For many people shopping for an engagement ring is a confusing experience at the start. They haven't ever shopped for a diamond - how can they know what to look for? Hopefully I can help you get started. Shopping for an engagement ring should be a fun thing. It's such an exciting time of your life so try not to get stressed about this purchase. Let's look at the first three things you should do. Once you get these out of the way, you can focus on the most important part of the ring - the diamond.
Decide on a Budget
My clients are always recommended to do this first. You want to decide what price you can pay and stick to it. There is no "set in stone" rule about how much you need to spend, although many people recommend spending the equivalent of 2 months salary for the 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.
Choose what type metal for the band.
You have three main choices here - Yellow gold, White gold or Platinum. Have a look at what she already owns when it comes to jewelry. If she wears only yellow gold, then it's an easy decision. If most of her jewelry is silver or white gold - you are left choosing between white gold and platinum. Platinum is about 3 times the price of gold. It is the most durable metal and many people love the fact that the ring could be passed on to future generations in their family. You will have to get it polished occasionally as it can start to have a "matte" look, but other than that there isn't much upkeep.
White gold has a little more shine than platinum and is quite a bit cheaper. It can damage a little easier but usually that isn't something you have to worry about. You will have to take it in to get replated every year or two - keep this in mind. White gold isn't actually white - it is gold that is mixed with other metals to give it a white look. It is also plated with rhodium to take away any yellow tinge. As the plating wears off, you will start to see a slight yellow tinge come back. Having it related isn't expensive but do keep in mind that it will need to be done.
It's not a bad idea to go and have a look at how both white gold and platinum look. Some don't like the way platinum looks and vice versa. It will help you out as you make this decision.
Choose the Type of Setting
The setting is the basic style of the ring itself. Does it have one diamond? Are there several diamonds on the ring? This is determined by the setting you choose for your engagement ring. You have three main choices to chose from. A solitaire engagement ring is the simplest but also the most popular. It is one single diamond mounted on a band. This is the perfect way to show off a diamond. A three stone engagement ring has one center diamond, and two smaller diamonds beside it - one on each side. These side diamonds are usually about 30-60% of the size of the 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! - 16069
Decide on a Budget
My clients are always recommended to do this first. You want to decide what price you can pay and stick to it. There is no "set in stone" rule about how much you need to spend, although many people recommend spending the equivalent of 2 months salary for the 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.
Choose what type metal for the band.
You have three main choices here - Yellow gold, White gold or Platinum. Have a look at what she already owns when it comes to jewelry. If she wears only yellow gold, then it's an easy decision. If most of her jewelry is silver or white gold - you are left choosing between white gold and platinum. Platinum is about 3 times the price of gold. It is the most durable metal and many people love the fact that the ring could be passed on to future generations in their family. You will have to get it polished occasionally as it can start to have a "matte" look, but other than that there isn't much upkeep.
White gold has a little more shine than platinum and is quite a bit cheaper. It can damage a little easier but usually that isn't something you have to worry about. You will have to take it in to get replated every year or two - keep this in mind. White gold isn't actually white - it is gold that is mixed with other metals to give it a white look. It is also plated with rhodium to take away any yellow tinge. As the plating wears off, you will start to see a slight yellow tinge come back. Having it related isn't expensive but do keep in mind that it will need to be done.
It's not a bad idea to go and have a look at how both white gold and platinum look. Some don't like the way platinum looks and vice versa. It will help you out as you make this decision.
Choose the Type of Setting
The setting is the basic style of the ring itself. Does it have one diamond? Are there several diamonds on the ring? This is determined by the setting you choose for your engagement ring. You have three main choices to chose from. A solitaire engagement ring is the simplest but also the most popular. It is one single diamond mounted on a band. This is the perfect way to show off a diamond. A three stone engagement ring has one center diamond, and two smaller diamonds beside it - one on each side. These side diamonds are usually about 30-60% of the size of the 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! - 16069
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