How to buy an engagement ring?
THE PURCHASE
An engagement ring is a one-time purchase that is typically among the most expensive of one’s
lifetime, so the beauty is in the details.
lifetime, so the beauty is in the details.
Diamonds are forever, so what better way to signify your undying love for your future spouse?
The problem becomes choosing the stone: with so many options to choose from, information
seemingly scarce, and a daunting price tag, everyone wants to nail this part of the process.
Select a diamond:
Selecting the stone of your dreams seems like the most daunting part of the process.
Between the “4 C’s”, laboratory reports, and price differences that seemingly don't make
sense, choosing a loose diamond can seem like an impossible task – that's why we at
Assay Jewelers use our expertise to walk our clients through the process.
The most important factor to consider is the “4 C’s”: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat (note:
1 carat is equal to 0.2 grams, and 1 gram is equal to 5 carats.)
Cut pertains to diamond shape, the most popular of which being round, though heart,
pear, oval, and other common shapes may attract certain people more so than the
classic round shape.
Color is actually defined as the diamond’s absence of color. Diamond Color is graded on
a scale from D-Z, where D is colorless (white) and Z is a nearly yellow color.
Clarity is graded on a scale from “IF” (internally flawless) to “I” (imperfect). These grades
pertain to the amount/size of inclusions inside a diamond. Inclusions are identified and
plotted using a 10x magnification jeweler's loupe, and only stones graded “I1” or below
have eye-visible inclusions
Carat is the unit of diamond weight, where 1 carat equals 0.2 grams. The larger a
diamond, the more expensive the price: for example, a 2-carat stone is typically more
valuable than two 1-carat stones of the same quality. The same is true for bigger stones
as well.
None of the above “C’s” is more important than the other, which makes selecting a stone
truly a matter of personal preference. The 4 C’s are best used to determine diamond
values and ensure you pay fair market value for a diamond.
Interpretation of the "4 C's" in Gemstones
While not officially standardized, gemstone collectors, connoisseurs, and buyers integrate their version of the "4 C's" into their valuation. A gemstone's cut, carat weight, clarity, and color are indispensable in defining its charm and uniqueness. Without at least one exceptional attribute, distinguishing a gemstone as truly extraordinary can be challenging.
The setting of your diamond should depend on your preference. The most popular
engagement ring style is the solitaire ring, though many prefer three-stone rings, “his and
hers” two-stone rings (Toi Et Moi), or any other style. We at Assay Jewelers can craft any custom jewel that catches your attention – no matter how complex! Simply show us an
image or any other source of inspiration and we’ll take it from there
Engravings, box, and presentation:
Once you're all set, it's time to improve the presentation! Proposing to your better half is
the hardest question you'll ever have to ask, and we at Assay Jewelers do all we can to
help you nail the big question. We offer custom engravings, such as initials or messages
of affirmation. We provide numerous box styles in many different colors and patterns.
Lastly, we will help with custom requests and even after-sales services, such as ring
resizing and alterations
