In our last blog, we went over the first few steps in getting prepared to purchase an engagement ring. After you have figured out your budget, found a reputable jeweler, and gotten a good sense of your partner’s personal style, use these tips to seal the deal on the perfect ring!
Get familiar with the four C’s
Diamonds are graded based on the four C’s: cut, color, carat, clarity. It’s a good idea to review what these terms mean and then decide which are most important to you and your significant other. It’s likely you’ll need to forgo certain features within these categories in favor of others in order to stay under budget. If you need to brush up on your diamond terminology, here’s a quick breakdown.
- Cut. A diamond’s cut is essentially its shape. Round cuts are traditional, but princess, cushion, and other cuts have become popular as well over the years. For more information about cut, click here.
- Color. A scale of D (colorless) to Z (dark yellow or brown tint) is used to grade a diamond’s color. Color determines rarity and therefore cost; a colorless diamond is much more rare and expensive than one that is yellow in color.
- Carat. A “carat” is a unit that measures how much a diamond weighs, though carats are more commonly thought of as a measure of size. The higher the carat, the bigger the diamond and the more it costs.
- Clarity. Clarity is a measurement based on the number of flaws or blemishes present in a diamond. Diamond clarity is graded on a scale of Flawless (FL), meaning there are no blemishes visible to a skilled grader under a microscope, to Included (I1, I2, I3), meaning blemishes are visible to the naked eye.
Know her ring size
Determining your partner’s ring size without directly asking can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. If you notice she wears a ring on her left-hand ring finger, sneak it to a jewelry store to have it sized, or even just trace it on a piece of paper. If she doesn’t wear a ring on her ring finger, try one of these ideas. Know that some rings can be resized easily and for others it is very difficult, so ask about the jeweler’s resizing policy before making a purchase.
Consider insurance
An engagement ring is a significant investment, so it’s important to consider the possibility of loss, theft, and other damage. It’s a good idea to protect your ring by insuring it through your jeweler or adding its value to your home or rental insurance. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to factor the amount into your budget.
Buying an engagement ring isn’t something you do every day, so it’s important to educate and prepare yourself before shelling out the cash. Be aware that, depending on if you’re having your ring sized or otherwise customized, the entire process can take several weeks, so make sure you have clear time frames for everything leading up to the proposal.
For expert service and a wide selection that is sure to include the ring of your sweetheart’s dreams, visit Sartor Hamann in Lincoln and Grand Island!