California Business Journal 
California Business Journal
engagement ring

What to Know When Buying an Engagement Ring

It's incredibly complicated -- but it shouldn't be ... thanks to this article.

By Debra Amato, California Business Journal

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An engagement ring is more than a piece of jewelry — it's a reflection of one's love for his partner. So when the time comes to go down on a knee and pop the question, you'll want to make sure that you get the right one.

While the process of shopping for a ring can be exciting, it can also be confusing.  Online shopping makes it easier and allows you to communicate with the jeweler and ask any questions you may have. Melbourne is home to many reputable and ethical jewelers that specialize in creating high-quality, unique engagement rings in Melbourne. Beyond the multitude of available options, there's also the price to consider. These items aren't cheap, after all.

Fortunately, buying engagement rings doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. We’ll discuss a few things you need to know before making a financial commitment to any ring in this post.

1. Diamonds and settings are usually sold separately

One of the things that people aren’t aware of is that both the center stones and settings are typically sold separately. So if you’re shopping for a ring, you’re essentially looking to purchase two things. While some engagement rings will include the stone itself, it’s more common for many jewelers to sell the two separately.

2. Familiarize yourself with the four Cs

Suppose you're looking to buy an engagement ring with a diamond stone like the majority of people. In that case, it's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the four Cs first — the cut, clarity, carat, and color. For those who don't know what they are, here's a quick overview:
● Color. This refers to how colorless the white diamond is.
● Cut. The grading of a diamond’s cut, affecting the way it’s able to capture light.
● Carat. A measurement of its weight so that you know its size.
● Clarity. Denotes the flawlessness of the diamond, both externally and internally.

Engagement ring3. Focus on cut

While the four Cs are important, many experts recommend focusing on the cut when assessing the diamond's quality. The reason for this is that a poor cut won't reflect the light well. As a result, the stone will look dim and dull. But that isn't to say that you should ignore color, clarity, and carat. Every aspect should still be given a fair bit of attention.

4. Settings and shape set style

The two elements that will have the most significant impact on the ring are its settings and shape style. As its name suggests, the latter refers to the stone shape of the diamond's center, be it round, emerald, princess, or oval. Every shape will have its own unique style. The setting of the ring will also have an effect on the piece's overall style. For instance, the setting can be vintage-inspired or classic, unique, modern, and many more.

Conclusion

It's easier to choose and purchase an engagement ring than people may give it credit for. However, that isn't to say that it's not without its fair share of challenges. By considering the abovementioned factors and exploring all of your options, such as checking "jewelers in CA" if you're in the California area, you'll get the right piece at a reasonable price.

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