How To Buy A Diamond Ring With Confidence

Far too many people approach buying a diamond engagement ring with fear and trepidation. But it really can be one of the most joyful experiences for couples who are planning their marriage.

True, those who are getting married for the first time may not understand a thing about purchasing an engagement or wedding ring. But it isn't difficult to figure out the basics and to shop online with confidence and anticipation.

A good first step? Browse through wedding magazines, many of which have special sections featuring the latest ring designs. This may be the perfect way to decide which style of diamond engagement ring is desired.

It can also be very helpful to use a blank notebook or small scrapbook to keep tear sheets, each containing a photo of a diamond engagement ring or wedding set. Depending on the style, it may be cost-effective to purchase a set of rings (wedding and engagement ring). Or it might be better to buy them separately and choose different but complementary styles.

Be honest about the financial realities. Both engagement and wedding rings can be quite expensive so be sure the purchase price fits into the entire budget for the wedding. It is easy to come to the conclusion that a particular diamond engagement ring is the only choice when there may be similar styles that fit the budget better.

As Bob Dobucki, owner of Passion Gems Fine Jewelry on eBay, advises, "When I'm asked something along the lines of how much a man should spend spend on an engagement ring, I respond by telling that person to spend as much as they can comfortably afford. A nice engagement ring can range from $750 to $4,000 or more depending on the quality."

A crash course in the four C's can be provide vital and helpful information for choosing the right diamond engagement ring: color, clarity, carat weight, and cut. The diamond's color and grade affects the price of a ring and grades can range from D to Z+.

Unlike high school or college grades, a D, E or F grade is among the highest and most preferable color choices. A diamond which earns a these grades doesn't have a hint of color and is absolutely stunning, both when purchased and put in a special mounting.

Color charts can be found online or at jewelry stores which specialize in wedding rings. It is easy to become familiar with the characteristics of each grade and not be fooled into buying an inferior ring.

Also, many couples do settle for a slightly lesser grade of color and still end up with a gorgeous ring. Grades G, H and I are still considered highly desirable and may be easier on the budget.

 Clarity is also a very important factor when purchasing a ring and can be described as what flaws can be seen - or are impossible to detect - as one looks into a diamond. Again, the grading system is unique for clarity, with an F being practically perfect.

This doesn't mean a diamond is truly flawless but those flaws should not be evident to the naked eye or when viewed at the level of 10x magnification. Again, some of the grades just below F can be just fine but couples should be aware of how these grades differ from the F grade.

Carat is often a misunderstood term but refers to the weight of a diamond and has noting to do with the actual size of the diamond. Two diamonds of equal size can have very different weights.

Also, the value of a diamond engagement ring is tied to color and clarity as well as carat weight. They are a part of the total package and can't be separated.

In short, the value of the ring can not be determined by one factor alone. Of course, large rings tend to attract more attention than smaller ones but a tiny ring with better clarity and color can be worth more than the higher carat weight ring, even if they are not perceived to be as valuable.

A final factor is the cut of the diamond engagement ring and this primarily depends on the skill of a diamond expert. Fine diamonds can be ruined when put in the hands of an average or below average diamond craftsman. When trying to get an understand of what the word "cut" means, looking at different diamonds can be extremely helpful.

Each tiny facet, slant and slope of the diamond is a part of the total cut. Diamonds with a perfect cut will have 58 facets and reflect light precisely and brilliantly, giving a stunning effect. By comparing different diamonds, it may be easy for couples to see whether the cut is ideal (perfect to the eye), shallow or deep cut.

The perfectly cut diamond clearly stands out from the crowd, reflecting far more light and appearing brighter to the eye, often desribed as "brilliant". It doesn't take an experienced eye to notice the difference. Armed with knowledge about the four C's -clarity, carat weight, cut and color- as well as an idea of the desired ring within a set budget, couples can feel confident about making the right choice of engagement ring