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How To Buy A Diamond • The Perfect Engagement Ring • Customer Awareness Guide

The Perfect Engagement Ring

Congratulations! You've met the woman you want to spend your life with. That was the easy part. Now you have to make many decisions about your future together.

Usually, the first one you need to make is about a Diamond Engagement Ring. And that's not nearly as difficult as it may seem. Men in love have been doing it for hundreds of years. Now that you've found the perfect woman for you, make sure you find the diamond that suits her perfectly. Because, just as your love for each other is unique, no two diamonds are alike. Each has its own personality and sparkle.

	The ultimate gift of love that says so much will be cherished always, and lasts forever.

Frequently Asked Questions: Overview

I hate to admit it, but what do I really know about buying a diamond?
How do I know I'm buying a quality stone?
What's the best shape for a Diamond Engagement Ring?
How much should I spend?
When should I buy a Diamond Engagement Ring?
What if I want to spend more than two months' salary?
How do I pay for a Diamond Engagment Ring?
Where can I get more information about Diamond Engagement Rings?

I hate to admit it, but what do I really know about buying a diamond?

If you're like most grooms-to-be, not enough. But chances are you've noticed a friend's or relative's beautiful Diamond Engagement Ring and the pride she takes in wearing it. After all, a Diamond Engagement Ring is more than a piece of jewelry. It's an enduring symbol of the love between two people.

It's easier than you may think to select a ring that's sure to make your fiance's eyes light up. Whether she's discussed her preferences with you or dropped not-so-subtle hints, you don't have to go it alone. Visit us and take note of those rings that seem to appeal to her. The enthusiasm of the bride-to-be is your best barometer of what style to select. Later, you can return alone and make the purchase.

Browse our Inventory of Diamond Engagement Ring Settings

How do I know I'm buying a quality stone?

This is an important consideration. You should know that the quality of a diamond has nothing to do with size or color alone. But it has everything to do with the 4Cs:

Cut • Color • Clarity • Carat Weight

Cut
Many people confuse cut with shape. A diamond's cut is what gives it its fire and sparkle. When cut to good proportions, the diamond is better able to handle light, creating more sparkle and scintillation.

Color
The best color for a diamond is no color. A totally colorless diamond best allows white light to pass effortlessly through it and be dispersed as rainbows of color. Yes, there are very rare pink, blue, and green diamonds. Theses are known as 'fancies.'

Clarity
Most diamonds contain very tiny natural birthmarks know as inclusions. However, the fewer and smaller the inclusions are, the less likely it is that they will interfere with the passage of light through the diamond. Diamonds, more than any other gemstone, have capability to produce the maximum amount of brilliance. Most jewelers have a rating system that will help you understand the clarity of your stone.

Carat Weight
This is the weight of the diamond measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 points. So a diamond of 75 points weighs .75 carat. Carat-weight is the easiest of the 4Cs to determine. But two diamonds of equal weight can have very unequal value, depending on their other characteristics. Fine quality can be found in diamonds of all shapes and sizes. And a fine quality diamond is a little extra weight she'd be pleased to put on.

Our jeweler is the diamond expert and will be happy to explain the 4Cs and show you the differences between various qualities of diamonds. Our established jeweler prizes his good reputation and will help you choose the best quality diamond, your primary consideration when making this purchase.

What's the best shape for a Diamond Engagement Ring?
The precision with which your diamond is cut will determine its brilliance, its fire, and its ultimate beauty. However, the shape you select is a matter of personal taste. The round brilliant is the most popular shape, but there are many others, such as the oval, marquise, pear, emerald and square.

Today the emphasis is on simple, elegant designs that highlight the beauty of the diamonds themselves. So you can never go wrong with the classic Diamond Engagement Ring.

Browse Diamond Engagement Rings by Stone Shape

How much should I spend?

All that the Diamond Engagement Ring symbolizes is, of course, priceless. But you do have to be practical. How much should you spend on this significant ring? Today, two months' salary is generally considered a good guideline to follow. Now, that may seem like a lot, but it really isn't when you think about it.

The cost of everything has gone up. And you can't expect to pay the same price for your diamond as your parents did. Fortunately, your Diamond Engagement Ring does have great value and, like love, can grow more precious with time. And unlike other important purchases, this is the one lasting symbol of your love that will last forever. It will be a daily reminder of the rare and precious love you share.

The two-month's salary guideline is endorsed by the following professional jewelers' associations: American Gem Society, Diamond Council of America, Jewelers or America, Independent Jewelers Organization. If you don't already have a jeweler, a member of any of these fine organizations can offer expert advice on choosing your diamond.

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When should I buy a Diamond Engagement Ring?

Some men, after they've 'popped the question,' begin looking for a Diamond Engagement Ring. They then dream up all sorts of ways of surprising their intended with the ring. Others purchase one on their own and then surprise their fiance with a proposal and a Diamond Engagement Ring. Some women wish to make the selection themselves. Whatever feels right to you is the right way.

What if I want to spend more than two months' salary?

Go ahead. What you spend on a Diamond Engagement Ring is your decision. Two months' salary is simply a rule-of-thumb to help you with this important purchase.

How do I pay for a Diamond Engagment Ring?

Our employees know this is a major purchases and will do his or her best to make payment easier for you. Credit cards are usually accepted and our stores also provide special cash payment plans. Talk to us about it.

Where can I get more information about Diamond Engagement Rings?

Our employees are an excellent source. We have a wealth of diamond knowledge and are eager to share it with you, so you can select the perfect Diamond Engagement Ring. In addition to answering your question, we can give you helpful brochures and pamphlets.

Here's to your future! You knew what to look for in a wife, and now you know what to look for in a Diamond Engagement Ring. The ultimate gift of love that says so much will be cherished always, and lasts forever.