Time To Pop The Question? How To Choose The Perfect Diamond
Buying an engagement ring can be a daunting task, especially if you're on a budget. Luckily, a tight budget doesn't have to prevent you from buying the perfect engagement ring. Here are three steps that will help you choose the right diamond engagement ring.
Do Your Homework
If you've never purchased a diamond before, you need to do your homework. Choosing a diamond requires more than simply the shine of the stone, although that is an important aspect. To make sure you know what you're doing, you need to understand the components that help set a diamond apart from all the rest. There are four Cs that you'll need to know before you begin your search for the perfect engagement ring.
Clarity
Clarity rates the small imperfections that are often too small to see with the naked eye. The fewer the imperfections, the higher the clarity rating. In most cases, clarity won't effect the outward appearance of the diamond.
Cut
When it comes to importance on the rating scale, cut ranks right at the top. The cut determines how much your diamond will sparkle and shine. In fact, with the wrong cut, a diamond will appear downright dull.
Color
The perfect diamond will be virtually colorless, while diamonds of a lower grade will appear to have a yellowish tint. For the best diamond, try to stay as close to colorless as possible.
Carat
When choosing a diamond engagement ring, you want to pay attention to the carat, especially if you're working with a budget. The larger the carat, the more expensive the diamond.
Set the Budget
Once you've done your homework, and you understand everything that goes into the creating the perfect diamond, you'll need to set a price range for your purchase. This is particularly important when you need to stay within a specific budget. One of the benefits of working with a budget is it allows you to have some wiggle room during the selection process. To do that, choose the C that's the most important to you. For instance, if carat size is of utmost importance, you can lower your standard for clarity, color and cut.
Choose a Jeweler You Trust
If you've never purchased a diamond before, you'll need help through the final process. That's where choosing the right jeweler becomes so important. Spend some time visiting jewelers and asking specific questions. The right jeweler will be willing to spend as much time as you need to help you choose the perfect diamond engagement ring.