A Guide Towards Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring
Engagement rings have had an exclusive history and to this day, engagement rings, especially diamond engagement rings symbolise commitment that is more often than not tied to a proposal of marriage. Generally, the proposal is initiated by the man who has all the intentions to marry a woman whom he desires as a life partner.
There are no written rules about how engagement rings should be designed or constructed, however it is accepted and ‘expected’ by the masses that these rings should essentially feature diamonds. This article revolves around buying a diamond ring for those who intend to buy a diamond engagement ring.
Brief Explanation of Engagement Ring Designs
For the most part, diamond engagement rings should essentially be unique which makes customisation and personalisation a critical aspect of the process. Generally, there are three categories which are solitaire, pave and halo. The solitaire design features a single stone on the ring and all the focus is on the stone using prong or bezel setting for the stones. The halo on the other hand features a central diamond (usually the biggest stone) surrounded by smaller diamonds whereas the pave setting or design revolves around small diamonds around a larger stone that are held by barely visible metal prongs that enhances the brilliance of the centre stone. A new design that has emerged in recent years is the 3-stone engagement ring which has two smaller stones flanking a central stone.
Choose the Right Diamond
Once the design or setting of the diamond ring is decided, the next step is choosing the right diamond which is a critical component when buying a diamond engagement ring simply because; it’s the priciest component of the entire endeavour and at the same time, it will also be deemed as the soul of the ring.
Firstly, it is important to understand that diamonds vary in quality and everything depends on the buyer’s budget more than his or her preference. To understand this topic more, it is important to understand the 4 Cs of a diamond which dictates the price of any given diamond. In order to have a clearer perspective on the 4Cs, one should read up on the subject in articles that are totally dedicated to the 4 Cs. However, as a brief summary the 4 Cs stands for Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat (weight).
The cut of the diamond is often regarded as the most important aspect of the diamond (some cuts are more complex than others and the cut determines how light flows through the stone and reflected), next is the colour (some colours are rare and some are common), clarity comes in third and the clearer the stone is the higher the price and the last element is the weight or carat of the stone (the heavier the stone – the more expensive it is).
Budget Consideration
The question most asked by buyers and most follow the old dictum which stipulates that any diamond engagement ring should cost at least three months’ salary of the individual buying the ring, however this is not very advisable in this day and age. The best way to go about it is to buy a diamond engagement ring that is within one’s means; after all it’s the thought and effort that really counts.
