Christmas Shopping for an Engagement Ring

Christmas is here or will be before you know it. With so much to do around the holidays such as party planning, redecorating or welcoming family members for visits time will go by faster than you'd expect. Although Christmas is supposed to be a joyous festivity it can bring on stress due to finances and shopping for others no matter how much you love them.While the family is home it's a perfect time to rejoice in an engagement celebration also but you've got to have the ring beforehand. If you plan to purchase an engagement ring for your significant other this holiday it's important to be prepared and knowledgeable while on the hunt for the perfect ring.

Know the C's

Cut, clarity, color and carat are the four C's of diamonds. This is valuable information you should know before you look at your first diamond for an engagement ring. Although a jeweler can explain these to you it's important to research this before investing in any diamond engagement ring or any diamond for that matter.

The easiest way to remember the cut of a diamond will be its shape. There are numerous shapes and with the advance of laser tools diamonds are available with more facets allowing for better light refraction. Asscher, brilliant, princess, emerald, heart, oval and radiant are just a few cuts that are available.Specialty cuts will be more expensive.

Clear diamonds are noticeable whether they're small or large so be sure to view the specs on the clarity. Clarity will be set on the standard beginning with flawless(FL), IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2 to imperfect(I3). This scale is set on how many imperfections and inclusions are found in the diamond. Inclusions such as feathering may not be distinct but a black carbon spot will certainly be noticeable.

Diamonds come in an array of colors and the less color a diamond has will increase the price and value. The color scale for diamonds will start at D(near colorless) to Z (very yellow). Unless it's listed as a colored diamond having a tint or a darker tone is not what you'll be after. There are colored diamonds such as blues, lavenders, reds and brown available but these will be much higher in price.

The smallest carat weight is a single point and will continue in size depending on the mining conditions and cutting needed to create a faceted gem. This will also set the cost of the diamond. With each jump in size the price will increase exponentially because it costs more for a larger diamond that is clean and with little color.

Style

This is an expression of your love and a gift but it's still important to choose a ring that compliments your partner's style and attitude. If she's been hinting at the oval shaped diamond wedding set; why purchase a princess cut on a thin band?

Metal

There are many available band options. Traditional metals such as gold, white gold and platinum are available but Tungsten, sterling silver, palladium and vermeil are reasonable choices especially if you're on a budget. The metal will make a difference in the cost and choosing a less costly metal will allow you to purchase a larger diamond.

Cost

The cost of an engagement ring will vary.If you have a budget set and can't afford a larger diamond make the purchase from a reputable jeweler who offers trade-ins. When you can afford a bigger diamond then use the original diamond for your larger trade in.

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source: me