A Guy’s Guide To Diamond Quality And Engagement Ring Styles

OK guys. You’ve decided that the time has finally come to ask that special someone to marry you. All eyes are on you. Before you can ask her to be your bride, however, you’ll first need the perfect engagement ring. But, don’t make one of the most important purchases of your life without first determining your wedding budget. Buying an engagement ring not only represents the start of a lifetime commitment, it can also cost as much as two months salary, according to diamond industry experts.

Before you shop for an engagement ring, do your homework so you can make an informed purchashing decision. Get started here with a guy’s guide to:


THE FOUR “C’S” OF DIAMOND QUALITY:

• Carat: Regardless of popular belief, carat refers to the diamond’s weight, not size. The carat affects the size, but isn’t the measure of it. Depending on your wallet and her preference, choose a carat weight that pleases you both.
• Clarity: Clarity is determined by the number of flaws in the diamond. But just because a stone has flaws, doesn’t mean they are visible to the naked eye. Review diamond clarity information before investing in a flawless diamond that may not be any different to her than one that may have small, undetectable flaws.
• Cut: The cut refers to proportions as opposed to shape. How expertly the diamond was cut from its original, rough form determines how much brilliancy and shine is reflected from the angles and facets. An ideal diamond has the balance of its weight distributed evenly, rather than too shallow or deeply cut.
• Color: Ideally, a diamond would be clear and colorless. They are, however, often naturally made with tinges of soft yellow or shades of white.

ENGAGEMENT RING STYLESNow that you have at least a small amount of general knowledge to help you begin your diamond search, the diamond you select becomes a matter of preference. What shape, size and style interests you and your future bride the most? If you’re uncertain as to what her preferences might be,  don’t be afraid to ask her. Odds are she will have a number of helpful suggestions. If you’re set on making an engagement ring purchase without the assistance of your bride-to-be, ask her closest friends and/or trusted female relatives to help you with ideas. Better yet, take them to the store with you to get an idea of what looks good on that left hand finger.

There are five classic diamond engagement ring styles to consider.

• A Classic Solitaire Ring – You can’t go wrong with a a classic ring combo, a solid band with a single twinkling diamond. Solitaire rings are generally set with round or princess cut stones, but any shape will do.
• Three-Stone Setting – This ring symbolizes the past, present and future of your relationship, a feature that is sure to win her approval. The three-stone setting can place two smaller stones on each side of the dominant center stone, or it can feature three stones in similar sizes. Most three-stone settings include square or round diamond shapes.
• A Sparkling Halo – The halo setting is great for making the center diamond look larger without paying for a more weightier carat. The halo style features a border or circle of diamonds that surround a center diamond. This style emphasizes and enhances the shine of the diamond, increasing the perception of its size.
• An Updated Antique – You don’t have to have an heirloom passed down in the family to find a beautiful, antique keepsake ring. With a less-used engagement ring metal such as brass or bright gold, you can charm your future wife with a unique pear, marquise or emerald shaped diamond.

Diamonds may be the traditional stone of choice for brides-to-be, but review other options and find out if she might prefer a less traditional setting. Other jewels, gems and pearls can be just as eye-catching, or even more so. And if budget is an issue and she’s not concerned with authenticity, consider Cubic Zirconia—a man-made diamond stimulant—instead of the real thing. But guys, don’t try to pass off an imitation without her knowledge. You’ll definitely want to discuss this purchase with your future fiance before you make it. It could, though, be the perfect, temporary solution until your budget allows for the purchase of a genuine diamond engagement ring.

Buying the engagement ring is only the beginning. Once you make the purchase, the real fun begins. Proposing to your wife-to-be can be as romantic (red roses anyone?), silly (maybe try a flash mob?) or memorable (there’s always the Jumbotron proposal) as you make it.

Now that she’s said “Yes!,” let’s get together and talk about all the fun you want to have at your wedding reception. Contact Premiere Emcee, LLC exclusive Wedding Emcee,  today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

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