Engagement Ring Buying Guide

Regardless of whether you are working with a diamond wholesaler or retail jewelry store, we recommend you keep the following Diamond Buying Guidelines in mind:

Set a budget and stick to it.
Have a working knowledge of the 4C’s – diamond-cut/">Cut, diamond-color/">Color, diamond-clarity/">Clarity and diamond-carat-weight/">Carat weight – and know how to juggle them to fit your budget.
Be open to learning about factors beyond the Four Cs, factors that affect the price of a diamond, such as florescence, Polish symmetry, etc.
Always look at diamonds on a white background. Black mats won’t allow you to judge a diamond’s true color.

Look at loose diamonds instead of diamonds already in a setting. Look at various diamonds side by side to compare quality, using a jeweler’s loupe.
If the size of the diamond is important, consider the elongated shapes. An oval or pear shape diamond will often look bigger than a cushion or round diamond of identical carat weight.
Consider a custom mounting reflecting your own personal style. Custom mountings are originals, created especially with you in mind, and can save you money over pre-made designer mountings.
To ensure the value of your diamond, consider buying a certified diamond, with an accompanying GIA or EGL certificate.
In order to maximize your purchasing power, consider buying your diamond from a Diamond wholesaler, such as Shapiro Diamonds.
When buying bridal rings, it’s customary to first buy the diamond engagement ring then purchase the wedding bands with your fiancé.
On an average, wedding bands are bought three months before the wedding day and are fashioned both from the same metal.
An engagement ring can be bought and fitted to your fiancée’s finger after purchase. Shapiro Diamonds offers overnight ring sizing at no extra charge to our customers.
Round diamonds are the most popular shape worn by brides-to-be.
The diamond in an engagement ring usually accounts for 75-90% of the overall cost.
The five most common settings for precious gems are: solitaire, halo, three-stone, pavé, and channel.
Diamonds are graded by four characteristics: Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color.

Like diamonds, other gemstones are also evaluated by carat, cut, clarity, and color.
Gemstones are priced and sold by weight, calculated in carats, which are 1/5 of a gram.
When buying a diamond be sure the color and clarity are the same quality as the side stones.
Round brilliant diamonds usually contain 58 facets.
Look for diamonds that have no dark areas but an even brilliance throughout.
If a diamond has been treated to enhance color or cover flaws, it should cost less than a “natural” diamond.
The Moh’s Scale is used to measure a gemstone’s hardness. A diamond is 10. Sapphires and rubies are 9. Topaz is 8.
Choose diamonds in the SI clarity range rather than flawless to save money. The SI flaws (inclusions) are not visible to the naked eye.
Choose a halo or three stone setting for your diamond to make it appear larger on the finger.
Consider the size and shape of a lady’s hand when buying her a ring. Elongated diamonds such as ovals or pear shape diamonds will appear larger and will be more flattering on long fingers.
Examine where the ring has been soldered/welded. Make sure the seams are smooth.
Platinum, Gold, and Silver are the three precious metals, platinum being the most expensive, the most rare, and the most enduring. White Gold will be the brightest of the three metals.
Check that the polishing or texture finish is consistent and has been carefully applied everywhere on your ring.
Fine finishing and polishing should be seen throughout the entire piece of jewelry.
24 karat gold is pure gold and usually too soft for jewelry making.

18 karat means 18 parts pure gold and six parts alloy metals.
White gold is often rhodium plated to increase its white luster.
Pink or rose gold is alloyed with copper and has a fancy rose to reddish hue.
Vintage designs are often chosen for their enduring style and sophistication.
Consider how and when the jewelry will be worn when selecting the piece.
Natural pearls are exceedingly rare, irregular in shape, and the most expensive kind of pearl you can buy.
Virtually all “real” pearls found in jewelry stores are cultured pearls.
A cultured pearl will feel rough when rubbed against the teeth, an imitation pearl smooth.
Basically, the most expensive cultured pearls are South Sea, followed by Tahitian, Akoya, and freshwater.
Purchase your jewelry at a reputable location with professionally trained and experienced Diamond experts such as Shapiro Diamonds.
Insure your diamond jewelry against theft, loss, and damage.