Engagement is an extremely exciting time for couples, but choosing the right engagement ring can be tricky. Whether you’re shopping custom jewelers or stores that sell antique wedding rings, there are still some basic criteria that can help you choose a ring.
When buying a diamond, consider the four C’s: cut, clarity, color and carat weight:
- Cut: Round Cut is the most popular diamond shape, and is also known as the brilliant cut for its 58 total facets, which include 33 on the crown and 25 on the pavilion. Cut determines the circulation of light in your engagement ring and effects how dazzling it will look to others.
- Clarity: Clarity isn’t visible to the untrained eye, so paying for a clarity upgrade may not always be worth the cost. Diamonds often range from flawless to imperfect, and though flawless stones are the most valuable and rare, most diamonds in the slightly higher end will still look perfect to the naked eye.
- Color: A colorless diamond is a sign of high quality. Diamonds with little to no color will shine more brilliantly. Color diamonds like pinks and blues are the exception to this rule and can be just as valuable as colorless diamonds.
- Carat Weight: One carat is equal to 0.2 grams, about the same weight as a paperclip. A 50 point diamond weighs .50 Carats, so carats indicate size rather than quality, though a heavier carat measurement will usually cost you more.
As for band type, quality gold and platinum are still the are preferred for materials for engagement rings, but more common metal types like silver, titanium and stainless steel are also used. In 2011, 73% of all engagement rings were white gold engagement rings, and trends change from year to year. While it can be nice to have a wedding ring that’s in vogue, make sure it’s also one that suits your unique preferences.
Custom jewelers can help you create a wedding ring that suits your needs if the ready-made options aren’t quite for you. In addition to color diamonds, gemstone engagement rings are becoming more popular for couples who want something a little less traditional. Custom jewelers can also create custom engraved jewelry for couples who want their rings to say that little extra something.
In 2012, couples paid an average of $4,000 on engagement rings, and the expected cost has gone up a little since then. Nowadays, however, couples don’t have to be quite so traditional with wedding rings, so choose the ring that’s best for your situation and will make both of you happy! More on this: www.smythjewelers.com