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
I saw real love while working at a cozy, candle-lit... Read More
He's popped the question and you're dying to tell someone.... Read More
The look of the wedding invitations you send will not... Read More
1. Start with a nice clean piece of paper (lavender... Read More
What best way can a bride think of rising to... Read More
Wedding dresses are literally the icing on the cake on... Read More
If you've been around long enough, you're aware of the... Read More
In the next six months, my... Read More
As the story goes, a Cherokee elder was sitting with... Read More
When two people - destined for each other, come together,... Read More
If you are planning to have a full wedding that... Read More
There's an important question that you need to ask the... Read More
Planning a bridal shower? Maybe a dear friend or even... Read More
For better or worse, in people's minds weddings and wedding... Read More
The tradition of hosting a bridal shower for the bride... Read More
'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.' This is... Read More
Planning a wedding of any size or budget can have... Read More
Your physiological and psychological expressions of sexual behavior during the... Read More
Diamond engagement rings for many years typically came in the... Read More
Every bride wants to look perfect on her wedding day.... Read More
Let's face it retirement is a time of great transition... Read More
According to the Encarta Dictionary, love is an intense feeling... Read More
"Las Vegas hotel weddings give you tons of options. You... Read More
The elegant and sophisticated look of glittering, gleaming gold. There's... Read More
Hawaii honeymoon vacations could take you to a miracle trip... Read More
efficient cleaning crew Highland Park ..The purpose of a wedding shower is to celebrate the... Read More
You're well into planning your wedding and have finally decided... Read More
Sure you want your guests to enjoy themselves at your... Read More
If you are looking forward to a vacation of attractive... Read More
According to the Encarta Dictionary, love is an intense feeling... Read More
How much should you spend on a diamond engagement ring?$100?$1000?How... Read More
Choosing who should walk down the aisle with you is... Read More
No one said that you had to follow the rule... Read More
Perhaps the biggest worry of a bride-to-be, is picking out... Read More
When it came to love-making, Napoleon, that short plump bundle... Read More
What should you "walk down the aisle" to? Should you... Read More
The bridesmaid gift is essential to the planning of a... Read More
So, you decided to opt for an outdoor wedding under... Read More
The most unique beach wedding reception ideas are sparked by... Read More
OverviewI suppose a typical Christian wedding in the UK can... Read More
What best way can a bride think of rising to... Read More
"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of... Read More
Following is a list of question that, I believe, can... Read More
Is it safe for a wife to be smarter than... Read More
Hiring music entertainment can arguably be the most important booking... Read More
Wedding favors have always been a nice, personal gesture to... Read More
Exactly what should your disc jockey be doing in the... Read More
Through my personal & professional coaching practice, marital issues often... Read More
Beach weddings are popular but they do present "special issues".Failing... Read More
Your true love got down on his knees and asked... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |