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
No one has as much fun as the bride to... Read More
Why does Co-dependence arise? Well because two or more individuals... Read More
Diamonds may be a woman's best friend, but modern man... Read More
Perhaps the single most important thing that must be accomplished... Read More
When planning your event you should go with the most... Read More
1) Write a mission statement:Most brides spend more time planning... Read More
The tempo of the music begins to rise. Drums begin... Read More
As a personal and professional development coach, I have listened... Read More
Tina Turner asked an important question in the title of... Read More
So your not one of those fabulous actresses or models... Read More
From the book Spider's Big CatchAs June wraps its arms... Read More
Most brides become obsessed with throwing the perfect wedding. The... Read More
Perhaps the biggest worry of a bride-to-be, is picking out... Read More
If you're planning your wedding day then you'll be all... Read More
Once upon a time a caveman, while out for a... Read More
Computer printed labels are a time-saver, but they make the... Read More
Wedding shower favors are a way to extend gratitude from... Read More
Strange as it may seem the use of a wedding... Read More
Preparing for a wedding, large or small, is overwhelming! A... Read More
So you're planning your wedding and a thousand decisions must... Read More
Ritual symbolism abounds in everything we do; this is particularly... Read More
Marriage is a wonderful thing, but planning the wedding is... Read More
If you have met the person or the couple several... Read More
If your husband is faithful, you have much to be... Read More
maid service near Winnetka ..The Cancun honeymoon vacation comes with its bagage of sweet... Read More
Give disc jockey's credit. Many of them have endured so... Read More
Planning a wedding of any size or budget can have... Read More
White is traditionally a symbol of purity and as it... Read More
Wedding favors have always been a nice, personal gesture to... Read More
If you've always dreamed of flying in a helicopter, Las... Read More
Creating a wedding budget is one of the first things... Read More
Candles, rose petals, satin, succulent foods, perfume-you're probably already familiar... Read More
Too many wives with cheating husbands put up with their... Read More
Communication plays one of the most important roles in any... Read More
All brides want to be beautiful on their wedding day,... Read More
The job of choosing the right wedding cake style is... Read More
Imagine the following scenario. Your spouse has given you an... Read More
Marriage is a wonderful thing, but planning the wedding is... Read More
In Part One, we looked at what wives really want... Read More
The key to being a gracious bride is to be... Read More
It's a fact, however odd it seems, that some brides... Read More
The wedding favor box carries on the timeless tradition established... Read More
Your lovely fianc?e has chosen her 'maids, and now you're... Read More
Most people are aware that significant wedding anniversaries such as... Read More
Just like weddings, receptions are often theme based as well.... Read More
You've had friends to your home for dinner. Maybe you've... Read More
How do you give thanks and make a lasting impression... Read More
Now that you are planning your wedding, you've got to... Read More
Wedding favors are as unique and varied as the couples... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |