7 Money Savings Tips Engagement Ring

Want to scare a man?  Mention shopping for an engagement ring or shopping in general. Obviously, this is in jest however there is an element of truth as I have yet to see anything else elicit more anxiety than a few grams of gold and a diamond.    We work with a lot of  men purchasing engagement rings; they all have the same symptoms; excitement, anxiety and joy.    Our goal is to ensure that every customer leaves here happy in love with their purchase no matter if its a birthday gift, engagement ring or anniversary gift for their wife.   In each instance we strive to educate our customers on the finer points of purchasing jewelry.

Some of the tips we give customers:

1.  This is an exciting time!  Enjoy it!  We suggest;  do a little reconnaissance; do your research and set a budget for your purchase.   We recommend setting a high and low amount to use as your guideline.  This way when you’re looking at engagement ring, you have a base line to keep in mind.  And speaking of rings….

2.  Engagement rings come in so many different shapes and sizes that its important to have an idea of what you would like to purchase.    Do you want something that is classic, contemporary or antique inspired.    Our suggestion, look through magazines, online and other women’s rings.   If you can bring photos with you or email your sales rep; we love have the photos ahead of time as this helps us select items we believe will most closely match our client’s needs.     The bottom line, having an idea of the style of ring will help you simplify your search.  And then we come to the center stone…..

3.  What kind of diamond or gemstone would you like to place in your ring?  Do you want a round brilliant cut diamond, a cushion cut, a princess cut diamond or do you want a semi-precious gemstone?  A diamond is the standard for an engagement ring but its not the absolute.    The tradition of a diamond engagement ring actually has its roots in the late 18th century with Maximilian presenting his bride Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring as a wedding gift.  This essentially started the tradition of a diamond engagement ring.   And be certain you have done the research on the 4C’s of diamonds.  However, if a diamond isn’t in the budget then consider a gemstone.

4.  So, if you go the gemstone route, then which one?  We suggest doing something meaningful to both of you; for example, her birth stone or yours or the month in which you met or had your first date.     Remember, an engagement ring is one of the single most important pieces of jewelry you’ll ever purchase; be certain that you are 100% satisfied so we recommend asking questions.

5.  Remember to ask questions – don’t be shy.  As the old adage goes; if something seems to good to be true then it probably is.  So, while your asking questions take notes and even do some comparison shopping.   We routinely recommend to our customers to shop around and make sure that they are 100% satisfied with their engagement ring/fine jewelry purchase.

6. And what about choices of metals?  One has a wide variety of choices of metals for engagement rings; platinum and 18K white gold has long been the standard for engagement rings.  This can also add to the cost of the ring as platinum is more expensive that 18K white gold.   Other metals to consider, 14K gold or palladium.    There are pluses and minuses to each metal be certain that you understand each.

7. Commitment rings vs. an engagement ring; a commitment ring is similiar to a promise ring.  Just as engagement rings can take a variety of shapes, styles and sizes so can promise rings.   In short, you could select just about anything for a commitment ring.  The only item could be an eternity ring, a claddagh ring or even a completely lovely black diamond fashion ring.

Please let us know your thoughts or if you have suggested topics.   We want to be your information source as well as your jewelry store.  We look forward to your comments.

Alexa Rose Fine Jewelry

9917 E Bell Rd #140

Scottsdale AZ 85260

480.656.0652

888.302.5392

www.alexarosejewelry.com

Your Diamond Engagment Ring and Color

We’ve look at how the Cut of your diamond can affect the look of your engagement ring.    Another factor to consider when purchasing an engagement ring is your diamond’s color.    Diamonds truly are a girl’s best friend – they come in a variety of sizes, colors and weights.   While the colorless diamonds are prized they are not as rare as a blue diamond.    Other diamonds colors are yellow, black, pink or brown; these are considered “Fancy diamonds.”

Now, how are diamonds graded for their color?   The color scale for diamonds was developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and was designed to standardized the grading system world wide.    Today, this scale is the standard used in the industry.   The scale runs from D to Z; D is colorless and may have a icy white appearance.  E and F are also considered colorless.   As one moves down the scale bits of color start to enter into the spectrum.  G, H and I are considered “near colorless” with K, L and M start to have  color appearing or what is consider “faint color” in the diamond.    We then have on the scale N through R which have a yellow tint or “very light yellow” then we flow into “light yellow” which comprises S through Z.    

How does this translate into the purchase of my diamond for my engagement ring setting?     Before you start shopping for your diamond engagement ring, our recommendation is to start with a budget,  do some research and decide what is most important  to you.    As professional jewelers we will guide you through this process letting you know the pros and cons of each; whether its the color, the cut, the clarity or carat.   So, consider the following points; the higher on the color scale your cost per carat goes up substantially and can quickly increase the cost of your diamond engagement ring and second, the majority of diamonds sold for diamond engagement mounts fall with in the range of G to M.      If the carat weight of the diamond is of paramount concern then going down on the color scale will allow you to purchase a larger stone and stay with in your budget.   

Our next step will be to discuss how the clarity, carat and how all of these items fit together to build your perfect diamond engagement ring.

Diamonds – Do they break?

Diamonds are like any other natural occuring mineral or rock. If you hit them with a hammer they will break. While diamonds may be the hardest natural known mineral they will fracture, break and even chip. Check out our full post caring for your diamond.

Caring for your Diamond Engagement Ring

A diamond engagement ring is an investment, so taking care of it is of utmost importance.   A diamond is forever, I know, cliche,  but it is founded in truth.   A diamond is the hardest  natural stone on earth and with proper care it will last a lifetime and beyond.  Diamonds like any other stone are vulnerable to chipping, scratches and fractures with out proper care.   Below are some best practices  to keep in  mind so your diamond will stay looking sharp, brilliant and showroom ready. 

1.   Diamonds have sensitive skin.  Its a good idea to take your ring off when applying lotions, sunscreen, bug sprays or washing your hands.   All of these items have greases and oils in them that can build up leaving a layer of grime on your diamond.   This does not include the natural oils and sweat that our bodies produce.  

2.   Diamonds do not enjoy the great outdoors.   If you’re into hiking, rocking climbing or camping, its probably a better idea for the diamond to sit on the sidelines.   Many of these activities open the wearer up to situations in which the diamond could be scratched, chipped or worse yet, LOST!   

3.  Diamonds don’t do housework.    The chemicals found in household cleaning products can damage your diamond.    I realize that its easy to forget as I am very guilty of this one.    However, it is a good idea to get into the practice. 

4.   Diamonds do not tan well.   When visiting beach consider leaving  your diamond at home or in a safe place.  Diamonds are susceptible to erosive properties of the salt water.   It actually acts like sandpaper on your diamond which will detract from its natural beauty. 

5.  Diamonds do not play well with others.  Diamonds can scratch other gemstones and other diamonds.  Consider storing your diamond engagement ring or diamond jewelry in small silk or cloth pouches or even a small plastic bags.   

By following some of these tips you can help keep your diamond in tip top shape in-between professional cleanings.   Keep in mind its a good idea to have your ring cleaned at least annually.  This includes a cleaning and checking the diamond setting of the ring.  You’ve purchased a beautiful piece of jewelry let’s  help it last a lifetime.