Diamond engagement rings are meant to last forever. And if you’re like most guys, the thought of picking a piece of jewelry that your soon-to-be fiance will wear for decades to come is a little intimidating. But we’re going to walk you through some of the key considerations to make this process a little easier.
4 Factors to Consider When Buying a Ring
These days, women often let men know exactly what they want in an engagement ring. And while there’s nothing technically wrong with this, it does remove some of the excitement and anticipation.
And though this is probably a “hot take,” the man should have just as much say in choosing a diamond engagement ring as the woman. After all, if he’s the one buying/gifting the ring, he should be able to make some of the decisions. The challenge lies in picking something that she’ll love.
Chances are, you’ve never purchased a diamond engagement ring before. And if that’s the case, your head is probably spinning about right now. In light of this, here are several factors to consider.
1. Start with the diamond.
Everything about a diamond engagement ring starts with the center diamond. And, like most guys, you probably don’t know a whole lot about diamonds. But that’s okay – we’re about to give a basic primer.
Generally, diamonds are evaluated on four specific characteristics – each of which is important to the beauty and value of the diamond.
“The four Cs are the four characteristics traditionally used to determine the quality and value of a diamond: carat, cut, clarity, and color,” investor Jennifer Cook writes. “The characteristics of a diamond are graded and categorized by the diamond industry to establish its retail value.”
Sometimes a fifth C, which stands for “conflict-free,” comes into play. This refers to diamonds that have not been mined in conflict zones. As social awareness of so-called “blood diamonds” increases, more and more buyers are focused on this fifth C.
The trouble with buying a conflict-free diamond is that it can get really expensive really fast. Jewelers charge a premium for these diamonds, which often forces people to choose between quality/appearance and their conscience. In other words, most people can either afford a beautiful blood diamond or a lower quality conflict-free diamond (but not both).
One solution that’s quickly gaining prominence is lab-grown engagement rings. These rings use lab-grown diamonds instead of natural diamonds. These diamonds are not fake – they’re just grown in a lab. In fact, even trained jewelers with decades of experience have trouble distinguishing lab-grown diamonds from naturally-grown diamonds – even when under a microscope.
2. Choose the right setting style.
The other big decision is the setting that holds the center diamond. While the center diamond might comprise most of a ring’s value, it’s the setting that catches most people’s eyes. (This is also the element that most women initially care about.)
The most common settings include solitaire settings, the Tiffany Setting, the Channel Setting, the Halo Setting, the Three-Stone Setting, the Antique Setting, and the Eternity Band Setting. If you know what your future fiance likes, choose that setting. But if you’re uncertain, it’s best to go with something simple like a solitaire or halo (and then let her have a say in the accompanying wedding band).
3. Think about metals.
The three most common metals for a wedding ring are gold, silver, and platinum. And within the gold category, you have yellow gold and white gold. When choosing a metal, it all comes down to aesthetics and budget. Silver is the least expensive, followed by gold. Platinum is the most expensive and durable.
4. Consider your budget.
Obviously, your budget matters. If you have $2,000 to spend, your options are more limited than if you have $10,000. It’s wise to begin this process with a basic idea of your budget. This will dictate the type of diamond, setting, and metal you’re able to choose.
Adding it All Up
Choosing a diamond engagement ring is not easy. It can, however, be a fun and exciting process. There’s a healthy amount of anticipation and nerves mixed with a desire to pick something that’s going to make your future bride happy.
Use this article as a beginner’s guide, but don’t stop here. Dig in, do more research, and talk to people in the industry. The more informed you are, the more satisfied you’ll both be.
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This post is made possible by Larry Alton.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
