A diamond engagement ring is a beautiful symbol of love and commitment. It’s a promise for a lifelong commitment, and it always should be special. You don’t have to spend a fortune on it, but you do want it to reflect who you are as an individual.Â
Choosing the best diamond engagement ring can be challenging, especially for first-time buyers. Options can be overwhelming. Online and physical jewelry shops have many designs to show. They also have different prices depending on the materials, quality, style, and brand. Those who are in a rush can quickly buy ready-made designed engagement rings.
While there are ready-made ones, many people still want to have a unique engagement ring design. Hence, learning how to design a bespoke engagement ring pays off, especially after seeing the outcome of your creativity and hard work. You get to choose the perfect band, diamond cut, etc.Â
With the vast range of diamond ring designs available, many people have concerns about deciphering genuine diamonds from artificial ones. Many jewelry shops are reputable, but those who want to save money prefer to buy from the least-known stores because they offer relatively cheaper rings.Â
Buyers face the dilemma of buying online or in a physical jewelry shop, considering the price, quality, customer service, and warranty. While some people have money to burn, others have strict budgets. People want to ensure they’re buying diamond rings that match their budget while ensuring the recipient’s satisfaction.
To help you make the best choice possible, we’re sharing some tips on how to choose a diamond engagement ring that’s unique.
1. How Much to Spend
The first thing to consider when buying diamond engagement rings is how much you can afford. This especially applies when you want something unique.
Before you go shopping, you should be aware of how much of your budget will be allocated to the ring. You’ll also want to consider what other expenses are coming up in the near future and make sure they’re taken into account when determining how much money you’ll spend on an engagement ring.
For instance, if there’s a wedding band that matches the engagement ring and both are needed immediately after the marriage ceremony, you may have to choose between them.
Lab-made diamonds tend to be cheaper than natural ones. Recently, they are gaining more popularity as more and more celebrities are starting to endorse and embrace these diamonds. However, many have the misconception that these are just expensive knock-offs.
That’s not true. Lab-created diamonds can be as close-looking as natural or real diamonds. These diamonds are growing in popularity. In fact, the global synthetic diamond market is set to hit a market value of around $18 billion by 2027, as per ReportLinker’s industry report. You have to purchase from the right dealer if you don’t want to be fooled into buying poor-quality stuff.
Price also depends on the clarity and the band you choose. For instance, a high-clarity ring will cost more. White gold or platinum ring bands are ideal options for diamonds, but the former tends to cost more. Therefore, these are areas you should look into before setting a budget. Having a budget constraint can also allow you to get creative with picking an engagement ring, making the style more unique.
2. What Diamond Cut Does Your Partner Like?
Several different cuts are available, each with its own shape and style, but which one you choose is mainly dependent on personal preference. If you are looking for something unique, go for something different than a regular round cut. Some cuts can cost more than others, so it’s important to be aware of what you’re looking for before you start shopping around.
Diamonds come in several shapes, namely round, princess, emerald, heart, and oval are just some examples of popular diamond cuts. The cut grade is the most critical factor in determining a diamond’s quality as it affects how much light enters the stone and, therefore, how much sparkle or brilliance it has.
The cut also determines the ring’s cost. In case you feel like your preferred cut is costing you more, you can tone things down. Maybe instead of opting for 2ct diamonds, you can go with 1ct diamonds for your ring. Doing so will let you choose your ideal cut and also save some money.
3. What Kind of Wedding Band Do You Prefer?
It’s easy to get caught up in the diamond, but don’t forget about the wedding band. It will complete your ring and make it look beautiful. Some people may prefer a matching set that looks identical, but if you want something different, go for contrast with the two designs.
The best advice is to buy wedding bands separately from engagement rings so you can save money on both purchases.
Here are some general tips on what kind of wedding bands to consider:
- They should be made with a different metal than the engagement ring (i.e. if one was gold-plated silver and the other was rose gold).
- They should have a different style than the engagement ring.
- They should be sized differently from each other (i.e. if one is wide and thick while another is thin and delicate).
4. Do You Want a Diamond with Color or One That’s Colorless?
A colorless diamond is one with little to no color. When choosing a diamond, you’ll want to decide if you’re looking for a stone with a bit of yellow or brown tint, which is less likely to have any inclusions (blemishes), or if you’d prefer a more expensive stone that’s completely clear and free of defects.
If your budget allows it, it’s best to go with the latter option because these are rare and, therefore, more valuable. They’ll also be of better quality because they’ve been cut into the ideal shape and size by an expert gemologist who knows precisely what they’re doing. Lower-quality stones may have been cut by someone who is less experienced with diamonds. But if you’re looking for something unique, a pink or yellow diamond can really stand out.
Choose an appropriate stone. The stone is one of the most important factors in an engagement ring because it determines how much the entire piece costs—and also how much it weighs. So make sure to pick a stone that your partner will really like.
Once you’ve secured the perfect ring, consider investing in ring insurance to protect your valuable piece against potential loss, theft, or damage. This step ensures the longevity and safety of your precious investment.
Hopefully, these tips will help you realize what to look for when buying a unique diamond engagement ring. By taking into account these factors, you can be sure that you’re going to get a diamond ring that fits the occasion perfectly.
