Answers to those Engagement Ring Questions
You’ve found the girl of your dreams and you’re ready to take the big leap into marriage, now what? It’s simple – present her with an engagement ring if you want her to say, “Yes!” But what should you buy? How much should you spend? What type of ring would she like? These are all common questions asked by men ready to take the proverbial plunge.
Originally the engagement ring signified that a woman was “spoken for.” It wasn’t until the 1600s that a more romantic significance was attached to the ritual. During this time engagement rings were called gimmal rings and there was one for the groom as well as the bride. They were entwined until the man offered one to the woman who captured his heart. Both parties would wear the rings until the wedding ceremony. Then at the ceremony, the groom would remove his ring and place it on her finger. Although we only use one ring today, its meaning remains the same.
There are no set rules of etiquette for buying an engagement ring, but there are some important facts to consider before making a purchase. First, set a budget. Two months’ salary is a common guideline but it is not set in stone. Figure out what price range best works for your situation and stick to it. Second, choose a reputable jeweler. Look for one who is a member of the American Gem Society, Wisconsin Jewelers Association or Jewelers of America. A good jeweler will help you choose the best ring for your budget without pressuring you to “upgrade” as some commissioned salespeople will try to do. Third, do a little homework before setting foot in a jewelry store. Fourth, ask as many questions as you can think of and be sure that you are satisfied with the answers
There are metal types to consider. Jewelry gold is alloyed and though it comes in varied amounts of actual gold content it is alloyed for the same purpose. The average gold alloys that are available at stores in the United States are 10 Karat gold which should contain 41.7 % fine gold, 14 Karat gold which should contain 58.5 % fine gold and 18 Karat gold which should contain 75% fine gold. These are all available in white or yellow color and all should provide good wear ability at differing prices usually dictated by the amount of fine gold content. Other alloys are 20 Karat and 22 Karat are more commonly available in Europe and the Far East. Platinum is also a metal alloyed for the jewelry industry and a very good metal to consider for your ring. This metal is more valued and very durable and provides excellent wear ability but at a higher price than gold.
Most women would love to receive a diamond engagement ring, but other stones are acceptable, too. As a matter of fact, you may want to take your fiancée along to choose a few rings to give you a better idea of what she likes. Stone, style and cut are all a matter of personal preference and you will be assured that she will like it.
In general, diamonds are valued based on these four characteristics called the 4 C’s:
Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat
Cut is an important factor in determining the value of a diamond. A good cut will enhance the diamond’s natural beauty; it will sparkle and reflect light off its many faceted surfaces. Ask your jeweler to explain and illustrate what a nicely cut diamond should look like.
Clarity refers to the flawlessness of a diamond. Some low-quality stones may have flaws visible to the naked eye, but many other flaws, or inclusions as they are called, can only be seen through a jeweler’s loupe or microscope. Diamonds are graded according to their clarity. Those with minimal inclusions not visible to the naked eye are graded SI1, SI2 or even SI3. Stones with clearly visible flaws are graded I1 to I3. Only the rarest of diamonds are flawless. The type of inclusion also enters into its visibility. Black carbon or pique inclusions are usually more visible than a colorless inclusion. A well cut accurately graded SI3 or I1 clarity stone with colorless inclusions in some cases will not always be totally visible to the naked eye. Ask to see the diamond under magnification so you can judge what you are buying.
Color also determines a diamond’s value. The less color, the more valuable the diamond. Diamonds are graded on the alphabet scale from D-Z. Colorless grade D diamonds are the most valuable. However, there are additional categorys for diamonds with a naturally occurring large amount of color. They are called “fancy” diamonds and may be pink, yellow, green, blue or red. Pink diamonds are extremely rare and among the most expensive. Some of the other colors can also be achieve by treating the diamonds making them less expensive than the naturally occurring colors.
Carat refers to the amount of the diamond in weight. A carat is equal to 100 points. Therefore, a .75 carat diamond is 3/4/of a carat in size. There are given dimensions for diamonds weights but only hold true if the diamond is cut to good proportions.
When you first visit the jeweler, ask them to show you diamonds of different sizes, colors and clarity, so you and your fiancée can see for yourselves how a diamonds characteristics come into play with price. There are many variables of the 4 C’s that can dramatically influence the price of a diamond. There are various grading laboratories that specialize in grading diamonds, a certification of grade for a diamond from a laboratory will give you a little more assurance that you are getting what you are paying for.
For a selection of stones other than diamonds, consider some of the other precious or semi-precious stones, such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds, pearls, opals or garnets. Of course, a few of these such as emeralds and rubies, may cost as much or more than a diamond depending on their clarity, color and size, but they make magnificent engagement rings.
While at the jeweler, you may want to glance at the estate jewelry. Many of the old settings are quite spectacular and may accommodate the stone of your choice. Heirloom jewelry is another alternative. If you have a ring that has been handed down in your family or has particular sentimental value, it is perfectly appropriate to offer it as the engagement ring as long as it was not owned by a former fiancée.
Keep in mind the four C’s when shopping for a wedding ring and you’ll do just fine. Choosing the right ring sure beats getting married with a cigar band.
For a selection of stones other than diamonds, consider some of the other precious or semi-precious stones, such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds, pearls, opals or garnets. Of course, a few of these such as emeralds and rubies, may cost as much or more than a diamond depending on their clarity, color and size, but they make magnificent engagement rings.
While at the jeweler, you may want to glance at the estate jewelry. Many of the old settings are quite spectacular and may accommodate the stone of your choice. Heirloom jewelry is another alternative. If you have a ring that has been handed down in your family or has particular sentimental value, it is perfectly appropriate to offer it as the engagement ring as long as it was not owned by a former fiancée.
Keep in mind the four C’s when shopping for a wedding ring and you’ll do just fine. Choosing the right ring sure beats getting married with a cigar band.
