How to Buy a Diamond Engagement Ring

There is much to consider when purchasing a diamond especially when buying a diamond engagement ring! The tradition of presenting a woman with a diamond engagement ring when proposing began in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian presented a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy and in most cases, the woman you plan to propose to will expect a ring to accompany that proposal.

So, what are the steps to buying a diamond engagement ring? You’re going to love this; there are only five steps

1. Give Yourself a Diamond Education

Never attempt to purchase any diamond without first becoming a knowledgeable buyer. You should know the 4 C’s of Diamonds and about Diamond Certificates and Diamond Appraisals. You can learn these things here at www.Diamondexperts.biz , where our only business is diamonds. Once you become informed, you are ready to buy your ring.

2. Establish Your Budget

Secondly, determine how much ring you can afford; most people use the 'two months salary' rule. This means that the ring should cost the equivalent of two months of your current salary. Diamonds vary greatly in price, but there is most certainly a diamond to fit your taste and budget. If your financial situation means that you’ll need more than two months to save up, then by all means, take the necessary time.

Some people say that you should consider financing your diamond engagement ring; we tend to disagree with that misguided logic for this simple reason: if you can’t afford to pay for a diamond engagement ring without financing, that means you are purchasing way more ring than you can afford. Why straddle yourself with debt going into marriage when it is a fact that debt is one of the top five reasons for divorce.

3. Get Her Ring Size and Find Out What Type of Rings She Likes

This step is somewhat tricky, especially if you plan on surprising her. You may need to have a family member, (yours or hers) or one of her girlfriends to subtly get her ring size and find out which diamond engagement rings she may like. They may have to make a number of casual trips to the mall and somehow end up in jewelry stores window shopping for nothing in particular to accomplish this step, but it’ll be worth it. Armed with this information. You’re now ready for the next big step.

4. Find a Reputable Certified Jeweler

Aside from a purchasing a house, buying a diamond engagement ring is probably one of the most important acquisitions of your life. Therefore, you need a jeweler who is committed to assisting you in making the right decision. They should have earned the titles Registered Jeweler (RJ), Certified Gemologist (CG), or Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA). These jewelers are specially trained in diamond grading and/or gem identification, synthetic gemstones, known enhancements, and jewelry care.

A CGA has both gemological and appraisal education and can establish values for your jewelry and obtain documentation suitable for insurance coverage. Take a look at and talk to a number of jewelers; at least three before making your final selection. They should be someone you would want to do business with again and again.

5. Choose The Diamond Engagement Ring You Think She’ll Cherish

You'll have to decide on the shape of the diamond , the setting style, and the choice of metal. Once you settle those all important issues, you’re ready to close the deal with the jeweler and then move on to the proposal!

If you follow these simple steps, you'll end up with a sweetheart deal on your diamond engagement ring. We wish you much success and a happy, vibrant and long lasting marital union!  

Go back to: The Buying Diamonds Guide.

Go back to: The 4 C's of Diamonds