are two tips to help you estimate her ring size:
- Press the ring she wears most often (on her ring finger) onto the soap bar until an indentation appears. Take it to a jeweler.
- Use a pencil to trace a circle on the paper along the inside of her favorite ring. Bring it to the jeweler.
Our blog, “How to Determine Ring Size,” has other helpful tips, as well as mistakes to avoid. Be sure to read it carefully to ensure the ring fits her finger perfectly.
What to look for after buying a diamond engagement ring
Your jeweler may describe the services they offer after you purchase your diamond engagement ring. Typically, they’ll recommend cleaning the ring regularly and checking the prongs at least once or twice a year to ensure the diamond is securely fastened to the ring. If they offer these services, take advantage of them, as loose or damaged prongs can cause the diamond to fall out of the ring.
After purchasing your diamond engagement ring, you should consider having it appraised and insured . An appraisal can determine the replacement value of the ring so that insurance can be obtained. Appraisals should be performed by an independent professional who does not profit from the sale. Insuring the ring protects you in the event that it is lost or stolen. This is a smart move that will save you the heartache that can come with a lost or stolen diamond.
Like a rose gleaming among the bushes, a round brilliant cut diamond sparkles amidst rows of melee diamonds. Courtesy: Sandra Biachi
Now that you know the questions your jeweler may ask you when buying a diamond, take a deep breath and go shopping with confidence. You are sure to find the perfect engagement ring to symbolize your love.
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