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
Marriage has to be the greatest opportunity for mindfulness on... Read More
You've been engaged for months, you've made it through planning... Read More
Since Maui and Hawaii in general have been blessed with... Read More
Brides have always worn white, right? Not so. In ancient... Read More
Believe it or not, there is etiquette on how to... Read More
Arranged marriages have been a topic of interest for centuries.... Read More
Diamonds may be a woman's best friend, but modern man... Read More
"What in the world could they have been thinking?"Definitely words... Read More
For better or worse, in people's minds weddings and wedding... Read More
The elegant beauty of a strand of pearls... Read More
Brides are looking for different ways to make their wedding... Read More
One of the good things about Las Vegas Wedding Packages... Read More
Buying engagement rings online doesn't have to be confusing or... Read More
The tempo of the music begins to rise. Drums begin... Read More
Is it to be a summer wedding or winter wedding?... Read More
How do you handle arguments that lead to heated exchanges... Read More
You are locked in your seat on the most famous... Read More
It's really not difficult to ruin what could have been... Read More
If the fires of passion in your marriage have been... Read More
Most brides become obsessed with throwing the perfect wedding. The... Read More
Diamond hunting can be quite traumatic for the uninitiated. It... Read More
He's popped the question. You've chosen a date. And now,... Read More
Here comes the bride! Walking through the alley confidence holding... Read More
Beth and Tom were happily married for over 25 years... Read More
Have you ever had to give a wedding speech? As... Read More
green cleaning service Lincolnshire ..During a marriage crisis, you can feel like your whole... Read More
Time was when you'd open a wedding invitation you'd find... Read More
An ideal combination. A good career, a great husband and... Read More
A bridal shower is an excellent way for the bride... Read More
The wedding service in the Greek Orthodox faith is an... Read More
Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel and Bookpleasures is pleased... Read More
You are locked in your seat on the most famous... Read More
For some couples, jetting off to their dream location would... Read More
The exact origin of the wedding ring is uncertain and... Read More
How do you react if your spouse announces "I want... Read More
Planning as early as possible for your wedding is the... Read More
White is traditionally a symbol of purity and as it... Read More
You can look fabulous at your daughter's wedding in a... Read More
The most important day of your life is drawing near... Read More
Mattresses and marriage go hand in hand. Sleep is important... Read More
Getting the wedding tables right can make a big difference... Read More
A little strategizing can go a long way when trying... Read More
In our hungry-for-anything new pop culture world, celebrities are often... Read More
The most unique beach wedding reception ideas are sparked by... Read More
Apparently for a person to get married is like burning... Read More
You and the one you love are dreaming of an... Read More
There are two major events that you have to plan... Read More
Exchanging anniversary gifts is a long standing tradition. Many couples... Read More
In marriages, many arguments and hurt feelings can be traced... Read More
Chocolate fountains, once a rarity at weddings, are becoming more... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |