So, you’ve found the love of your life. Congratulations! The worst is over, but you’re not out of the jungle yet. You still need to propose. And before that can happen, you’ll need to look at engagement rings.
The first thing you should know, before anything else, is your budget. Engagement rings can cost a hefty price. But maybe you don’t need an expensive ring, or maybe you don’t know what you want yet. If so, we can help you.
Below, we share with you the most important things that need to be considered when choosing the perfect engagement ring for your sweetheart.
The first you need to know is the 4 C’s. While this is mainly used to evaluate diamond engagement ring, it also helps you know your precious stones better. Let’s take a look at what each of these letters mean:
Cut
When it comes to diamonds, the boast factor is obviously in the weight. But in choosing one for engagement rings, the most important quality is its cut. This determines how much the gem will sparkle. Engagement rings are usually adorned with diamonds with different cuts. The cut has the greatest effect on a diamond’s beauty. A precise-cut diamond makes it more captivating, thus also adding to its value.
Carat
The carat is a diamond’s physical weight. It’s the most objective grade of the 4 C’s and can also determine the size of the stone. As the carat weight of a diamond goes up, so does its rarity and value. Moreover, two diamonds can have the same carat-weight but their value would still vary greatly depending on their cut, colour, and clarity.
Colour
With diamonds, you can often find them between the yellow and colourless scale. While yellow doesn’t mean the diamonds are in any way imperfect, the most sought-after are the colourless ones. Engagement rings don’t have to be colourless to be beautiful. There are many designs that feature gray, or even black diamonds and they’ll still look gorgeous! The important thing is that it fits your partner’s personality.
Clarity
Because diamonds are formed within the earth and under constant heat and pressure, they usually turn out with flaws or blemishes, often called “birthmarks”. These small imperfections can be found inside (inclusions) or outside (exclusions) of the diamond. Generally, the more blemishes a diamond has, the lower its value. Flawless diamonds are incredibly rare, about 1 in 5000, and they cost a fortune.
Now that you know what the 4 C’s are, time to dive into the other factors that should guide you in choosing the perfect engagement ring.
The Right Metal
When it comes to metal for engagement rings, you’ll have a bevy of options to choose from. Yellow gold is among the popular choices, but many consider white gold as a durable option and less prone to scratching. Stronger than both, however, is rose gold. If your partner prefers a white engagement ring and if you have room in your budget, then a platinum band is a great choice.
Your Partner’s Style
Contrary to what they advertise, diamonds aren’t always a girl’s best friend. Pay attention to your beloved’s style and get a feel of what would interest her. Other precious stones like emeralds and sapphires, can be a cost-effective alternative that can still put a smile on your partner’s face.
Setting
It isn’t enough to just choose a stone and metal. You’ll also need to decide on the setting. While not as important as knowing your partner’s preferences, the right setting can still make a difference. Some women, especially those who do a lot of gardening or painting, may appreciate a prong setting. Do a little research on the different settings available. In the end, let your partner’s style guide you in making the final decision.
Ready to shop? Want to ask questions about the engagement rings that are within your budget? Book an appointment with us now at Monty Adams. We’ll make sure to choose one that will make your special someone exceptionally happy.