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The Dos and Don’ts of Buying an Engagement Ring

Jewellery

Sarah

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The Dos and Don’ts of Buying an Engagement Ring

Buying the perfect engagement ring is nerve racking for a lot of people. Not only does it mark an important milestone in your life, it is also a big investment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that you’ll get the perfect ring for that special someone in your life. In this article, we’re going to explore some of the dos and don’ts of buying an engagement ring.

Dos of Buying an Engagement Ring

classic-six-claw-round-solitaire — image courtesy Voltaire Diamonds

Try to see the diamond in person if possible. Even when two diamonds have the exact same grading, they usually don’t look the same in person.

While many people like to buy jewelry online these days, one of the biggest disadvantages is not being able to see the ring before you buy it. However, some online jewelers have physical locations as well. For instance, Ascot Diamonds has both an online store and a location in Atlanta for folks looking for Atlanta engagement rings, so it’s always better to pick the latter option when possible.

oval-diamond-with-pave-set-halo-and-shoulders — image courtesy Voltaire Diamonds

Don’t buy a diamond by the certificate alone. A lot of people make the mistake of buying a diamond based solely on its certification. However, there are many differences between diamonds with the same grading that should be noted. For instance, you can have an SI2 certified diamond that is “eye perfect”, meaning that there are no visible imperfections to the naked eye, while another SI2 diamond can have visible inclusions. The certificate of a diamond never tells the whole story.

Stick to your budget: having a clear budget is essential if you’re trying to buy a diamond ring. Don’t get carried away; have a clear number in mind before you start shopping and stick to it. Remember that it’s the thought that counts and your significant other should be kind enough to understand your situation.

Don’ts of Buying an Engagement Ring

Stick to diamonds only: while diamonds are usually the first choice people consider for engagement rings, there are tons of other gemstones you can choose from. Sapphires, rubies and emeralds are all great options for engagement rings, and they’re also usually cheaper.

youtube-er-1577 — image courtesy Voltaire Diamonds

Don’t buy a diamond ring that doesn’t suit her: one of the biggest mistakes people make when buying engagement rings is not considering the person who will be wearing it. For instance, if your mate has short fingers, it would be better to go with a smaller band. Wide bands have a tendency of making short fingers look even shorter and choosing a more elongated gemstone can make fingers look longer.

Don’t buy the ring with her: while some people might think that going ring shopping with their significant other would be a wise idea, it might completely ruin the surprise. Instead, try to find out as much as possible about her tastes before you go shopping and make a mental checklist of what her ideal engagement ring would look like.

Choose the Perfect Ring

If you follow the simple tips in this article, you should be able to find a great engagement ring she will cherish for a long time. But, whatever you do, always remember to keep her preferences in mind, stick to your budget and try to see the ring in person if possible.

Finding the Perfect Wedding Ring

Jewellery

Sarah

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A wedding ring symbolises a couple’s lifelong love and commitment to each other. It’s a fashion piece that you’ll spend the rest of your life with. Therefore, the process of finding one should be given the importance it deserves during wedding planning. Let’s help you choose the perfect one with a few valuable tips.

Budget

When shopping for a wedding ring, you should have your budget in mind. There are many aspects of your wedding that you’ll also have to take care of such as the cake and the venue. Fortunately, there is a ring for every budget.
In the case of diamond rings, price varies depending on the size and properties of the diamond. Flawless and near flawless stones come with a high price tag. If you’re conscious of your budget, you can add expensive-looking embellishments to your ring regardless of the central stone’s size. You can also go for inexpensive silver that mimics the look of white gold.

Quality

Quality should be a big concern when you’re looking for a ring consisting of diamonds and precious metals. The ring should have two marks, the quality mark and the manufacturer’s trademark. If the ring has more than one metal, ensure there is a quality mark for each metal.

Personality

Your personality can act as a guide to choosing the perfect ring. If you are simple, relaxed or laid back, a classic style ring will be ideal for you. If you’re bold, outspoken and daring, you can mix different metals or go for a bold design such as a classic design with contemporary twists or something modern and unusual. There are many designers that make provisions for unusual tastes. If you are a trendy person, a ring with diamonds or fashionable embellishments will suit you.

Lifestyle

You’ll be wearing your ring every day, so it is worth considering your lifestyle. If you are into sports or playing an instrument, you’ll be better off with a slim ring with rounded inner edges.
If you do a hands-on job like construction, look for a durable wedding ring. Platinum is a brilliant choice because it doesn’t wear away when scratched. Tungsten and titanium are also great for hands-on professions. Avoid carvings and gemstones because they trap dirt and get loose respectively.
If your job is not hands-on, any style of wedding ring will be okay for you.

Maintenance

For your ring to remain as sparkling as it was on the day it was first put on your finger, you will have to take care of it. Some rings require lots of upkeep whereas others require little maintenance. A ring with stones will need to be soaked, gently brushed, rinsed and patted dry with a soft cloth. If this is too much for you, you’d rather go for a simple gold or platinum ring that just needs to be occasionally rubbed with a soft cloth.
Maintenance should also help you choose your jeweller. Some jewellers offer lifetime cleaning and inspection.

Time

Time is of the essence when choosing a ring just as it is when choosing the cake or the dress. You should start your search at least three months before your big day. Try on many different rings even if you have a perfect idea of what you’d like. You may end up finding something much better than what you had in mind.
The pair of rings you choose should satisfy the both of you. If you agree on a particular style, well and good! However, there are no rules that say your rings must match. You can also opt for different styles. The rings will still serve their purpose.

Voltaire Diamonds – Diamond Specialists

Sarah

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Judging by a recent increase in the purchase of diamonds, they’re not just a girl’s best friend, says Seamus Fahy, founder of Voltaire Diamonds, who has offices in Dublin and London.

“Without a doubt, we have seen an increase in sales this year, a sign that the economy is picking up.” He says spend is up by 15 per cent in some cases. “Most of our market comprises of people buying engagement rings. The average spend is anything between €1000 and €4500, with most people going for engagement rings within the €2,500 to €3,500 mark.”

Fahy set up the company in 2006 in order to sell diamonds at competitive prices. “I thought that people would be able to get cheaper deals if we cut out the middle man- in this case, the store. It means the overheads are lower so customers get more diamond for their money. I did a lot of research before I opened a business and studied gemology at the Gemological Institute of America,” he says.

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