10 Tips for Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring

Are you thinking of finally settling down? As Beyonce used to say, this decision should start with putting “a ring on it.”

Since engagement ring shopping can be quite a challenging and expensive task, it will help to follow these ten best tips for buying a diamond engagement ring:

Get the Best Diamond Cut Quality

If you want the process of shopping for an engagement ring to be easier, you need to know the shape that your partner wants. If she doesn't love a specific cut, your budget should guide you.

To get more value for your money, purchase a marquise-cut, emerald-cut, or pear-cut diamond as they have a lesser price per carat weight.

A round diamond shape tends to be more expensive, but buying this will get you a bigger stone size.

Find the Right Carat Size

Size matters, especially if you want to buy a diamond ring for your fiance.

Generally speaking, jewelry stores sell half and whole carat weights. And since they're the most popular, you may end up spending your three months’ salary on such diamonds.

If you want to save some money, buy something near these half and whole carat weights. For example, round diamonds with a .92 carat size will cost you less than a full one-carat diamond ring.

Best of all, the difference is not visible to the naked eye.

Choose the Finest Metal

When buying an engagement ring, you should consider your partner's lifestyle and your budget. You should keep in mind the stone set in the band as well.

Most diamond engagement rings are made from platinum, yellow gold, white gold, and silver. While silver has a color like platinum, the latter is rarer and denser.

With such style and quality, this metal is more resistant to scratching.

Consider Color and Clarity

Some ladies may choose color and clarity oversize.

While you may find yourself searching for the most expensive diamond, it's not entirely necessary. You can make a run for it with a stone that would look colorless in its setting.

For example, if you have chosen a round gem in a white gold band, an I or J style would do. If you have your heart set on a gold band, you can even go down to a K-color diamond.

As for diamond clarity, the same rules apply. Pick one that appears clean, as it will look much like a flawless diamond in most aspects.

Indeed, you can save a lot of money by picking an S1 or S2 style diamond over a flawless one.

Know the Accurate Ring Measurement

Even if you follow the best tips for buying an engagement ring, it will all be for naught if you have the wrong band measurement. A snug one will cut your fiance's blood circulation, while a loose one may end up lost in the shower.

If you want to keep this aspect a surprise, seek the help of her friends. You can also try to measure any of the rings she has when she's not looking!

Choose a Ring to Complement Your Wedding Band

When you buy an engagement ring, it should have a design that blends well with your wedding band.

 Remember, most styles don't allow another band to fit well. You need to check the prongs, channel-set diamond stones, and paves at the jewelry store.

Make Sure that the Diamond Ring is Certified

Engagement rings are quite expensive, so you need to make sure that yours is certified.

The best quality rings often come from the Gemological Institute of America or the American Gem Society.

Other lab-created or certified diamonds often have inflated grades, thus fooling buyers that they have stumbled upon a great deal when it's actually the opposite.

See to It That the Certificate Matches the Diamonds

Before you buy the jewelry, remember to do a double-take. Check the certificate for the diamonds' imperfections and try to match them on the laser-inscribed girdle.

Negotiate Like a Boss

Here’s a fact: a diamond ring can be marked up by much as 500%.

If you would like to save money, don't forget to negotiate. Visit as many reputable jewelers as you can to get a range of the cost.

More often than not, you'll find a jeweler who can give you a center stone ring that’s within your budget.

Look for Rings at the Wholesale District

If you want to get your partner's desired setting for an affordable price, visit the wholesale district.

Here, you can seek a jeweler who can create a specific diamond engagement ring for your fiance. With this, she won't have to worry about getting the same ring as other ladies.

As wholesalers don't have to pay an overhead cost just like the retailers, they can help you save as much as 30% on your order.