Purchasing an engagement ring represents one of the biggest moments of your life you've found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, and it's time to take the next step. This decision is a big step both emotionally and financially, so of course it is a purchase you will want to get right. Just like buying a car or putting a down payment on a house, it's best to go into it informed.
At Jianna Jewelers, we've been helping the Houston-area say "I do" since 1986. Today we've pulled together our tips and tricks for discerning brides- and grooms-to-be considering buying an engagement ring.
Engagement Ring Tips and Tricks You Need Now
Get the biggest look for your buck.
Round diamonds appear the largest compared to other shapes. While round diamonds have the potential to sparkle more than any other diamond shape, their symmetry also makes them appear slightly smaller in comparison to a fancy shaped diamond of the same carat weight. The apparent size of any diamond, when viewed from the top down, can vary depending on the shape and size of the wearers hand. This is why it's a great idea to try on different diamond shapes and setting styles when beginning your engagement ring search.
Forget the 3-months salary rule.
We've heard it all: that you should spent two months pay, three months pay, and a certain percentage of your annual salary on an engagement ring. This is a myth; the best budget is the one you come up with and that feels comfortable in your own financial situation. Remember, you can always finance, or pay with a credit card.
Make the 4 C's work for you.
The 4 Cs are an acronym for cut, color, clarity and carat. These are the top four characteristics to look for when purchasing a diamond and together cover the most basic need-to-know diamond buying information. Brushing up on each of the 4 C's will help you determine which is most important to you and where your opportunities are for saving money. Learn more about the 4 C's here.
Opt for near-colorless diamonds.
D grade (colorless) diamonds are the rarest, making them the most expensive color grade. By looking for near-colorless diamonds (diamond color grades G through J) instead, you will find diamond color grades that will face up white it is difficult for those who are not gemologists to differentiate between colorless and near-colorless diamonds.
To save money in your setting and allow for a larger gemstone, consider setting a diamond with a lower color grade such as K or L in a warm-colored metal. Warm colored metals such as yellow or rose gold engagement rings will conceal some yellow coloration.
Spend time on your setting.
Settings can truly make or break your center stone. A diamond set higher up, like a cathedral setting, will appear slightly larger than it really is. Halo settings, where tiny diamonds surround your center stone, make the center stone look larger. You can choose a slightly smaller carat weight for your center stone if you choose a halo setting, which will save you money in the long run. Consider the width of your shank, too a wide shank can take away from the center stone and make it appear smaller, where a thinner band can let the center stone shine.
Consider designing your own engagement ring.
With the option to custom design and create your own diamond ring, or to choose from our fine selection of rings, its easy to find the perfect design at Jianna Jewelers.
Custom designing your engagement ring can actually be very easy (and cost efficient!) to design the ring of your dreams. A custom, handcrafted piece of jewelry allows you the opportunity to create and design a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that will become a part of you. The process gives you the opportunity to create the jewelry piece of your dreams. We show you exactly what your piece of jewelry will look like throughout the process so you can be assured it will be exactly what you are looking for and enjoy for years to come. Learn more about custom design here.
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"Beautiful store with excellent selection&service! The owners are very nice, professional and will work with you on customizing jewelry. Both my husband and I had our wedding bands custom made here and were really happy with the outcome! Our family has also purchased other pieces of jewelry from here and have loved everything. I really liked how quick they are and how we were able to visit and try on jewelry multiple times w no pressure. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for fine jewelry!" Krish S. on Yelp