Buying an engagement ring is an important decision for many people. Some people try to find something that fits their budget. Others want a diamond ring for the sentimental value and style it exudes.
There are many different types of wedding rings you can find in jewelry stores. This article will explore some of the mistakes you can make when buying a diamond engagement ring. The following are some of the factors that can cheapen the stone.
Conspicuous Colors
One of the most conspicuous things you’ll notice on a poor quality diamond engagement ring is color. When it comes to grading diamonds using the 4Cs, color denotes the lack of any visible hues. That is to say, the more of it you can notice, the cheaper it is going to be.
It is, however, very hard to find no hues at all in the stone. The diamond may have hints of yellow, brown, pink, or gray colors. The GIA grading standards for color range starts from D, which denotes no color, to Z, which shows the stone has traces of brown and pink.
If you ignore all the other factors, the higher the diamond’s grading on the scale, the more expensive it is in most jewelry stores. That means a K is more expensive than an E. If you don’t want your engagement ring to look cheap, avoid choosing the ones in the L to Z range.
Poor Ring Setting
When it comes to evaluating how the diamond on the ring is set, you have two options; a low or a high setting. A low setting means that the stone’s base is next to the finger, while a high one elevates it so that it is more conspicuous.
Some people prefer the high setting for their engagement ring since it lets you show off the beauty of the stone. However, the higher-profile makes the stone much more susceptible to scratching. Also, some jewelry stores make generic profiles, which can cheapen the piece.
You may want to choose a lower profile if you have an active lifestyle. If the stone leaves a lot of space between it and the finger, you are better off with a low setting. To casual observers, it may also look more expensive. Watch out for any signs of recycling — professional jewelers always set their gems from scratch.
Poor Choice of Metal
The diamond gets its brilliance from its many facets that disperse light in different directions. The facets act as tiny mirrors that can reflect the colors adjacent to it. That is why the type of metal you choose for your setting can have an impact on how the piece looks.
You can choose from a wide variety of metals, which include rose gold, yellow gold, platinum, and silver. Most jewelers consider platinum and rose gold to be the best options for diamond rings. However, if there is a color mismatch, it will most likely cheapen the ring.
To be safe, you may want to go for the claw type prong setting. The sharp points do not interfere with the stone. Also, if you have a diamond with a hint of color, you can opt for a neutral metal like platinum.
Mixing two different colors for the diamond and the metal will often lead to an unsightly mismatch. Unless you are sure that is what you want, try and avoid large prongs as they tend to be unbalanced. Regardless of the carats of the stone, the setting will be a huge factor in terms of the perceived value of the engagement ring.
In Conclusion
The value of the diamonds you’ll find in Jewelry stores is usually graded using the 4Cs system. However, there are factors that can have a significant impact on the perceived value of the diamond. If you keep these things in mind, you can always find diamond rings that you and your partner will cherish for a lifetime.