When choosing the perfect engagement ring for your future finance, educate yourself! A few key aspects of this important purchase will help you find the right one. Engagement rings are a once-in-a-lifetime investment! Like all investments, you want to be knowledgeable so that you are confident in your purchase.
Loy Harn knows how overwhelming picking an engagement ring can be, we are here to guide you through the experience. A couple things you need to know before you start ring shopping is your fiance’s favorite setting style, the 4C’s of diamonds and the wearer’s ring size.
The ring should slide on easily but have a little resistance so it doesn’t fall off when worn. If the couple is shopping together it is easy to find the correct ring size , but it can be more difficult when the proposal is a surprise. Choosing the right ring size is easy if you follow a ring size chart. Measure your finger or that of your spouse-to-be and match the measurement to the correct ring size listed on the chart.
It’s a little more different if you’re hoping to keep the purchase a surprise! Here’s some suggestions to help you find out your future spouse’s ring size without alerting them to your plans:
Get help from your partner’s friends and family
If you ask someone close to your partner that knows them well, you may be lucky! And if not, ask them to subtly work the question into conversation. This one tends to be a little tricky if your future fiance’s friends or family can’t keep secrets!
Measure it while they sleep
This one can be an adventure! If you’re feeling stealthy, try wrapping a piece of string around their finger while they rest and then use the above measurements to get their size.
A great place to start is by picking your ring setting. A ring’s setting determines how your center diamond is mounted and gives your ring its personality.Your setting should reflect your personal style and the options are endless.
TIP: If you don’t know the ring style your soon-to-be fiancé is hoping for, we recommend selecting a diamond and having it mounted in a simple solitaire setting. Solitaires accommodate any budget and hold a variety of diamond shapes. After the proposal, you can shop for something that tells the story of your love, together.
Setting can be made of a variety of metal types and colors. A ring’s metal adds to the personality of the design. It can also enhance the look of the gems it’s supporting. Here’s a rundown of the most popular options for engagement rings:
Different alloy mixes produce different gold colors. The most popular gold colors for engagement and wedding rings are yellow, white and rose.
Critical element in your engagement ring search. The Four C’s — cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Being educated on what each “C” means helps you determine what is most important to you in a diamond. Below is a short guide to help you understand each “C”.
[pic of diff engagement rings]
We associate a diamond’s cut with its shape, i.e. round, heart-shaped, oval, etc. The diamond cut is far more! The man-made contribution to the diamond determines the ability to reflect natural light. The sparkle and brilliance are direct results of the final proportions, finish and shape of the diamond.
[CTA to the Diamond Cut section]
The color grade of a diamond refers to the amount of visible body color. The finest white diamonds carrying a “D” color grade. Most diamonds have a trace of yellow or brown body color.
[CTA to the Diamond Cut section]
Clarity designates the degree to which a diamond is free of tiny natural internal inclusions and external blemishes. The highest grades have few or no imperfections. A diamond’s clarity grade is determined by an expertly trained diamond grader under 10-power magnification.
[CTA to the Diamond Cut section]
The metric carat, which equals 0.20 grams, is the standard unit of weight for diamonds and most other gems. One carat is divided into 100 “points”. A diamond weighing 50 points = 0.50 carat (ct).
[CTA to the Diamond Cut section]
Loy Harn is proud to work with other members of the diamond industry, international governments, the United Nations, and nongovernmental organizations to eliminate the trade in conflict diamonds. It is now estimated that more than 99% of the world’s diamonds are conflict free.
Loy Harn only buys its diamonds from legitimate, reputable manufacturers that adhere to the Voluntary System of Warranties.
ENGAGEMENT RING CALCULATOR
Please note: We at Loy Harn Jewelers have provided this calculator to generate a projected budget based on our 25+ years of experience in the jewelry industry. The total budget reflected IS NOT an end all be all scientific amount, but rather a guide by which to plan your buying exploration. The data, which DOES NOT use any personal information may be used in your engagement ring research.
EXCITING UPDATE: The Engagement Ring Budget Calculator provided by Loy Harn Jewelers for your research has garnered quite a bit of fame across the internet. The University Chronicle, News Blaze, Evan Carmichael, and Smarter Ware, and have all written articles about this calculator.
What’s the history behind Engagement Rings?
The history of engagement rings is quite surprising actually. Engagement rings have their origin in ancient Rome, and they didn’t have diamonds. Diamonds, as an engagement ring, didn’t gain widespread popularity until the late 1940’s.
What are Blood Diamonds?
A blood diamond, also referred to as a conflict diamond, is any diamond that is mined in an area that is controlled by a group or groups that is in violent opposition to the internationally recognized government of a country. These are then sold to fund terror activities against that government. The good news is that the chances of unknowingly purchasing a blood diamond in the US are extremely slim.
Are there advantages to buying a loose diamond online?
Most people falsely assume that the buying of a loose diamond is strictly reserved for jewelers or the elite, and aren’t easily accessible to the public. This perception is very outdated. Here at Loy Harn Jewelers over half of our clients start their buying process for loose diamonds online. This affords you much more flexibility in matching the perfect stone to the perfect mounting. Another added benefit is that it will almost always be the less expensive option. Loy Harn Jewelers also enables you to choose up to 5 stones via our website that are then shipped overnight to our store for you to compare.