Buying engagement rings online doesn't have to be confusing or intimidating. In fact, the nice thing about shopping online is that you can browse several online stores without the hassle of traveling from store to store listening to endless sales pitches. Shopping for an engagement ring online can be quite a good experience if you buy from reputable jewelers like Blue Nile and Mondera. Make sure you get an appraisal done by a GIA certified appraiser within one month after your purchase in case there are any issues.
The first thing you'll want to consider is your ring size. If you don't know what it is, most jewelry stores in your town can take your ring size quickly. If you don't feel like going to a jewelry store, then you can get it online. Sites like Blue Nile will send you a ring sizer within several days. How's that for service!
Next, you'll want to decide what style and type of metal is right for you. White and yellow gold come in 14K or 18K. 14K has more alloy in the mixture and is therefore harder than 18K gold. This means it wears better and doesn't scratch as easily. This is something to consider if you work with your hands a lot. 18K gold is more valuable, obviously because it has more gold in it, but is softer and more yellow in color. The yellow could bring out more of the yellow in your diamond if the diamond has some yellow in it as most diamonds do. Platinum is another metal that is becoming popular these days. Its very hard and durable so it doesn't scratch as easily as gold does, and it really brings out the luster in a diamond. There are thousands of styles to choose from online, so you shouldn't have much trouble finding something you love.
Diamonds are graded according to three main factors, Cut, Clarity, and Color. Cut refers to the shape of the diamond. There are many different shapes, but the most brilliant diamonds are round cuts. That's because if the round shape is cut properly (i.e. ideal cut), the maximum amount of light is reflected back to you, bringing out the maximum brilliance of the diamond. If the round diamond is not cut to ideal proportions, some of the light leaks out of the bottom of the diamond causing a loss of brilliance. The next grade is clarity. Clarity refers to how many inclusions, or flaws are in the diamond. Diamonds are rated Flawless (no imperfections) to VVS 1 & 2 (very, very slight), to VS 1 & 2 (very slight), to SI 1 & 2 (slight), to I diamonds (imperfect). I would stay away from I diamonds, because they tend to be cloudy, ugly looking diamonds that have the potential to crack in some instances. They may be cheap, but not worth the money you do pay. If you're on a budget, stay in the SI 1 to VS 2 range, since the inclusions are generally not noticeable to the naked eye. You're definitely going to pay less than you would pay for a flawless or VVS 1, 2 diamond and the differences aren't all that noticeable.
Color is the third grading criteria. Although there are many different colors of diamonds around the world, most diamonds are yellow in color if they are not colorless. The grading starts with D (or colorless) diamonds and works through the alphabet; E, F, G, H, I all the way down to Z, which is a yellow colored diamond. Of course, you'll pay more for the D, E, and F colors. When you get past J color, the yellow starts to become noticeable, so stick to above J in color and you should be fine.
The final consideration is the design of the ring. If the ring has a lot of accent diamonds that are set in prongs, it will tend to snag on things, potentially losing one of your diamonds. The safest settings have channel, or pave set accent diamonds, which have no prongs. The center diamond will generally be set in prongs and this is to bring out the maximum beauty, because it allows the most light in. It can either be a 4 prong or 6 prong setting. Obviously, a 6 prong setting is safer and I would recommend it for any diamond over 1 carat. If you have a 6 prong setting for any diamond under a carat, the diamond tends to get lost in the setting. A cathedral setting helps to protect the center diamond somewhat by partially covering the sides of the diamond against sudden impacts. Above all, pick a design you love while keeping in mind the practicality of wearing your ring forever.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paul Kozar is an ex-jeweler and now owner of Engagement Rings Online, a website dedicated to helping couples find their perfect ring online.
URL: http://www.a1-engagement-rings-planet.com
ADDRESS: Coon Rapids, MN.
E-MAIL: http://www.a1-engagement-rings-planet.com
The elegant and sophisticated look of glittering, gleaming gold. There's... Read More
If the fires of passion in your marriage have been... Read More
Homemade wedding favors come from a centuries old tradition of... Read More
Wedding shower favors are a way to extend gratitude from... Read More
No one has as much fun as the bride to... Read More
Planning a wedding should be fun and exciting. However, if... Read More
Why does Co-dependence arise? Well because two or more individuals... Read More
Wedding receptions are not as formal as they once were,... Read More
Planning a second wedding? Prevent favorite guests comparing your second... Read More
When it comes to decorating your reception tables, the centerpieces... Read More
Are you looking for a las Vegas chapel to make... Read More
Time was when you'd open a wedding invitation you'd find... Read More
These days, many people take wedding bands and engagement rings... Read More
You've found the perfect venue: old oaks, a stone wall,... Read More
Is it to be a summer wedding or winter wedding?... Read More
As couples begin thinking about their wedding, they are often... Read More
At one time or another, most of us have had... Read More
Think your bridal gown is the most important garment you'll... Read More
You and the one you love are dreaming of an... Read More
Creating a wedding budget is one of the first things... Read More
Traditionally at weddings the speechs are made after the wedding... Read More
You're well into planning your wedding and have finally decided... Read More
Your wedding invitations are your announcement to family and friends... Read More
Now that you are planning your wedding, you've got to... Read More
One of the most elegant rituals you can choose for... Read More
home cleaning services Des Plaines ..Planning a wedding should be fun and exciting. However, if... Read More
If you forget the ring, there is still a chance... Read More
Mexico, a country rich in arts and ancient cultures and... Read More
Marriage is a wonderful thing, but planning the wedding is... Read More
As couples begin thinking about their wedding, they are often... Read More
When it comes to your catering services for your wedding,... Read More
Wedding dresses are literally the icing on the cake on... Read More
When it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination it's usually... Read More
Since Maui and Hawaii in general have been blessed with... Read More
When it comes to consideration for the right wedding favor,... Read More
These guidelines will help you avoid the three most common... Read More
THE sunshine had come out to ensure the wedding of... Read More
The best and most valuable gifts are often not material... Read More
Not only do individuals who follow Time Magazine's "Eight Steps... Read More
Being disc jockeys, we get the opportunity to evaluate many... Read More
Choosing who should walk down the aisle with you is... Read More
A wedding is one of the most special days planned... Read More
Fashion Trends and Popular Styles and ColorsThe Wedding Dress ?... Read More
"Is it better for a woman to marry a man... Read More
Hearing that your cheating spouse is "in love" with someone... Read More
It's safe to say that out of all the events... Read More
Your true love got down on his knees and asked... Read More
No matter how well you plan all the aspects of... Read More
So, you decided to opt for an outdoor wedding under... Read More
1. Start with a nice clean piece of paper (lavender... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |