Cyborg AnimalsEngagement Rings: How to Buy A Ring She Will Love and Save Money
Nothing could be more daunting than to shop for engagement rings. There is new terminology to be learned with words like clarity, cut and color. Different metal choices, like 24K gold, 14K Gold, White Gold, or Platinum bands, which one do you choose? How can I save money but still buy a beautiful ring?
Learn the 4 C’s
The 4 C’s are clarity, cut, carat and color. This is a standard grading system throughout all diamond jewelry. Knowing this can save you both time and money.
Clarity refers to the surface of the diamond, the more surface noise the lesser the quality. However these flaws usually can’t be seen without a jeweler’s eye.
Cut represents not only the shape of the diamond but how light reflects off the diamond. An example of a poor cut would be one that does not sparkle or sparkles in an odd pattern.
Carats are the measurement used to define the size of a diamond, the larger the diamond the bigger the diamond, and the price.
Colors, well diamonds can actually come in a vast array of colors but the common ones appearing in engagement rings are colorless, near colorless, and yellow. A letter guide, using the letters G-Z is used for grading; anything over a “J” is considered to show yellow to untrained eyes.
Choose a Metal
Start by observing your finance. Pay special attention to the color of jewelry she already wears.
Mixing metal colors is bad news in the fashion world, and very few can pull it off. Try and stick to what she already wears.
If she doesn’t wear any jewelry ask her, a friend, or relative what her style is. If they ask why just say you saw a cute pair of earrings or necklace.
If all else fails, go with what works for most woman. Gold, white gold, or Platinum bands are considered to be your most available choices. However, some stores can order less expensive metals like sterling silver which doesn’t look much different from white gold.
Cut Costs
Don’t go for the largest ring, even if you can afford it. Most women cannot pull off the large diamond rings, and the average woman most likely doesn’t want one that big. A moderate sized ring, or smaller if she has petite hands, will still look just as stunning.
You may also wish to look into buying a lesser quality clarity and a color closer to “J”. Absolutely, positively don’t ever skimp on color. This is where quality to the untrained eye can shine through, because a poor cut can cause a lot of problems with settings.
Another way to cut costs is to purchase vintage antique engagement rings. You can find some great deals on princess cut antique style engagement rings at local antique shops. You can also look in the Sunday paper and see if any estate sales are going on in your area. You may find some great bargains and some very unique rings from past eras.
The last place you can save money is in the band and setting. If she prefers yellow gold, you can always save some cash by getting 14K, or even 10K gold. If she wears white gold you will have the choice of sterling silver. However, this information is stamped on the inside of the band and can be a dead giveaway that you tried to save money.
Don’t Be Pressured
It really isn’t all about the ring, as the commercials will say. No, it is about the love you express and feel inside for each other. Don’t fret over your choices too much and never allow a saleswoman to intimidate you. They will always reach for the largest, gaudiest, and typically most expensive ring in their case. They try to confuse you with their fancy “4 c’s”, but of course you’ll do fine now that their secret code has been decoded.
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