Many considerations go into purchasing an engagement ring. To help you make an informed decision, here is a breakdown of where to focus.
Marriage is one of the most important commitments you will make in your life. As such, having the perfect ring that symbolizes this love is very important. Although most people go with a diamond, the decision is not straight-forward. Considerations include budget, ring style, diamond shape and of course the four Cs.
BudgetOnly you can determine the budget you feel comfortable setting for an engagement ring. If you plan to finance a ring, we are happy to discuss our financing options with you or you should speak to your financial institution about what options they have available, ideally before you start the shopping process.
Only you can determine the budget you feel comfortable setting for an engagement ring. If you plan to finance a ring, we are happy to discuss our financing options with you or you should speak to your financial institution about what options they have available, ideally before you start the shopping process.
Style and Diamond Shape
These days many couples have already discussed the possibility of an engagement well before the proposal. In fact, many stop by our store together to look at rings. You might have a pretty good idea of the ring style your sweetheart is dreaming of, especially if you have actually discussed it and gone browsing together. If not, try checking out her Pinterest page. It is pretty common knowledge that Pinterest is one of the most fabulous ways to determine what to give someone for just about any occasion. If you don’t see anything on Pinterest giving away her favorite engagement ring style and diamond shape, a trip to the jewelry counter together can always be very enlightening. Another great idea is enlisting the help of her best friend or sister.
The Four Cs
This is a summary of the factors affecting your diamonds look. These are; cut, carat, color and clarity. You should consider all factors. However, the cut determines the most important characteristic of a diamond: it’s beauty.
This chart shows three of the 4 Cs: Clarity, Color and Cut dimensions of a Round Brilliant diamond.
This is the only quality of diamond that is not influenced by nature. It falls to the diamond cutter and the quality of his work. If the diamond is cut poorly, its sparkle is compromised. The angling and sizing of the facets have to be laser perfect as they dictate its “fire””“ how light reflects and exits the diamond. At Bromberg’s we are very particular about the quality of the cut of all the diamonds we offer. We offer our clients tools that other jewelers often do not have access to to show you the difference that a high quality cut makes to the beauty of a diamond, such as the American Gem Society ASET tool or Angular Spectrum Evaluation Tool. Our diamonds are cut graded by the AGS lab whenever possible and we do not carry cut graded diamonds that are not an AGS cut grade of at least 4.
The shape of the diamond is not the same as the cut. Ensure that you view all shapes before you settle on one.
Diamond shapes include but are not limited to Marquis, Radiant, Trillian, Baguette, Oval, Emerald Cut, Princess, Round, Asscher, Cushion, Tappered Bauette, Heart, Pear Shaped.
Color
The rarest and most valuable “color” of a diamond is actually colorless (or white) ”“ graded D. The scale extends to Z with subtle colored tones. Distinct and strong colors are very rare and are known as fancies.
Clarity
In all fairness, clarity is not as important as some people make it to be. According to the Gemological Institute of America: “Because diamonds formed deep within the earth, under extreme heat and pressure, they often contain unique birthmarks, either internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes).
Diamond clarity refers to the absence of these inclusions and blemishes. Diamonds without these birthmarks are rare, and rarity affects a diamond’s value. Using the GIA International Diamond Grading Systemâ„¢, diamonds are assigned a clarity grade that ranges from flawless (FL) to diamonds with obvious inclusions (I3).
Every diamond is unique. None is absolutely perfect under 10× magnification, though some come close. Known as Flawless diamonds, these are exceptionally rare. Most jewelers have never even seen one.”
Carat
This is the weight and effectively the size of the diamond ”“ not to be confused with karats. A metric carat is defined as 200 milligrams. One carat is equal to 100 points, so when a diamond is .75 carats it is 75 points.
Make Her Dreams Come True
Whether you opt for a traditional solitaire, a gorgeous halo style, a fabulous designer ring or a an engagement ring custom designed by our Master Jeweler we can help you make her dream a reality. For close to two centuries, Bromberg’s has provided the finest jewelry in Birmingham. Our staff is American-Gem-Society trained ensuring that our pieces are of world-class quality and that you will recieve to best customer service in the industry. With our keen emphasis on cut, we will transform your engagement ring into an exquisite work of art. Contact us today to learn more about or exemplary selection.