Shopping for a diamond engagement ring can seem daunting because there are many options to consider and things you need to know about. It doesn’t have to be difficult, especially if you understand the jargon and know what to look for. Here are the important factors to consider and things to know when shopping for and choosing an engagement ring.
Start with the 4 Cs
The 4 Cs are the internationally recognised criteria for determining the quality and, thus, the value of a diamond. The 4 Cs are carat weight, clarity, colour and cut.
The cut determines how well the diamond catches and refracts light, which determines how sparkly and brilliant it is. A poorly cut diamond has a much lower value than a highly cut one.
Clarity refers to the presence or absence of flaws within the diamond. The best diamonds have no flaws or if they do, they are not visible to the naked eye.
Diamonds are graded on a colour scale, with diamonds as close to clear as possible being valued the highest. One thing to note here is that there are lab-grown diamonds that now come with fancy colours and rare natural diamonds with similar characteristics.
The last consideration is the carat weight. This is a measure of a diamond’s size. Diamonds with a high-carat weight are often rarer and thus more valuable.
A Reputable Jeweller
Once you understand what you should be looking for, you should then try to find a good jewellery store. They should be trusted and reputable, and you should be able to find information and positive reviews about them online.
Platforms like TrustIndex make it easy to find out what people are saying and think about specific diamond jewellers. You should always go with names like Regal Hatton Garden Jewellers, who have a high rating and highly positive customer sentiment.
Also, consider additional services such as access to a gemologist who will answer any questions, professional staff who will make it easy to pick the diamond you want, and customer service that will handle anything that comes up before and after the purchase.
The Diamond’s Shape
The other thing you should consider is the shape of the diamond. There are various diamond shapes, the most common being round and the less popular options being oval, emerald and others. These shapes determine how much the diamond will cost and how it looks.
Remember that these shapes come from the cutting process, and both deep and shallow cuts result in different light performances. This means that the shape of the diamond will determine how brilliant it looks when worn.
Personalisation
Generally speaking, diamonds with similar characteristics look the same. Once you purchase the diamond, you ask the jeweller to customise the item it will be added onto. Common services here include engraving and initialising for engagement rings and bands. You can also get personalisation options for bracelets, necklaces and pendants.
A diamond can be costly, so it is a good idea to understand what buying one entails, how to pick the right diamond, and how to find a reputable retailer who will get you precisely what you need. Other considerations to keep in mind include your budget, the metal and style of the band and the diamond’s setting if you are purchasing an engagement ring or band.