Discovering the right one does not come easy. There are so many options, patterns, sizes, colors and light elegance. Hunting for the ideal ring can be like a discouraging treasure search, but do not worry. Stick with these ten invariable rules and you will be nerveless under the shiny jewelry store lights.
1) Teach Yourself= Prior to hitting the stores, you have got to discover the lingo. In spite of expectations, how can you choose a stone if you don't recognize a Karat from a carat? Learn the 4Cs and how the 4Cs affect the brightness and value of your designated gem.
2) Begin Wisely= Narrow your searching parameters first and save time shopping. For diamonds, first decide on the 4Cs you want.
3) Set a Limit= Know your budget and stay with it. Remember that you are better off purchasing a tinier, better-caliber diamond than a large, drab stone.
4) Hone In= Pay additional heed to your woman's clothes and manner of living. Gold or platinumor is it ruby or diamond? Plain solitaire or fancy gem? Try to estimate what she will like and what suits her lifestyle.
5) Rely On Your Feelings= Only, we say again, only buy at a jeweler who has been mentioned as worthy of acceptance or has a immaculate reputation in your community. Good choices are retailers associated with Jewelers of America or the American Gem Society. What kind of feeling does the store present? Is the personnel knowledgeable and unhurried? What are the bring back, fix and replacing policies?
6) Do Not Hurry= Make up your mind when you will propose, then permit ample time to shop about and organize a unforgettable proposal. Keep in mind that once requested, a ring can take approximately six weeks to come through, possibly longer if you are having it customized. If you need to inscribe anything on the inside of the ring, make sure to ask for the inscription when you order the ring.
7) Purchase Diamonds Unmounted= Don't be confused by the pretty setting. Many jewelry advertisements are tempting you on to the settings, not the diamonds, even though the gem is a humongous 90% of its cost. It is crucial to buy the gem unaffixed, not mounted, so you can check the full stone with a small magnifying glass, usually set in an eyepiece, used by jewelers and horologists that your jeweler can lend you before you plop down a bunch of cash. If the jeweler doesn't keep loose stones, go to the next jeweler.
8) Talk Terms= Many retailers abusively blow up prices. Don't pay the sticker price unless you have window-shopped and you realize it is actually a fair price.
9) The Hard Part= Here comes the really difficult part, choosing a setting. Take a look at these couple tips. If you want a prong setting, platinum prongs are tougher than gold and a casting is not as strong as die struck prongs. Whenever doable, obtain prongs that are produced from a white metal like platinum or white gold because yellow gold may cause the diamond to have a yellow cast. Be sure the ring's shank, which is the ring part of the ring, isn't too fragile and see to it that it is embossed with a quality mark.
10) Have It Written Down= High quality diamonds and other diamonds that are one carat and bigger should come with a diamond grading document. If no document is included, take the sale dependent on an independent appraiser's judgement. Once you have it appraised, have it insured. High quality and large loose diamonds should come accompanied by a laboratory certificate and a free insurance appraisal.
As a woman I always anticipate Valentine's day, for me it evokes very strong memories. For so many, happy memories are formed this time of year, I'm no different. Four years ago, I decided to propose to my boyfriend. I'm aware that being a women, that this is slightly breaking with tradition, however I was determined to go through with it. I remember buying the ring, I was very nervous at the time, I still refer to it as my boyfriend's Valentine's ring.
It was a very strange experience. I had the idea a few months before. My boyfriend and I were very much in love and had been together for nearly eight years, so it felt right. I knew that we were both ready, I was just a little anxious as to how he would respond as I offered him the Valentine's ring. Quietly, I was confident. I had dropped a number of hints in the weeks and months building up to it, I guess you're never one hundred percent sure until the Valentine's ring is on their finger though.
My family and friends were very supportive, I even decided to speak to my boyfriend's parents about it. They were overjoyed and offered to help with the preparations. There was not a lot to do at that stage, however their offer and the fact they cared meant a lot to me.
Visiting the jewelry was a great experience. Effectively, I was purchasing an engagement ring. However, since I was breaking with tradition by asked a man to marry me, I wanted it to be known as a Valentine's ring. I looked at so many, there was just so much choice. It dawned on me how difficult it must be a for a man to buy any form of jewelry for a woman.
Eventually I was able to find the perfect Valentine's ring. It was just wonderful, it was a fabulously simple design, platinum ring. I was even able to put my own inscription on the inside of the ring, it read "May this Valentine's ring always be with you, just as I hope to be". It sounds a little soppy now, however at the time and still to this day, I meant every word.
We had both agreed to spend a lovely evening enjoying a meal for Valentine's day. We booked a special restaurant that was candle lit and had soft music on in the back ground. It was just perfect. The meal was wonderful, although I can not remember what we had. All I could think about was that I was going to propose to my boyfriend. I must have checked to see that I still had the Valentine's ring in my pocket a dozen times.
When dinner was over, my time had arrived. I looked into his eyes and smiled. He smiled back at me. I simply said to him "Will you marry me?". His smile grew wider and he looked at the ring I was holding in front of him. "Yes" he exclaimed, "of course I will". With that, I placed the Valentine's ring on his finger.
We were wed the following year. Valentine's day is so special for both of us. I wish you the same happiness this Valentine's day.
Both James Ellison & James Strutton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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