Engagement Rings - How To Buy a Loose Diamond or Preset Diamond Engagement Rings
Don't let a shop keeper tell you what which loose diamond or diamond engagement ring is best for you. Make sure you understand the 4 C's of diamonds to understand what is important to you before shopping for a diamond ring. We have listed some tips to help you save some money:
Tips and Advice For Buying a Loose Diamond:
1. Diamond Cut - Since a diamond's cut is the most important C, you really shouldn't compromise on this characteristic. If possible, choose an ideal or excellent cut diamond to ensure that you maximize it's brilliance and light reflection. Poorly cut stones simply don't compare to a well-cut stone and you will be able to tell the difference very easily.
2. Diamond Color - If you are shopping for a round brilliant diamond (the most popular diamond shape), you can save money by purchasing a diamond with a lower color grade of H, I, or J. These color grades are near-colorless and significantly less expensive than colorless diamonds. It is a misconception that these stones would appear "yellow" or tinted in color. The simple fact is if these diamonds aren't compared directly to a "D" colored diamond, then most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
3. Diamond Clarity - As long as you choose a diamond that is "eye-clean" (no visible inclusions apparent to the naked eye), you will be fine. There is simply no reason to purchase a flawless, VVS, or even VS clarity grade diamond because you will not be able to tell the difference. High clarity diamonds are an unnecessary expense and really aren't worth it. To see for yourself, check out this diamond clarity chart for actual diamond photos of their different clarity grades.
4. Diamond Carat Weight - You can save some money if you choose a diamond that is just below the popular carat weights. For example, a 0.90 or 1.45ct diamond is just under the pricing threshold for a 1.0 or 1.5 carat diamond.
Tips and Advice for Buying a Pre-set Diamond Engagement Ring:
You can also save extra money if you wanted to purchase a pre-set or already mounted diamond engagement ring. This option works for couples that are looking to purchase a beautiful diamond ring while also saving significant money by allowing the jeweler to set the ring beforehand. Take a look at the following preset rings:
Tips and Advice For Buying a Loose Diamond:
1. Diamond Cut - Since a diamond's cut is the most important C, you really shouldn't compromise on this characteristic. If possible, choose an ideal or excellent cut diamond to ensure that you maximize it's brilliance and light reflection. Poorly cut stones simply don't compare to a well-cut stone and you will be able to tell the difference very easily.
2. Diamond Color - If you are shopping for a round brilliant diamond (the most popular diamond shape), you can save money by purchasing a diamond with a lower color grade of H, I, or J. These color grades are near-colorless and significantly less expensive than colorless diamonds. It is a misconception that these stones would appear "yellow" or tinted in color. The simple fact is if these diamonds aren't compared directly to a "D" colored diamond, then most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
3. Diamond Clarity - As long as you choose a diamond that is "eye-clean" (no visible inclusions apparent to the naked eye), you will be fine. There is simply no reason to purchase a flawless, VVS, or even VS clarity grade diamond because you will not be able to tell the difference. High clarity diamonds are an unnecessary expense and really aren't worth it. To see for yourself, check out this diamond clarity chart for actual diamond photos of their different clarity grades.
4. Diamond Carat Weight - You can save some money if you choose a diamond that is just below the popular carat weights. For example, a 0.90 or 1.45ct diamond is just under the pricing threshold for a 1.0 or 1.5 carat diamond.
Tips and Advice for Buying a Pre-set Diamond Engagement Ring:
You can also save extra money if you wanted to purchase a pre-set or already mounted diamond engagement ring. This option works for couples that are looking to purchase a beautiful diamond ring while also saving significant money by allowing the jeweler to set the ring beforehand. Take a look at the following preset rings: