What to Consider When Buying Engagement Rings

There are many factors that should be considered when buying engagement rings. Obviously, budget is going to be a big factor for many people as an engagement ring is usually a significant purchase. Carefully take into consideration how much you can realistically afford to spend on the purchase of a ring. Fortunately, today, the ability to shop on-line has made it possible to easily and quickly shop around so that you can obtain the best prices, while selecting from high quality engagement rings and without going over your budget.

Another important consideration is the taste of the woman who will wear the ring. While many women prefer the traditional and classic look of round solitaire diamond engagement rings, many other women prefer something more modern and contemporary. Her personal taste and style should dictate the type of engagement ring that is purchased.

Finally, take into consideration the quality of the ring. Carat, clarity and colour are all important when selecting a diamond for an engagement ring and will ultimately affect the look and brilliance of the ring.

Getting Started with the Three C’s of Diamonds
Many of us are familiar with the four C’s that are associated with diamonds, but may not be aware of all of the facts behind those characteristics and how important they are when shopping for engagement rings. Understanding the three C’s can help to ensure you purchase the perfect engagement ring. One of the most well known of the three C’s is carat.

Carat refers to the weight of a diamond. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams. Total carat weight, often abbreviated as simply T.W., is the total weight of all of the diamonds in an engagement ring. For instance, a ring that has a ½ carat diamond and four 1/8 carat diamonds would have a T.W. of 1 carat. Larger diamonds tend to be rarer than smaller diamonds the value usually rises significantly with carat weight. As a result, you may find that engagement rings with a single large diamond will be more expensive than engagement rings with several smaller diamonds.