How To Buy An Engagement Ring

This article will help you figure out how to buy an engagement ring. When it's time to buy an engagement ring, you need to learn about the five Cs: cut, color, clarity, carat and cost. Once you have the basics down, you can compare prices online. Then make sure you look at the rings in person. You want to make sure the ring gets a YES!

1. Cut Diamonds are a naturally occurring stone. To get the raw diamond mined out the ground into a beautiful engagement ring, the stone needs to be cut.  various styles of center stones go in and out of fashion. If your girl has never expressed a preference, go with a basic round solitaire cut. This style is traditional because it is the best way to show off a beautiful diamond. Pear and marquise cuts are known for hiding flaws in poor quality stones.
2. Color There is an organization that grades diamonds based on color. Different colors with the same cut will have different prices. Recently, some colored diamonds have gained popularity. Your best bet for an engagement ring is to buy the best colorless stone you can afford.
3. Clarity Some engagement rings have imperfections that are visible with the naked eye  Others have small, dark inclusions or a cloudy appearance. The best engagement ring does not have any inclusions that are visible to the naked eye.
4. Carat A one carat center stone has become the American standard size engagement ring. Jewelers use carat weight to measure and compare stones.  If you have two engagement rings with the same cut and carat weight, the price varies based on the color and clarity.
5. Cost An engagement ring should cost whatever you can afford to spend. Get the best engagement ring you can buy and remember a small, beautiful stone can be made into a pendant for an anniversary gift when you're ready to upgrade your wife to a larger diamond down the road.

After you have learned about the basics, visit several jewelers. For the best selection, pick your diamond first, then find a setting to hold the stone. This way you avoid buying an inferior stone in a setting that hides imperfections. Make sure the jeweler is willing to size the ring after you propose without an added cost in case the ring doesn't fit. If you want to check out rings online, Tiffany's website showcases numerous rings at different price points and it will give you an idea of what to get. Even if you find a good deal online, it's a good idea to find a local jeweler so if you have problems down the road you can get the ring repaired without shipping it somewhere.