Engagement ring shopping is an exciting process, whether you’re doing it alone or with your partner. If you’re ready to start your search for the perfect engagement ring, you’re ready to take the next step in your relationship and prove your commitment to your significant other. But an engagement ring often requires a significant investment, so it’s important to be prepared in order to avoid financial mistakes and make sure you purchase a ring that best reflects your style.
The key to making an informed financial decision is educating yourself about engagement rings and digging deep into the production process and ring styles. Here are a few important things to note before you invest in an engagement ring.
Understand the 4Cs
The 4Cs – Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight – are the global standard for assessing the quality of diamonds, allowing buyers to compare one diamond to another. All 4Cs are factored together when weighing a diamond’s value, making it simpler for shoppers to choose a stone that best fits their needs and budget.
- Colour: Diamond colours fall under a D-Z scale. Diamonds classified as D are typically completely colourless and usually the most expensive. On the other hand, Z has a light-yellow hue. Diamond colour is a personal preference and doesn’t indicate the stone’s quality.
- Clarity: This involves the number of natural imperfections, also known as inclusions, present in the diamond. The GIA clarity scale contains 11 grades and is the global standard for clarity rating. The GIA grading system considers the size, nature, position, colour or relief, and quantity of clarity characteristics visible under 100x and 10× magnification when determining the clarity of a diamond.
- Cut: The cut of a diamond refers to its symmetry, polish, and precision which affects the sparkle of a diamond. This also determines how the diamond interacts with light.
- Carat Weight: Carat refers to a measurement of the actual weight of the diamond. Diamonds are always measured by their weight to the second decimal point. One carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams. The larger the carat, the more expensive the diamond is likely to be.
Know the Styles, Settings & Trends
An engagement ring is a significant financial and emotional investment, so you want to make sure you love the ring you select. Familiarizing yourself with the different styles, settings, and trends is a great start.
Couples typically think about the shape when deciding on a diamond’s style. Do you prefer a classic round cut, or do you want something unique like marquise? Narrowing down your style options can also help you determine the stone setting. For example, a classic solitaire may pair well with a round-cut diamond. The solitaire setting allows more light to enter the stone, which allows it to sparkle to its maximum potential. Researching and consulting an experienced jeweller can help you choose the right style and setting and also help you identify the current or upcoming engagement ring trends.
Work with an Independent Designer
If you’re thinking about where to buy engagement rings in Toronto, consider working with an independent designer. A key benefit of working with an independent designer is the personalized experience throughout the process. A big-box jewellery store that mass produces products cannot offer a personalized experience to its clients. An independent local designer with a tight-knit team can help ensure that your investment is worthwhile.
Discuss your ideas, preferences, and budget with the designer to turn your dreams into reality. A team that handcrafts each ring will ensure that no details are lost in the process, allowing you to invest in a ring that best suits your unique taste.