For many people shopping for an engagement ring is a confusing experience at the start. They haven't ever shopped for a diamond - how can they know what to look for? Hopefully I can help you get started. Shopping for an engagement ring should be a fun thing. It's such an exciting time of your life so try not to get stressed about this purchase. Let's look at the first three things you should do. Once you get these out of the way, you can focus on the most important part of the ring - the diamond.
Make a Budget
I always recommend that my clients do this first thing. Decide what price you can easily afford and stay with that price. There is not a definite rule about how much one should spend, but there are some people that have paid out about 2 months of their salary on a ring.
Please never spend more than your budget is. Some of my friends actually took out large loans for the express purpose of buying a larger ring and they wind up paying on the loan for years. You do not want to wind up with financial problems. Remember that if you can't get her the size stone she wants now you can upgrade it for her later on in life when you have more money. You will figure your budget depending on a few factors, but be ready to put out a large chunk of cash. Diamonds are not inexpensive, but she will wear them forever and I promise the smile it puts on her face will be worth it.
Choose what type metal for the band.
White gold, yellow gold, and platinum are the 3 main choices for bands. Pay attention to what type of jewelry she owns now. If she owns or wears mostly yellow gold the choice is easy. If she wears white gold or silver than you need to choose either platinum or white gold. The cost of platinum is 3 times that of gold. Platinum is the most durable of the metals. That makes it an attractive choice for people who think about passing it down through the years to family. There is not much maintenance to platinum other than having it polished once in awhile to keep it from having a matte look.
White gold has a little more shine than platinum and is quite a bit cheaper. It can damage a little easier but usually that isn't something you have to worry about. You will have to take it in to get replated every year or two - keep this in mind. White gold isn't actually white - it is gold that is mixed with other metals to give it a white look. It is also plated with rhodium to take away any yellow tinge. As the plating wears off, you will start to see a slight yellow tinge come back. Having it related isn't expensive but do keep in mind that it will need to be done.
It is a good idea to compare how the white gold and platinum look. Some people like one and not the other. This will assist you in making a decision.
Choose the Type of Setting
The basic style of a ring is called the setting. Does the ring have one diamond? Does the ring have numerous diamonds? This is what decides what the setting will be on your engagement ring. You can make your decision from 3 varied choices. The simplest setting is that of the solitaire engagement ring and it is the #1 choice. On the band a singular diamond is mounted. This is absolutely fantastic for showing the diamond off. A 3 stone configuration includes one diamond in the middle and then two of lesser size with one on each side. These smaller diamonds are normally 30-60% of the size of the diamond in the center.
Then there are the diamond engagement rings that have side stones; these have one large stone in the center and several smaller diamonds on each side. These diamonds are usually inexpensive because they are extremely small. Try to figure out which one she would like. Maybe one of her friends would find out for you but make sure she would not give away the secret first. As much as girls talk about jewelry she won't be suspicious. You will feel more secure in the knowledge that you got her the kind she wants.
You can now get to the fun part since you have done the three first steps - selecting the diamond! Since she will wear this ring for life make sure to concentrate on getting a diamond that is truly stunning - it is such a pleasure watching my wife receive positive remarks on hers. Lets me remember that I did good picking it out!
Make a Budget
I always recommend that my clients do this first thing. Decide what price you can easily afford and stay with that price. There is not a definite rule about how much one should spend, but there are some people that have paid out about 2 months of their salary on a ring.
Please never spend more than your budget is. Some of my friends actually took out large loans for the express purpose of buying a larger ring and they wind up paying on the loan for years. You do not want to wind up with financial problems. Remember that if you can't get her the size stone she wants now you can upgrade it for her later on in life when you have more money. You will figure your budget depending on a few factors, but be ready to put out a large chunk of cash. Diamonds are not inexpensive, but she will wear them forever and I promise the smile it puts on her face will be worth it.
Choose what type metal for the band.
White gold, yellow gold, and platinum are the 3 main choices for bands. Pay attention to what type of jewelry she owns now. If she owns or wears mostly yellow gold the choice is easy. If she wears white gold or silver than you need to choose either platinum or white gold. The cost of platinum is 3 times that of gold. Platinum is the most durable of the metals. That makes it an attractive choice for people who think about passing it down through the years to family. There is not much maintenance to platinum other than having it polished once in awhile to keep it from having a matte look.
White gold has a little more shine than platinum and is quite a bit cheaper. It can damage a little easier but usually that isn't something you have to worry about. You will have to take it in to get replated every year or two - keep this in mind. White gold isn't actually white - it is gold that is mixed with other metals to give it a white look. It is also plated with rhodium to take away any yellow tinge. As the plating wears off, you will start to see a slight yellow tinge come back. Having it related isn't expensive but do keep in mind that it will need to be done.
It is a good idea to compare how the white gold and platinum look. Some people like one and not the other. This will assist you in making a decision.
Choose the Type of Setting
The basic style of a ring is called the setting. Does the ring have one diamond? Does the ring have numerous diamonds? This is what decides what the setting will be on your engagement ring. You can make your decision from 3 varied choices. The simplest setting is that of the solitaire engagement ring and it is the #1 choice. On the band a singular diamond is mounted. This is absolutely fantastic for showing the diamond off. A 3 stone configuration includes one diamond in the middle and then two of lesser size with one on each side. These smaller diamonds are normally 30-60% of the size of the diamond in the center.
Then there are the diamond engagement rings that have side stones; these have one large stone in the center and several smaller diamonds on each side. These diamonds are usually inexpensive because they are extremely small. Try to figure out which one she would like. Maybe one of her friends would find out for you but make sure she would not give away the secret first. As much as girls talk about jewelry she won't be suspicious. You will feel more secure in the knowledge that you got her the kind she wants.
You can now get to the fun part since you have done the three first steps - selecting the diamond! Since she will wear this ring for life make sure to concentrate on getting a diamond that is truly stunning - it is such a pleasure watching my wife receive positive remarks on hers. Lets me remember that I did good picking it out!
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Try to find a diamond buying guide so that you know exactly what to look for when picking out an engagement ring. You can save big bucks on a diamond - Click Here to discover the ways to save money!
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