One challenge every beginner may experience before proposing to their spouses is finding the ideal
engagement ring. Of course! You can’t certainly propose without an engagement ring – it’s unheard of
anywhere and even laughable. Even if it’s not your first-time shopping, you may still find it challenging
as individual preferences differ from one lady to another. With a series of engagements and weddings
happening around us, you may be under pressure to join the bandwagon and tie the knot immediately.
But shopping for an affordable but valuable diamond ring is not the same as selecting your favourite
candy off a shelf.
It is not enough to feel the anxiety that comes with planning a wedding, but now, you have the task to
find a diamond engagement ring that your spouse will cherish for the rest of her life. But don’t sweat
it; I will explain everything you should know about this cold hard world of diamonds.
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
You probably have heard of the iconic slogan, “Diamonds are forever.” Hence, consider your shopping
experience an investment of a lifetime. You want to get a gemstone that will maintain its brilliance and
quality for the rest of your life. Your diamond ring band is essential as well. Platinum bands have long-
lasting properties and augment your precious stone appearance. Avoid silver or white-gold bands as
they tend to wear out over time.
Another area you should look into is the 4Cs of a gemstone – Colour, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight.
These elements influence the quality and price of your diamond. In terms of colour grade, diamonds
range from “D” to “Z” – colourless to tinted. The D-coloured diamond has the highest transparency,
even under a highly magnified glass. These precious stones also have different carat weights that affect
their price tags. Consequently, you have to factor all these in when visiting a jewel store.
SELECTING YOUR DIAMOND GEMSTONE BASED ON CUT GRADES
Before shopping for your first engagement ring, you may never have heard of cut grades. This grading system falls under
four categories:
– Poor
– Good
– Very Good
– Ideal
However, bear in mind that jewellers have their different cut grades. So, you may come across ratings,
like “Excellent” and “Premium.” If the cut grade is higher, the gemstone will have more radiance. In the
same vein, diamonds with fewer inclusions have more clarity. As much as these natural stones find
their way into almost every event, they are not the only option. But if you want one with the most
brilliance, then round-cut diamonds are your ideal choice.
OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER
One thing you should avoid when it comes to diamond shopping is making guesswork. Don’t assume
that you know what your spouse wants; or else, you may make mistakes. You can ask your girlfriend or
take an impression of her ring on bar soap if “surprise” is your thing. The challenge you may experience
is determining if a diamond has an ethical background. You may not tell a “blood” diamond from one with a reputable source.
As such, some individuals go for lab diamonds.
Recent Comments