Using the 4C's to Buy Engagement Ring Jewellery
Get your advice from someone who knows what there talking about. When I started to write this article I googled advice on how to buy a diamond engagement ring. I was shocked at the amount of uniformed and uneducated diamond buying advice sites.
They had no background in Jewellery or the diamond industry and most were uniformed about the 4 C’s. Do your research on an actual diamond laboratory website like GIA, AGS or HRD. You can also look into actual Jewellery associations like the Canadian Jewellers association for advice on who to trust when purchasing one of the biggest purchases of your life.
My advice is...
- Deal with independent jewelers and try to avoid the national chains who are only thinking about there bottom line, not what your needs are.
- Watch and learn. You're going to have to make a lot of choices – platinum, white or yellow gold? Solitaire or side diamonds? Size of the center diamond? Shape of the center diamond? It's easier if you've done your homework beforehand.
- Look at the Jewellery your girlfriend wears now and listen for the hints as she walks past a Jewellery store window. If you still have no idea ask someone who is close to her but that will keep your secret.
- Determine your budget. As I said above this is one of the biggest purchases you will make in your life, but you should still only purchase what you can afford. A Guideline is about 2 month’s salary but in these economic times that may not be possible.
Whatever you decide, my advice is not to sacrifice quality for size, most women will appreciate something more rare and with high quality than the fact that she got a larger stone.
I read an article on the internet that said, “Ask for a stone with more surface area – it won't sparkle as much but it will look bigger.” In the trade this is called a spread stone and sells for less money but also may look very dull or dark, so watch where you’re getting your information from.
***If it’s a lot less expensive there is usually a gemological reason for it***
Get an independent appraisal of the loose stone and of the ring. Would you buy a house without an inspection? No? Well then don't buy a diamond without an independent diamond-grading report from an independent gemological laboratory. It should include the 4 c's of color, cut, clarity and carat, as well as the shape and size. And, like your house, don't forget to get the ring insured.
***Make sure the measurements on the certificate actually are the measurements of the diamond no two diamonds have the same three measurements***
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