Diamonds are known for their unmatched brilliance and rich sentimental value. Moreover, nothing can add some sparkle, elegance, and shine to your daily outfit more than diamonds. It need not even be an engagement ring per se. Anyone can get themselves a diamond ring as an investment piece to have in their jewelry collection.
While it’s nice to have, the shopping experience may not be as clear and smooth as diamonds. When you don’t know where to start and what you should look for, the choice can be pretty overwhelming. There’s a lot to consider and have in mind, such as choosing the perfect diamonds for your ring, especially given the fact that buying a diamond ring isn’t like making any other regular purchase. It’s not just about choosing a beautiful piece—it’s also about ensuring you’re making a worthwhile choice.
Follow these six tips and considerations to make your chosen diamond ring a smart purchase.
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Set Your Budget
First off, address the elephant in the room. Ask yourself what your budget is. When you walk into a jeweler’s store, you can immediately narrow down the options of diamond rings, necklaces, bracelets, or any jewelry, to go for, based on your budget. Don’t feel compelled to spend on anything more than you can afford. There’s a diamond ring for every budget—that’s for sure.
Don’t be shy if your budget is quite slim. A good jeweler can help walk you through the process of finding the right ring for you, whatever your budget is. Note that jewelry appreciates in value, so what you have now will be worth more in the coming years.
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Know The 4C’s
Once you have your budget determined, you have to familiarize yourself also with the 4C’s of diamonds: color, cut, clarity, and carat. Your budget can shape the choice of your ring based on the 4C’s. And, each of those C’s has respective factors or features, too.
The 4C’s with diamonds were created by the GIA. Therefore, it’s just but fitting to let that be your guide in choosing a diamond ring. In brief, the 4C’s are as follows:
- Color: This is graded from a D-to-Z diamond color grade, which helps shape and rate a diamond’s lack of color. The general rule here is that the less color a diamond has, the rarer it becomes.
- Carat weight: This determines the diamond’s size.
- Cut: The diamond’s cut determines how well the diamond can unleash its light.
- Clarity: This refers to the absence of any blemishes and inclusions.
When looking for a diamond ring, be realistic that you can’t have the best of all the C’s. Rank them based on the ‘C’ that matters most to you. Doing so can help you instantly zero in on the ring you’re certain is what you’ve always wanted to have.
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Ask About The Properties Of The Ring Band
The diamonds on your ring will have to be set on a band, which can be made from different metals. Color-wise, you’ll see it as white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. As to the type, it’s usually silver, gold, or platinum.
Your jeweler can walk you through the difference in the strength and quality of each metal band type. As a brief guide, here are some significant pieces of information you can gather on those metals:
- Platinum: This metal is corrosion-resistant, elegant, and extremely durable. Platinum, however, is soft. Hence, it’s also usually alloyed with other metals, like iridium and cobalt.
- Rose gold: This is made by alloying gold with silver and copper. Rose gold is also typically considered more durable than yellow gold is.
- Gold: This is the most common type of band, which has been used for jewelry for thousands of years now. Pure gold is also soft, so it’s also typically alloyed with other metals.
- Sterling silver: This isn’t the most durable band option, as it can also tarnish over time.
The first choice you’ll make as to the band is your preferred color. Then, your jeweler will take it from there to guide you through each type.
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Consider Your Style
Of course, your diamond ring has to fit your style. Everyone has different style preferences, and it’s for you to decipher what yours is. More than being a beautiful piece, you also have to be comfortable using it. If not, then you won’t be able to maximize its use.
If you’re unsure what your style is, look at all the other jewelry pieces you own or look for inspiration from the internet. Print them out or save them on your phone. This way, you can bring them with you when you shop.
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Ask About Your Payment Options
If you’re lucky, you may come across a local jeweler that’ll offer you a staggard payment option. This means you can pay on a layaway basis, usually monthly. Others will merely stick to a cash payment option, which also isn’t an issue if you have the budget ready for it. There’s no harm in asking about the payment options. After all, diamond rings are always a good tangible investment piece to go for.
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Decide On The Shape
Last on this list is the shape of your diamond. Typically, the main consideration as to shape is a personal preference. Diamond rings now come in all shapes, so you’re certain to find one that suits your fancy. For instance, you can have an emerald-shaped diamond, circular, square, or heart. It’s up to you to select a style and a shape you’ll be glad to wear.
Conclusion
Wearing a diamond ring can make one look more stunning and elegant. Before that, however, you have to go through the hard work first of buying the right piece—or pieces. There are as many jewelers as there are rings, sizes, and styles to choose from. Hence, it’s not surprising how it may be quite an overwhelming choice to make. To simplify it for you, remember, that there isn’t a single ‘perfect’ diamond ring that universally applies to all. At the end of the day, what matters the most is you’re pleased with your chosen diamond ring.
