A Practical Guide to Shopping for a Diamond Ring
Shopping for a diamond ring in a jewellery shop can be extremely intimidating. Diamonds that look very similar at first glance may be priced very differently and the technical talk can be confusing. Including the emotional stress that accompanies the decision, it is easy to rush into a choice.
With a little research, shopping for a diamond should become just another big ticket purchase: find out what you need, shop around, and make sure you see what you’re paying for.
Research Before You Start Shopping
It will help if you do a little research so that you will be more familiar with some of the terms used to describe diamonds before you head to the shop or even when you go online. You don’t have to be a gemologist, but knowing the terms – carat, cut, colour, and clarity, will make it easier to talk to jewellers about handcrafted engagement rings in Brisbane.
And it can help to try researching ring styles too. Take photos of styles you like and start to look for similar features or characteristics. You may notice you only like one type of diamond shape, or one style of setting or metal.
Get the Ring Size Right
It’s easy to forget about the ring size when all the focus is on the diamond.
If the gift is a surprise, size may be difficult to determine – perhaps you could borrow a ring the recipient already wears, or ask a close friend or family member for their help.
Certain designs are more flexible to resizing, so always ask the jeweller first if you are not sure.
Decide Between a Ready-Made and Custom Ring
With a ready-made diamond ring you will see what the finished article will look like before you buy, and it may also be available straight away.
Another option is to select a separate diamond and setting or have one made to your specifications. This option is often attractive if you want to be able to have a little more say in what the finished product looks like.
When selecting a custom ring, ensure that there is enough time to allow for designing, manufacturing and modification.
Pay Attention to the Setting
The setting is responsible for two jobs, it adds to the aesthetic of the ring as well as secures the diamond.
The prong setting opens up the piece as much as possible, making it a popular choice for solitaire rings. Bezel settings wrap a little more metal around the diamond for extra protection, while the ring mounting itself surrounds the diamond with a metal bezel. Round the ring itself, tiny accent stones can create a big impact with a halo design.
Consider the lifestyle and occupation of the wearer. While a high-set ring may look nice, this type of ring isn’t always practical for someone who is constantly using their hands.
Compare Metals Carefully
The five metals listed here are among the most popular options, and they pair well with most diamonds, and they have a different characteristic.
Although the colour will definitely affect your choice of ring, remember to also consider the quality and care that the ring will require. Request from your jewer what kind of regular care the metal you are looking at needs and take this into account when you decide.
For someone who already wears jewellery on a daily basis, paying attention to the metals they prefer is a great place to start.
Ask to See the Diamond Documentation
Is the stone you are considering graded? How confident are you that the stone is what the vendor claims? There are several steps you can take to determine the authenticity of a diamond.
Ensure that information on the documentation matches the diamond you are looking at. The grading report gives helpful information about the stone and helps to demonstrate how the aspects of the stone have been analysed.
You should also inquire at the retailer about the returns or exchange policy before making the purchase.
Inspect the Finished Ring
Before you bring the ring home, run your eye around the whole thing instead of zooming in on the diamond. Make sure the stone looks set well and the band and setting is well finished.
Check dimensions, delivery and returns for online purchase. If buying from the internet or catalog, look at a test drive picture, read measurements, delivery and return options before purchasing.
Make the Decision Personal
Specifications may be used to compare diamonds, but cannot determine which ring will most appeal to you.
The best buy is one where you compromise quality with personal style of the wearer and the amount of money you want to spend. Patience is a virtue, question everything and don’t let anyone rush or persuade you to spend more.
A diamond ring should be a source of joy when you wear it. Shopping with care can help you buy a ring that does just that.
