Helpful Hint #1: All rings are not made equallyHelpful Hint #2: Read this article prior to purchasing a diamond to find out how and whyApples and Apples or Apples and Oranges? When you are comparing two items that are NOT the same, it harder to make a good decision. Well, unfortunately this is sometimes the case when it comes to purchasing a ring or diamond. There are retailers that will tell you that you get more for your money with them, but you have to ask what is more?When you are purchasing a diamond ring, there are 4 specific characteristics that can enable you to compare apples to apples, commonly called the four C’s - Carat weight, Cut, Clarity, and Color. These characteristics are used throughout the world to create an equal playing field for the grading of diamonds. This way they may be exchanged consistently from country to country. When a retailer does not stress these - RUN! It is a strong indication that you may be headed toward a purchase that is not in your best interest. Don't be fooled by anyone that will tell you when it comes to diamonds, simply, bigger is better. Though a diamond may appear larger, it can have a much lower value than other diamonds of its same size by: 1) having multiple defect affecting its clarity rating, 2) be tinted in a way that it effects its color, and 4) have a poor cut that reduces the light reflection; making it appear dull. All these will give you a diamond that may be big, but does not have much value to your pocketbook or to your bride-to-be. She may want a large diamond, but she DOES NOT want a large block of unfinished carbon on her finger.To get the best value for your dollar, you should look for specific characteristics of a retailer that assure that you can truly get you more for your money. These characteristics are 1) a retailer that provides an in-depth education for you to let you know that their diamonds can stand the scrutiny that you will have after education, 2) quality guidelines that only allow gems above a certain standard to even be presented to you, 3) certification of their diamonds to let you truly assess their value, and 4) a return policy that ensures that they stand behind their product and are concerned with the satisfaction of you and your mate.After countless hours of research, I have found that the two retailers that provide the best VALUE for your purchase are Blue Nile and Mondera. Both these retailers offer very high quality, certified diamonds and show a genuine concern for their patrons. Compare their quality and value to that of your retailers in the mall and you will see a tremendous difference. I know from personal experience that Blue Nile has some of the best diamonds for the price, as I purchased the engagement ring for my wife at Blue Nile and it appraised and insured for twice the purchase price!I encourage you to make sure that you thoroughly compare apples and apples when you look for an engagement ring. When you do this, you are much more likely to find that all rings are not alike and you will make a very smart purchase that you and your wife-to-be can be happy for years to come.