Picking out an engagement ring can be difficult and a lot of research may be required. According to the Wedding Report, the average time spent on research for picking out an engagement ring is 6 months. So, by no means do you have to go into a store today and buy a ring. Take your time and go to various stores and use the Internet as a tool, but don’t make snap decision and buy rings online. It’s nice to see what you are getting before you buy it. Whether it is $1,000 or $10,000, you should be comfortable when buying a ring.
There are 4C’s when it comes to buying a ring: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. But, what are these and how do they affect your purchasing decision?
Cut – Describes the proportions and angles of a diamond. Diamonds are available in various shapes: round, square, pear, heart, marquise, and oval. Cut refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.
These arrows show how light enters and exits the diamond giving it its perfect sparkle.
Color – White-colored diamonds remain the most popular. Diamonds are graded on a scale implemented by the Gemological Institute of America. While truly colorless diamonds, graded D, are treasured for their rarity, diamond color is ultimately a very personal taste.
Clarity – Nature ensures that each diamond is as individual as the person who wears it. Naturally occurring inclusions such as minerals or fractures are identifying characteristics created while diamonds are formed in the earth. Inclusions are measured on a scale of perfection, known as clarity. A diamond with an inclusion in the middle or top could impact the dispersion of light, making the diamond less brilliant.
Carat Weight – Carat is a diamond’s measure of weight, not size. One carat is equal to 1/5 of a gram. Since larger diamonds are found less frequently in nature, a 1-carat diamond will cost more than twice a ½ carat diamond. The cut and the mounting can make a diamond appear larger than its actual weight.
Guys, overwhelmed yet? No need to worry. We went to Gunderson’s Jewelers here in Sioux Falls to gather information and advice. After talking with Kelly and Tonya at Gunderson’s about engagement rings, they said it is a common fear of guys when buying rings whether she will like it or not and they both agreed that it is okay to know nothing when you come in for the first time but these experts do suggested that going online and knowing a little about rings before you first visit will help you understand and help you identify questions that you may have right away.
When visiting Gunderson’s Jewelers, they can suggest a lot of options for you to look at. Tonya and Kelly would love to spend time and talk to you and answer all your questions. They also encourage going to look elsewhere, because they believe in you being comfortable when you buy your ring. So remember to stop in to Gunderson’s and talk to Kelly or Tonya and they will certainly be excited to help you!
Check out Gunderson’s Jewelers in either Sioux Falls or Sioux City and our other local wedding jewelers on GonnaGetWed.com.