Guest Post | How To Pick Out An Engagement Ring Without Looking Like An Idiot

This article was written by Drake White - GM at London Gold Jewelers in Scottsdale, AZ always recommends diamond trade-up policy. You may trade your London Gold diamond jewelry and receive up to the full original purchase price.

(image: weheartit)

With the tradition of the man choosing the engagement ring before popping the big question fading into the past, more couples are choosing the engagement ring together. This may be one of the best things to happen to couples all over the world. The engagement ring is one of the most important purchases a man will make in his lifetime. The ring he chooses will be worn by the woman he loves for the rest of her life and be seen by everyone she meets. This is a huge responsibility to be placing on the shoulders of a man.

Now that men and women are picking out the ring together, another problem appears to be gaining ground. How do we help our betrothed choose the most important ring she will ever own without looking like the clueless creatures that we are? The answer is research. A structured set of research guidelines will help you to avoid embarrassment and impress everyone with your knowledgeable contribution to the journey.

• Know your Budget
• Finding the Right Jewelers
• Jewelry Terminology
• Know What She Likes (And does not like)
• Choosing the Ring Rationally (Not Emotionally)
• Precious Stones (What you need to know)

What you are not Shown cannot Hurt You

The first thing that you want to do when you get to the jewelry store is to let the salesperson know what your bottom line budget is so that they only show you rings that are in your price range. There is nothing more embarrassing than finding the perfect ring only to find out that you cannot afford it. As a general rule, you are expected to spend two months worth of your yearly salary, however, that is just an element of the tradition and not set in stone. If her tastes run simpler, a smaller, less conspicuous ring worth less is fine. You can call the jeweler before you actually leave the house and discuss your budget.

Find the Right Jeweler for the Best Deals on Quality 

Speaking of jewelers, how do you find the right one for you? There are two ways to look at it. You can choose a jewelry store that impress people, including your beloved, or one that will have a fine selection at fantastic prices. The smart money should be with the latter. Look for a jeweler that has only a few employees. These quaint little jewelry shops do not throw money away on staff and luxurious space. They keep overhead low and pass that saving on to the customer. Research will find these price worthy jewelers pretty quickly.

Learning the Industries Terminology

One way to avoid showing your ignorance is to learn the terminology and their meanings. Even the simplest of terms can have vague meanings in the jewelry industry so you have your work cut out for you. As you read about jewelry and jewelry stores, take a note of any term you are unsure of and do the research. Try to think of the questions you have and look up the answers before you get there. This will save a lot of time and you will look good when she asks the same questions but you have the answer.

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Know Your Betrothed

If you do not know what your beloved likes in a ring by now, neither of you have been doing your jobs the right way. The oldest game in the world is the one played between couples as they slowly drop hints as to their likes and dislikes. It might take months, but asking the right questions spaced out over time should provide a least an idea. You need to know the ring size. You find this out by purchasing less expensive rings for other occasions. You compare rings in magazines and check her reactions to certain cuts. Watch the Rocks TV channel together and pay attention to her comments.

If you do not know, do not worry because she will bet there with you. Still, it looks good on you if you take charge by asking to see rings in the type of cuts, diamond colors, precious stones, and setting that she likes. Try not to worry… you will be fine either way.

Common Sense Goes a Long Way

Show your practical side, which is a side that most women adore in their man, by making suggestions based on common sense. If your wife to be is the artistic type, and unusual design is always a good choice. If she is outdoorsy type, a ring with a setting that juts out is not a good idea. If your wife is a sensible person, look for sensible choices. Be vocal, pointing out the obvious… but do not be pushy. It is her choice, after all is said and done.

The Right Insurance

Remember to factor insurance into the bottom line. Purchasing insurance on your engagement ring at the jewelers is always a good idea. It will cost less than purchasing an extra policy or adding an endorsement to your homeowners and there is less red tape should you need it. You will also avoid appraisal costs by purchasing your insurance policy with the jeweler and the work will be done by someone you trust if you need insured repairs. Purchasing your insurance with the jeweler opens the door for future discounts when it is time for other purchases.

Know the Four Cs

The diamond in her engagement ring is the most important stone. You will need to know the four C method for choosing a stone, especially if you are going to have the ring made from your design. Knowing the four C method will impress her and make you look like you know what you are doing. Just remember these four criteria, also you can visit our site http://www.londongold.com/ to know more.

Carat: The size of the diamond is the main factor in the price. When you tell the sales person what your budget is, also let them know if you want a single stone or if you want to augment the diamond with precious stone options. If this were the case, it would be wise to look up her birthstone and know yours as well.

Color: Clear white diamonds are no longer the only choice in engagement ring diamonds. Try to ascertain what your beloved’s favorite diamond color is before you arrive so that the jeweler can include a few of these in the presentation. Colored diamonds cost more but are more than worth it in their rarity and beauty.

Clarity: The clearer the diamond, the more expensive it will be. On average, a good diamond is going to fall on the scale of S1. Anything higher is rarer and costs more. The average S1 is clear to the naked eye but does have inclusions that can be seen at magnification levels of 10.

Cut: This is the most important C because it is the cut that makes diamonds sparkle as they do. The better the cut, the more the diamond winks at you. Look for cuts that are not too shallow. The cuts in a diamond are positioned so that they throw light against each other, which is what causes the sparkle. The more cuts a diamond has, the more winks you get.

Love is Honesty

A little bit of research on how to choose a diamond engagement ring goes a very long way. It shows that you care about the choice because you love her and want her to be happy. It is also wise to have a discussion with your wife to be and let her know where you stand financially. Being honest and upfront is the best way to start a marriage that will last a lifetime. 

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