How to Decide on The Perfect Engagement Ring

One of the most memorable and important times of your life is going to be when you decide to propose. Of course, the first step is buying an engagement ring. This may be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make. The best way to show your love is by making sure you are getting her the perfect ring. Chances are you are not a professional and don't know what to look for. Your best bet is to get advice from a jeweler.

As with any major purchase, there are several things to consider before making your choice. One is cost. Rings will vary in price, largely determined by the three C's: cut, color and carat. The cut of the diamond is the shape and effects the way the diamond sparkles when the light hits it. The color (and clarity) deals with the visual appearance of the diamond. The clearer the diamond, the more expensive it will be. The carat of the diamond is actually the size of the diamond, not the weight.

A jeweler can help you decide which diamond is affordable for your budget. If your budget is small, buying a diamond ring online can cut your purchase cost buy up to 85%. Keep in mind that many jewelers will allow the purchase and your ring to be used for trade-in value. If you can't afford the ring you feel she deserves, you can upgrade it later for a special anniversary gift.

You also might want to consider buying a pave design diamond ring. A pave is designed to appear as if it is entirely made of diamonds. These rings are more affordable than solitary settings and can save you up to 90%. The setting is another thing to consider. The setting can determine how the stately the ring will look when worn. For example, a bezel setting ring will appear to have a larger stone due to a thin band of metal that wraps around it. The precious metals used for the bands will also affect the cost. The most popular metals today are gold and platinum. Gold is more affordable than platinum, however, platinum is the stronger of the two and will show less damage over the years.

When picking out fine jewelry, such as an engagement ring, you should always request official certification. You should also seriously consider purchasing insurance. This will protect you against loss or theft. The insurance is very affordable but will vary from city to city. People in higher crime risk areas can expect to pay more. If you have your ring inscribed with a certification number, your insurance company is likely to give you a discount.