The Perfect Sparkler: Choosing Your Engagement Ring.
January 3, 2017 by ThySista
Filed under Business, Money, Opinion, Weekly Columns
(ThySistas.com) Not every proposal includes a ring. Some couples prefer to shop together to find the perfect sparkler. After all, you’re going to be wearing it for a long time, and so it makes sense to put some time into your choice. And for others, the proposal is romantic and spontaneous, so there’s no time to shop for a ring.
Anyone who has ever shopped for an engagement ring will tell you that you will be overwhelmed with the choices. There are countless options for precious metals and gemstones. And that’s before you get to the huge selection of styles. If you’re about to shop for an engagement ring, take the following into consideration.
- How Much Should You Pay?
You’ll hear lots of advice about this. Many people believe that you should spend between one or two months salary on the ring. But don’t be dictated to. Spend what you can reasonably afford. This will be different for everyone. It’s not about how much you pay; it’s about what the ring represents. And it can be hard enough making ends meet, without the added pressure of how much you should spend on a ring.
- Choosing A Jeweler
Do your research when looking for jewelers. Opt for a company that has experience and a good reputation. Look online and visit a few different stores. Ask lots of questions. This is a big investment, not matter what your budget is, so take your time. Check that the jeweler is a member of a reputable trade body, like the GIA or AGS. Engagement Rings Phoenix have some nice ones if you live in the area.
- Diamonds
If you’re opting for a traditional diamond ring, it pays to know your four Cs. This stands for cut, color, clarity, and carat. Cut refers to how the diamond is cut to shape. There is an art to this. The angle and size of the facets will impact on the brilliance of the diamond. The wrong cut will have a negative impact.
The diamond’s color is rated from D to Z, depending on how white (or colorless) they are. D is colorless, and the rating goes all the way to Z.
Clarity refers to the natural inclusions contained in the diamond. Inclusions are not usually visible to the naked eye but can be seen when looking through a magnifying glass. Again, they are graded accordingly. Many people overlook this as the inclusions are not visible and they add to the uniqueness of the stone.
The weight/size of a diamond is measured in carats. (This is different to the karats used to measure gold.) The average size of most engagement rings is between a half and one carat.
Now you know your diamonds, you then have to consider the vast range of styles. Do you know your halo diamond ring from your splitshank? The only way to decide on the style that suits you is to browse the collections.
- Other Gemstones
Not everyone opts for a diamond. Some prefer alternative gemstones. They may have a particular significance to the couple or represent a birthday, etc. Others represent healing. It’s a very personal choice.
When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, there are no rules. Don’t let anyone dictate how much it should cost or which gemstone or style to choose. This is the first step of your life together as a committed couple. So, start as you mean to go on and make your choices based on what is right for the two of you.
Staff Writer; Tracy Rodgers
