Which diamond engagement rings are best?
Weddings are a day many people dream about and can’t wait to plan. Showing off that shiny rock is an exciting feeling, but which diamond engagement ring is right for your spouse-to-be? Choosing a ring can be stressful because they come in different shapes, sizes and colors. Doing your research will help you to find that special ring for your forever love.
What to know before you buy a diamond engagement ring
Before you buy an engagement ring, decide on an appropriate price range and any additional costs you may incur. You’ll also want to figure out the look and style of the ring and stone.
What is an appropriate price range?
The first consideration is price. Diamonds aren’t cheap and they are a serious investment. While the national average cost of engagement rings is $5,500 and up, according to Investopedia, it is simply a personal preference for how much you spend. The price will largely be determined by the diamond cut, color, clarity and carat.
How do you know if a retailer is reputable?
Once you have an idea of what kind of ring you’re looking for, finding a reputable retailer is important. Whether online or at a local store, shop around and ask a lot of questions. Compare different diamonds, too. Ask about the retailer’s return policy, warranty policy and who grades their diamonds.
Should I purchase diamond insurance?
Investopedia says the average cost spent on engagement rings is $5,500 and up. If you insure your purchase, figure out the coverage, replacement, assessment of value and documentation requirements. Homeowners insurance will likely cover your engagement ring, but only to a certain dollar amount. You can purchase a scheduled personal property to protect over and above the average dollar amount on renters’ or homeowners’ policies.
Should I ask for a discount?
Everyone likes to save money, especially on big purchases. It never hurts to ask if a retailer has something on sale. The worst they can say is no. Many retailers have promotions and discounts, especially around holidays. Do your research to ensure the sale gives you a good deal on the ring.
What are the four C’s?
Before purchasing an engagement ring, consider the four C’s: color, clarity, cut and carat.
Color: The most popular diamonds have no color. The whiter the diamond, the higher the cost and grade. If you’re looking for a more unique diamond, colors like blue, green and pink are more expensive because of their rareness.
Clarity: Some diamonds have tiny crystals and other features within them. Take note that some inclusions can negatively impact a diamond’s value and clarity grade.
Carat: The higher the diamond carat weight, the higher the cost.
Cut: Diamonds come in a multitude of shapes and sizes. The amount of light that reflects off the stone determines its cut grade, polish, symmetry and fire. If you want to know more about a diamond’s cut, ask the jeweler.
What to look for in a quality diamond engagement ring
Band
Choose a band that will complement your diamond. White gold and platinum give a modern and sleek look. These bands pair well with diamonds that are classified as colorless or near-colorless. Choose a gold band that has white metal prongs or bezels to create a gorgeous contrast with the diamond. Rose gold bands complement any skin tone because they create a warm and soothing appearance.
Sparkle and size
Diamond sparkle comes in three categories: poor, good and excellent.
Poor: If your significant other doesn’t like too much glam, pick a diamond in this category. Diamonds that are considered poor are notably more elevated, and the bright areas are much smaller.
Good: When a diamond’s bright reflections aren’t as acute and there is a significant amount of darkening around the girdle, it’s considered “good.” This is a happy medium option between subdued and glam sparkle.
Excellent: If you’re looking for a showstopper, you’ll want a diamond in this category. When a diamond is extremely bright and shows an even pattern with a nice contrast between dark and light areas, its reflections will appear sharp and evenly balanced.
Understand the difference between diamond shape, cutting style and cut quality
A diamond’s cutting shape, style and quality will vary.
Shape refers to a diamond’s outline when viewed face-up. Diamonds can be round, pear, rectangle, marquise, oval, heart or square-shaped.
Cutting style is how a diamond’s facets are arranged. A diamond’s shape and size also vary in girdle thickness, table size, symmetry and polish.
Cut quality is how well a diamond’s facets interact with light. This will impact the diamond’s overall appearance.
Side stones
Side stones are a great way to dress up an engagement ring and add a unique touch. Along the shank of the ring, add pavé and channel set diamonds, or you can add diamond baguettes on either side of the center stone. If you want to add a vintage touch, try adding a colorful stone on the center or sides. Complement the center stone with other grades of stones similar in cut, color and clarity.
Diamond grading report
Diamond grading reports are a great resource because they give you the exact quality characteristics of the diamond. It will also tell you if the diamond has been treated to magnify its color and/or clarity.
How much can you expect to spend on a diamond engagement ring?
How much you spend on an engagement ring is simply a matter of personal preference. If you have a smaller budget, you can find rings for around $1,000. More expensive rings might cost $5,000 or more.
Engagement ring FAQ
What diamond shapes are there?
A. Diamonds come in Asscher, cushion, heart, emerald, marquise, princess, pear, oval, radiant and round shapes.
How often should you clean your engagement ring?
A. If you wear your engagement ring daily, clean it gently once a week or once a month. You may also want to get it professionally cleaned and inspected twice a year.
What’s the best engagement ring to buy?
Top engagement ring
What you need to know: This 14K gold 4-carat engagement ring is exquisite and features many diamonds.
What you’ll love: The princess cut center diamond is a stunner, and the side stones add a tasteful and sophisticated look.
What you should consider: Know your significant other’s ring size before you purchase.
Top engagement ring for the money
What you need to know: This elegant ring has a unique flair with a twisted band and side diamonds.
What you’ll love: Your significant other can wear this gorgeous ring separately or with a wedding band. Its 1-carat size makes it very affordable.
What you should consider: The side diamonds may not be comfortable if they rub against your fiance’s other fingers.
Worth checking out
Kohl’s 14k Gold IGL Certified Marquise-Cut 1/2 Carat T.W. Diamond Engagement Ring
What you need to know: If you’re looking for a vintage-inspired ring, this 14K gold engagement ring will take their breath away.
What you’ll love: This ring has GL-certified diamonds and is available in rose gold, white gold or yellow gold. It is ideal for those who prefer a more simple look with a twist.
What you should consider: If you’re set on this breathtaking ring, make sure you purchase it in advance. Due to high demand, it sells out quickly.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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