Buying a ring is one of the most crucial steps in your engagement. After all, a ring symbolizes your commitment to your partner and stands for the promise of marriage. Although engagement rings can feature a range of gemstones, diamonds have been the most popular choice of center stone for many couples for a long time. According to the American Gem Society, the first diamond engagement ring was commissioned in 1477 and eventually sparked a trend for engagement rings. A diamond’s purity and sparkle symbolize a couple’s commitment to each other.
Purchasing the ideal engagement can be challenging, but some research and help from a professional jeweler can streamline the process. Here are a few things you should know before buying an engagement ring.
Your Budget
It’s important to look into your finances and decide how much you want to spend on your ring. Some couples follow the “three months’ salary” rule, which implies the buyer should put three months of their salary toward an engagement. However, this outdated rule may not apply to your situation.
Determine your budget based on your income, savings, and your preference. Once you’ve selected the price range, designing a ring based on your unique needs will be easier. You can opt for a heavier diamond ring if your budget is high. On the other hand, many couples with limited budgets choose alternative gemstones, such as moissanite, to save money and purchase a diamond look-alike gemstone.
The 4Cs of Diamonds
One of the most important things you must be familiar with when shopping for a diamond is the 4Cs. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created the 4Cs as the global standard to assess the quality of diamonds and compare stones.
- Color: The diamond color evaluation is based on the absence of color, graded on a D-to-Z scale. D means the diamond is completely colorless, whereas Z means the diamond has brown or light-yellow shades. The color distinctions between diamonds are typically invisible to most people, but the differences make a difference in diamond price and quality.
- Cut: A diamond’s cut grade refers to how well a diamond’s facets interact with light. The shape determines a diamond’s proportions, which indicates its brilliance, sparkle, and fire. The most common cuts are round, heart, oval, and pear.
- Clarity: Diamond clarity refers to a gemstone’s absence of inclusions and blemishes. Clarity is graded on a scale from Flawless to Included.
- Carat Weight: Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs, and this can significantly influence the diamond’s price. The heavier the diamond, the more expensive it tends to be.
Gemstone Options
Diamonds are classic, but as people learn about the alternative options, some couples opt for other gemstones, such as moissanite. Moissanite is a diamond stimulant from a naturally occurring mineral called silicon carbide. It is generally less expensive than diamonds and a top choice due to its durability and beauty.
Another great gemstone choice is a lab-grown diamond. Lab-grown diamonds are not an alternative gemstone. They are, in fact, diamonds created in the lab by mimicking the same conditions where diamonds are mined from the earth. Many couples are choosing lab-grown diamonds today due to their visual, chemical, and molecular similarity to diamonds.
Choosing a gemstone can seem tricky with the numerous options available today. Consult an experience jeweller and check out the custom engagement rings from Made You Look to understand your gemstone options better. Their streamlined team of experts can help you choose a gemstone that best fits your budget, style, and values. You can also learn more about diamonds and other gemstones to make an informed decision about your purchase when you reach out to a reputable jeweller.