KMIR 6 – Palm Springs News, Weather, SportsEngagement ring shopping 101

09.09.2010 · Posted in Entertainment

The part about spending the rest of your lives together seems easy compared to the other big decision you're about to make — which ring. if you still think a carat is something you dip in hummus, don't worry. Here's all you need to know about engagement ring shopping.

1. Nail down Your Budget

You may have heard that a ring should cost the same as two months' salary. Ignore it. just like all wedding-related purchases, you should buy the best ring you can without going into major debt. come up with a number that you feel comfortable spending before you walk into a jewelry store and stick to it. still want some kind of ballpark number? The national average amount spent on an engagement ring in 2009 was $5,861. (Source: TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com 2009 Jewelry Study)

2. find a Reputable Jeweler

Without ruining the surprise of your proposal, start your search by subtly gathering recommendations from friends and family to find a quality jeweler. if that doesn't work, look for jewelers who are GIA and Gemologist certified, meaning they have received an education in gemology from an accredited institution. Other requirements to look for: they should have a return policy; they should sell the diamonds loose (mounted diamond-only stores could be trying to hide imperfect stones); and they should use the GIA grading scale for color and clarity. Thinking of buying online? there can be great deals, but you have to really understand what you're looking at. if you're set on web shopping, make sure the site has an expressly stated return and exchange policy.

3. Learn Diamond Lingo

Repeat it often: color, cut, clarity, and carat. The 4Cs, as they are known, will guide your diamond shopping and you'll want to find a diamond that reflects a balance of them. Confused? Clarity refers to how “clean” the diamond it is — how free of imperfections. You'll hear it measured from F (for flawless) to I (for included, or blemished). Cut refers to the number and shape of the facets on the finished diamond. if your girlfriend has been dropping hints about emerald or princess style, she's talking cut. Carat is the unit of weight diamonds are measured in — one carat equals 200 milligrams. Color is the easy one. Diamonds range in color from D (totally colorless) to Z (a pale yellow or brown). Remember: less color means more money, unless you're talking rare yellow canary diamonds, which can actually be more expensive.

4. Know the Alternatives

There are nontraditional alternatives to a diamond engagement ring. Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are all great options and can be other romantic options to consider for an offbeat bride-to-be. Rubies are typically pink and red; emeralds are usually blue and green; and sapphires come in a wide range of colors from yellow to deep blue. A word to the wise: While this trend is catching on, most brides do picture a traditional engagement ring so before you go this route, be extra sure a unique bauble is something your future fiance will love.

5. Decide on a Setting

Once you've picked out a stone, you'll need to set your sights on the rest of the ring. The most popular setting choice is the four or six prong solitaire, where the diamond is held up by several prongs above the diamond band. There's also a tension setting, where the diamond is sandwiched within the band, giving the illusion that it's floating. that said, there are many options a jeweler will be able to explain. They all look the same to you? Check out the jewelry your girlfriend wears regularly to figure out styles she likes and go from there.

6. Get The Diamond Appraised

Before you buy it, get the ring appraised by an independent expert (try GIA or the American Gem Society website for recommendations). Trust us: this ensures you are buying the stone you think you are and can give you peace of mind against unexpected surprises later. also, make sure that the jeweler can provide you with a certificate showing the stone's origin (i.e., ensuring that your diamond is “conflict-free”). Finally, before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to get a “fingerprint” of your ring on the bill of sale. this signed statement stating the cut, carat size, and any imperfections outlines exactly what you bought so everyone is on the same page.

7. Insure Your Ring

An engagement ring is a major investment you want to protect if it ever gets lost or stolen. Typically, ring insurance can be purchased as an extension of your renters' or homeowners' policy, or you can insure your ring through a company that specializes in jewelry insurance, which might offer more coverage than your standard homeowners' policy. Expect to pay about $1 to $2 for every $100 it would cost to replace.

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KMIR 6 – Palm Springs News, Weather, SportsEngagement ring shopping 101

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