Difference between revisions of "Choose an Engagement Ring"
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#*Do you want other stones inset into the band or just metal? | #*Do you want other stones inset into the band or just metal? | ||
#*Do you want a thick band showing off more stones/metal, or a thin band? | #*Do you want a thick band showing off more stones/metal, or a thin band? | ||
| − | #Consider the "setting," or how the stone will be set in the band. The setting refers to the piece that holds the gemstone in place on the band. The setting can be "pronged" or "invisible".<ref>http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-engagement-rings.htm</ref> A setting with a bezel, or at least six prongs for some redundancy, is safer for a ring that is worn during significant activity, though some women may prefer less metal in the way of their stone. | + | #Consider the "setting," or how the stone will be set in the band. The setting refers to the piece that holds the gemstone in place on the band. The setting can be "pronged" or "invisible".<ref name="rf1">http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-engagement-rings.htm</ref> A setting with a bezel, or at least six prongs for some redundancy, is safer for a ring that is worn during significant activity, though some women may prefer less metal in the way of their stone. |
#[[Figure out Her Ring Size|Choose the right size]]. Choosing the ring size of the band is an important part of choosing the right engagement ring. One way you can figure out her ring size is by sneaking out one of the rings she wears a lot to have a jeweler figure out the size -- as long as she doesn't have time to miss it. If you can't get a ring out, try: | #[[Figure out Her Ring Size|Choose the right size]]. Choosing the ring size of the band is an important part of choosing the right engagement ring. One way you can figure out her ring size is by sneaking out one of the rings she wears a lot to have a jeweler figure out the size -- as long as she doesn't have time to miss it. If you can't get a ring out, try: | ||
#*Tracing the inside of the ring on a piece of paper, then using that for sizing. | #*Tracing the inside of the ring on a piece of paper, then using that for sizing. | ||
| − | #*Placing the ring on your finger, then marking with pen or sharpie how far up it slides.<ref>https://www.theknot.com/content/engagement-ring-shopping-tips</ref> | + | #*Placing the ring on your finger, then marking with pen or sharpie how far up it slides.<ref name="rf2">https://www.theknot.com/content/engagement-ring-shopping-tips</ref> |
===Choosing a Quality Diamond Ring=== | ===Choosing a Quality Diamond Ring=== | ||
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#*Color | #*Color | ||
#*Clarity | #*Clarity | ||
| − | #Choose the right cut, or shape, of the diamond. There are different ways to cut a diamond and the type of cut impacts a diamond's sparkle. The cut that produces the most sparkle is the "round" (or "brilliant") cut, while "radiant" and "princess" cuts are good at hiding flaws. Other cuts include "square," "emerald," "pear," "marquise," "cushion," "Asscher," and heart-shaped.<ref>http://www.howcast.com/videos/111932-How-To-Buy-an-Engagement-Ring</ref> The oval shape looks best with larger stones, and as it looks bigger than the round cut.<ref | + | #Choose the right cut, or shape, of the diamond. There are different ways to cut a diamond and the type of cut impacts a diamond's sparkle. The cut that produces the most sparkle is the "round" (or "brilliant") cut, while "radiant" and "princess" cuts are good at hiding flaws. Other cuts include "square," "emerald," "pear," "marquise," "cushion," "Asscher," and heart-shaped.<ref name="rf3">http://www.howcast.com/videos/111932-How-To-Buy-an-Engagement-Ring</ref> The oval shape looks best with larger stones, and as it looks bigger than the round cut.<ref name="rf1" /> A high-quality cut is more important than weight or an extremely high clarity or color grade: a diamond, like a road reflector, shines light back out the direction it came in and breaks it up a bit in the process. |
| − | #*It is also important to base your selection of diamonds based on objective data such as ASET or Idealscope images that you can acquire from your jeweler.<ref>http://onlinediamondbuyingguide.com/How-to-Choose-a-Diamond.html</ref> This is particularly important if you are buying a diamond engagement ring online | + | #*It is also important to base your selection of diamonds based on objective data such as ASET or Idealscope images that you can acquire from your jeweler.<ref name="rf4">http://onlinediamondbuyingguide.com/How-to-Choose-a-Diamond.html</ref> This is particularly important if you are buying a diamond engagement ring online |
#Use "karats" to determine the weight or general size. Karats refer to the unit measurement of the diamond, and refers to weight, rather than size. Karats are broken down into 100 ‘points’, which are essentially a measurement of the percentage of a karat that a diamond is. For example, if a diamond is 75pt then it is 75%, or 0.75 of a karat. Higher karat ratings generally mean larger diamonds and are more expensive.<reF>http://ringspo.com/diamond-carat/</ref> | #Use "karats" to determine the weight or general size. Karats refer to the unit measurement of the diamond, and refers to weight, rather than size. Karats are broken down into 100 ‘points’, which are essentially a measurement of the percentage of a karat that a diamond is. For example, if a diamond is 75pt then it is 75%, or 0.75 of a karat. Higher karat ratings generally mean larger diamonds and are more expensive.<reF>http://ringspo.com/diamond-carat/</ref> | ||
#Consider if you want a clear or colored diamond. The color of diamonds varies considerably and most people prefer a white colored diamond for an engagement ring. Colors are graded from D (colorless and rare) and most good quality diamonds will be around F and H. However, all grades from D to I are almost identical when mounted.<ref>http://ringspo.com/diamond-clarity</reF> | #Consider if you want a clear or colored diamond. The color of diamonds varies considerably and most people prefer a white colored diamond for an engagement ring. Colors are graded from D (colorless and rare) and most good quality diamonds will be around F and H. However, all grades from D to I are almost identical when mounted.<ref>http://ringspo.com/diamond-clarity</reF> | ||
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#*Stay just shy of common karat sizes, like 1 or 2 karats. A 1.9 karat stone is not noticeably different, but can save you as much as 20%. | #*Stay just shy of common karat sizes, like 1 or 2 karats. A 1.9 karat stone is not noticeably different, but can save you as much as 20%. | ||
#*Aim for a wider cut, which can make a smaller stone look bigger. | #*Aim for a wider cut, which can make a smaller stone look bigger. | ||
| − | #*Check out antique stones and rings instead of buying a brand new piece -- it has flavor, uniqueness, and can be much cheaper.<ref>http://www.gq.com/story/buying-engagement-ring-shopping-diamonds-jewelry</ref> | + | #*Check out antique stones and rings instead of buying a brand new piece -- it has flavor, uniqueness, and can be much cheaper.<ref name="rf5">http://www.gq.com/story/buying-engagement-ring-shopping-diamonds-jewelry</ref> |
| − | #Choose a good jeweler, considering online sources as well. Look for a store that makes you feel comfortable and where the staff is pleasant and helpful. If you can, check that the jeweler is registered with a society, association, or organization that regulates, certifies, etc., jewelers, such as the National Association of Goldsmiths in the UK. Furthermore, don't be afraid of online jewelers -- you can save as much as 100% compared to a chain like Kay's<ref>http://ringspo.com/dont-buy-from-mall-jewelers</ref>: | + | #Choose a good jeweler, considering online sources as well. Look for a store that makes you feel comfortable and where the staff is pleasant and helpful. If you can, check that the jeweler is registered with a society, association, or organization that regulates, certifies, etc., jewelers, such as the National Association of Goldsmiths in the UK. Furthermore, don't be afraid of online jewelers -- you can save as much as 100% compared to a chain like Kay's<ref name="rf6">http://ringspo.com/dont-buy-from-mall-jewelers</ref>: |
#*Ask around your married friends or your family for recommendations on a good, trusted jeweler. | #*Ask around your married friends or your family for recommendations on a good, trusted jeweler. | ||
#*An online jeweler such as James Allen, Harry George or Blue Nile can be a good option if you're willing to accept a little less "hand-holding" for a better price. Be sure to check that the jeweler has a strong online reputation before purchasing by searching "(Name of online jeweler) + Reviews" on Google. | #*An online jeweler such as James Allen, Harry George or Blue Nile can be a good option if you're willing to accept a little less "hand-holding" for a better price. Be sure to check that the jeweler has a strong online reputation before purchasing by searching "(Name of online jeweler) + Reviews" on Google. | ||
