Engagement Ring Buying Tips For Guys!

When contemplating the art of engagement ring buying, the profusion of choices and number of decisions is enough to overwhelm anyone. However,

do not let that stop you from picking out a special ring.

With a little detective work, research and the following

engagement diamond buying tips, you will find the ideal

ring for your mate.

The Basics

When shopping for diamonds, the four main elements

are carat, clarity, color and cut that determine the

various types of diamonds. Carat actually refers to

the weight, rather than the size. With clarity, the fewer

the inclusions or flaws, the more valuable.

To get a larger, more impressive diamond, it may be necessary to sacrifice on the

clarity. Since most people cannot even see any tiny imperfections with the naked eye, this is a smart solution for many men.

While traditional engagement rings are clear, white or colorless, modern trends lean toward colored diamonds such as yellow, blue, pink, green or champagne. Cut will influence the amount of sparkle and shine and is impacted by the way the diamond is set.

Stone Shapes and Settings

Settings influence how much of the stone is actually visible and, consequently, how much light it will reflect. The solitaire setting, which may be a prong or bezel, features such shapes as asscher, cushion, emerald, heart, marquise, oval, pear, princess, radiant, round and trilliant.

Prong - With the prong or claw version, the stone is supported by just a few prongs, making the sides visible. Be aware that this style tends to get caught on fabric.

Bezel - The bezel is completely enclosed by the metal, except for the very top, thus revealing less of the diamond. Both channel and pave settings showcase a series or row of stones. However, the channel is a single row, while the pave design is spread out over the surface.

Making A Decision

Pay attention to the type and style of jewelry your girlfriend wears on a daily basis. If she only wears silver jewelry, white gold, palladium or platinum pieces, then do not buy her a ring with a rose, yellow or gold colored band. Also, take note of the overall design and whether pieces appear antique, modern, delicate or chunky.

Paying for the ring

It's up to each individual to decide the amount they are willing to spend. If you cannot pay cash, either from savings, by selling something, or cashing in on some investments, then use a credit card or a store payment plan. Choose the one with the lower interest rate.

A diamond certificate, which will be included with your purchase, documents the diamond's value and outlines the specifics regarding the measurements, weight, cut and quality. This guarantees that you are puchasing a good investment in jewelry.

These basic tips should give you the confidence and knowledge to purchase the perfect engagement ring for your girl!