Engagement ring shopping: let the fun begin

77diamonds.com is back with another great guest blog – this time it’s all about taking the right steps while engagement ring shopping

She’s the one, and you want to propose. Congratulations! So now you need a ring, but in the wonderful world of engagement rings, where do you start? Here at 77Diamonds, we have compiled 10 steps to choosing the perfect engagement ring!

Engagement ring designs from 77Diamonds.com

Preliminary plans

1.    Budget

Money doesn’t grow on trees, and even though it is an initial reaction to want the biggest and best, setting a realistic budget will ensure that you choose a ring that is the best value for your money. If you’re the traditional kind of guy, then it is conventionally suggested that you spend at least two months-worth of your wage on ring. On the whole, however, once you have a price in mind, you can pick the characteristics of the ring (for example: carat size and metal) which best suit your allotted budget.

2.    Measuring Up

Even if you are not 100% sure on the size of your partner’s finger, it’s important to have a sense of it at this point. Knowing the size, even though it is not vital, will take away one less stress, and the sooner you find it out the better. It’s also good to do some research on the jeweler’s re-size process, just in case!

3.    Metals

Most commonly, engagement rings are made using three metals: platinum, white gold and yellow gold. For the more traditional fiancé, yellow gold will prove to be a perfect choice, but for the more contemporary bride, platinum or white gold will suit the best. Diamonds are usually set into 18k gold or platinum. Also, a cheaper option that is becoming more popular is palladium.

Diamonds come in various shapes and sizes.

The fun bit

4.    Ring Designs

There are hundreds of different styles of engagement ring settings. To name but a few, prong, bar, tension, bezel, channel, flush, cluster, and invisible are some of the terms a jeweller will refer to whilst you’re on the search for an engagement ring. The most popular is prong setting as it maximises the reflection of the light of the diamond which creates the most sparkle. It’s also good to bear in mind that bespoke designs are now very popular, so if you want to be totally original don’t be afraid to get designing and make your vision come to life.

5.    Shapes and Style

The shape of the diamond should reflect the personality of the person intended to receive it. The round brilliant cut still being the most popular diamond today is understandably is a favourable option with the guys! For the more romantic bride and groom, the heart, pear or marquise cut diamonds may be just what you are looking for.  Popular shapes also include the elegant emerald and trendy princess and oval shapes.

Not to sound like a broken record, but know the 4 C's before you start shopping for an engagement ring.

The technical bit

The Four C’s

Clarity, Cut, Colour and Carat are the basic four terms which you need to know all about when choosing an engagement ring.  Armed with this knowledge, you will have the confidence to pick something that you know will be perfect! It’s important to know that different diamond grading laboratories have different grading standards; so research is a must!

6.    Clarity

Clarity has the most influence on the price of the diamond and is what makes every diamond unique. It is measured by grades which indicate the level of inclusions, including blemishes, scratches, air pockets and non-diamond material on the surface of or inside the diamond.

7.    Cut

The cut determines the sparkle of the diamond, in order to reflect as much light as possible by adjusting angles and proportions. Proportions are determined by depth and table percentages. However, cut isn’t graded by all diamond grading labs, and it’s difficult to determine for fancy shapes.

8.    Color

Diamonds are known for their icy white appearance; however most diamonds contain a hint of brown or yellow. Color is graded on a scale from D (white or colorless) to Z (brownish or yellowish). Diamond grades from D to H are usually colorless or near-colorless but a faint yellow tint becomes visible in I grades. It’s very important to decide on your personal preference, budget and the colour of the jewellery setting before making your decision!

9.    Carat

To get the best value for your money you should find a happy medium between quality and size. Carat is the weight of the diamond in grams (1 carat is equal to 0.2 grams). The carat size is intended to give you an idea of the size of the diamond, however, watch out because double the weight does not guarantee double the size. If you want to get a more accurate size of the diamond, the actual measurements of the stone are the best way to realistically see the size.

10.    Certificate and Returns

Each diamond should be accompanied by a certificate to authenticate the diamond. The carat weight, cut, colour and clarity are all validated together with the diamond’s exact measurements. Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) and the American Gem Society (A.G.S.) are two of the most trusted.  You must be wary of lesser known laboratories which may not be internationally recognized, so make sure you research the reputation of the lab that has certified your diamond. And lastly, just in case for some reason your choice wasn’t exactly perfect, it’s good to know where you stand in terms of re-sizing/adjusting and returns policy. Find out about your jeweler’s return policy before purchasing anything.

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disclosure: 77diamonds.com is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

Alright men, so you’ve finally decided the time is right to pop the question. You’ve picked out the engagement ring, you have the perfect proposal planned out, but one thing is standing in your way: You don’t know her ring size. Well don’t fret because 77Diamonds.com is here with a list of tips to help you secretly find your future fiancé’s ring size to complete the perfect surprise proposal.

1.    Phone a friend: Get in touch with a friend or family member of your significant other. They may have bought her a ring as a gift before, or the topic of ring size could have popped up in conversation. If they don’t know then you can always recruit them as an accomplice. Have someone take her “window shopping” for a ring and get her to see what her ring size is for “fun”.

2.    ”Borrow a ring”: If you can get your hands on a ring that your girlfriend wears you can take it to a jewellers and get it measured. However, in order to get an accurate measurement you’ll need to be sure that the ring actually fits her properly and it is worn on the correct finger (left ring finger), as all fingers are different sizes. If she does not wear a ring on that finger you can settle for an estimated measurement for another finger, but beware the ring will most likely need to be re-sized.

3.    When the ring can’t leave the home: Say you are unable to take her ring to a jeweller without her noticing it’s missing, there are several ways you can estimate the size without taking the ring out of the home. For one, you can try the ring on yourself and mark on your finger where it falls. Then you can go to a jeweller and have them find the size that falls in the same place. Also, you can make an impression of her ring in a bar of soap or clay and take it in for measurement. One last way is to trace the inside of her ring with a pencil and have a jeweller match the size.

4.    Sleeping Beauty: While your girlfriend blissfully slumbers, unaware of what you have planned you can wrap a piece of paper or string around her ring finger and mark the size that way. If you bring this in to a jeweller they can help you to find a measurement. Just make sure she’s not a light sleeper.

5.    When in doubt: Size up! A ring is easier to re-size if it is too big, and most jewellers offer free resizing. Just note that thin bands or those which are intricately covered in gems might not be able to be re-sized. Make sure you check with your jeweller if the ring is re-sizable. Also, if you’re guessing her ring size it’s important to know that rings which have a thick band will need to be larger than her normal rings.

6.    Tell her it’s for someone else: You may be able to get her to divulge her ring size by telling her you want to buy a ring for your sister or mother. Tell her you want to get an estimated size for someone else and either ask her to try on a ring or ask her outright what her size is. Beware though; this method could be a dead giveaway if not done right.

Using these one of these tips you should be able to get a fairly accurate measurement of her ring size and be well on the way to spending the rest of your life with the woman of your dreams. Just remember to keep in mind these important points: 1) You need to find the size of her left ring finger. Rings worn on any other finger aren’t likely to give an accurate measurement. 2) When in doubt size up because it’s easier to resize down. 3) Make sure the engagement ring is resizable.

Good luck fellas!

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disclosure: 77diamonds.com is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

Guest Blogger Profile: Whiteflash.com

Proposing is tough enough, but finding the perfect diamond engagement ring, set with the perfect diamond is even tougher. To eliminate the headache, here are step-by-step instructions from Whiteflash.com, an online diamond and jewelry boutique specializing in Hearts & Arrows diamonds and diamond engagement rings.

Educate yourself. Start the diamond education process by learning about the four Cs. “Understand how diamonds are evaluated and categorized,” says Debi Wexler, founder of Whiteflash.com. The four Cs refer to clarity, cut, color and carat, and by understanding each, Wexler says, you can determine which is most important to you and then start shopping. “This will also help you determine how much you’re willing to spend,” he adds.

Because diamond education is important when engagement ring shopping, Whiteflash.com offers an interactive DVD, which features an in-depth look at each of the four Cs.

Engagement Rings by Whiteflash

Get input. Find out what she wants.  It’s better to be safe than sorry. Take her to a jewelry store – that is, if marriage has been a topic of conversation and a surprise engagement is not on your agenda.  Have her try on as many rings as possible.  Make her look at every shape of diamond and type of setting. Another way to gauge whether she prefers pear-shaped over a princess cut diamond is have her look at bridal magazines like “The Knot” or “Brides.com” or at an online diamond expert’s site like Whiteflash.com. Either way, you’ll know exactly what will make her swoon when you pop the question.

If you’re being discreet, look at the jewelry she wears on a day-to-day basis; is it classic or vintage in style? Is she prone to wear larger pieces or dainty? The other option is to ask someone close to her, like a sister or a best friend, for insight.

Let’s talk carats. As  soon as you’ve decided shape, you need to look at the carat or weight of the diamond; carat is how diamonds and other precious gemstones are measured…in “carat” weight. One carat, for example, equals 1/5 of a gram. Sometimes you will hear carat weight referred to in ‘points’. “There are 100 points in a carat and as points or carats increase, so does the price of the diamond. For example, the price per carat will be less for a .90 diamond than the price per carat for a 1.00 diamond even if the color and clarity are the same.  Determining the size of the diamond, and then the cut and color is really going to help establish your budget parameters.

Pick a color. “Color is the third most important decision in the diamond selection process,” says Bob Hoskins, senior gemologist for Whiteflash.com. Diamond color is graded according to the Gemological Institute of America or GIA Color Grading Scale – D being the whitest, and N and below color ratings showing noticeable yellow tones. “E and F have no detectable color tones to the naked eye,” says Hoskins, who graded diamonds for the Gemology Institute of America (GIA) and taught several courses on colored stones. And from G to J range, diamonds remain near colorless however, from J to M, you do begin to see a faint trace of yellow.

Whiteflash ACA, an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamonds available only through Whiteflash.com, range in color from D to I. Because of their superior cut, ACA even ‘face-up’ appear whiter than their lab-assigned grade. “A great cut improves the apparent color of any diamond,” says Hoskins.

Proposing isn't easy.. and neither is selecting that perfect engagement ring.

The cut and sparkle. Cut is the most important and perhaps the most misunderstood and controversial of the four Cs. “It’s about more than the shape of a diamond,” explains Hoskins. When we talk diamond cut, we’re talking about the exact angles, proportions, symmetry and polish that affect the way the diamond reflects light and sparkles. Diamond dealers also refer to cut as “make” – as it is the only feature of a diamond that can be controlled by man, and it must be precise. Each facet – or small plane surface on the diamond – must be cut to align perfectly with the facet opposite it. There’s not much room for error because this affects the diamond’s ability to sparkle, or what we call in the industry…brilliance

How important is clarity? Gemologists use a grading scale set forth by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to determine a diamond’s clarity – how clean the gem appears when viewed through a magnifier. Most diamonds contain some “inclusions” – crystalline fractures or irregular crystal growth.  The Gemological Institute of America GIA Clarity Grading Scale ranges from Internally Flawless (IF) through included (I3). Flawless (F) and Internally Flawless (IF) being the highest, with the next best grade being VVS1 and 2 or very slight inclusions followed by VS1 and 2, referring to very slight inclusions are difficult to see even with magnification.

SI1 and 2 diamonds will have slight inclusions, which are easily seen through magnification, but may remain clean to the naked eye, depending on the specific diamond. Hoskins says grades I1, I2 and I3 indicate inclusions that are visible under magnification and also to the naked eye.  The clarity of the stone you purchase will depend on your level of comfort and budget. Some advice: Inclusions are more difficult to see in ideal cut and super ideal cut diamonds, because of the exactness in the cut.

Establish a budget. After determining the four Cs, you should be able to set a budget or at least have a figure in mind for the purchase of your diamond engagement ring. The general rule of thumb is to set aside two months worth of salary. “If you’re hesitant to set a dollar amount, look at your options in diamonds and settings to get a general idea of what you’d like to spend,” advises Hoskins.

Select a jeweler. You have more options than the local jeweler around the corner. There are independently owned boutiques, national chains and now with the Internet revolution … online diamond boutiques like Whiteflash.com. No matter whom you buy from, make sure the jeweler is reputable and affiliated with the American Gem Society (AGS). If you’re unsure of the jeweler’s credibility, check with the local Better Business Bureau. You can also test how knowledgeable the staff is about diamonds, look into customer reviews and look over the company’s return and repair policies … this is important

Time to shop! Before you place the order, make sure that you will receive a grading report with your purchase. If a grading report will not accompany your diamond engagement ring, make sure the sale is contingent upon an independent appraiser’s opinion. Another option is to ask for a fingerprint of the diamond. This is a three-dimensional drawing of the diamond indicating the four Cs, along with the stone’s overall dimensions and enhancements. Inclusions and blemishes should be noted.  As soon as you receive the diamond, double-check all of the information, including the bill of sale and drawing to make sure that it is, in fact, the diamond you purchased.

When purchasing from a Whiteflash ACA diamond, customers receive the gem’s certification and a signed letter of verification from an independent graduate gemologist appraiser for insurance purposes.  We refer to all of this as “the 5th C – Confirmation.”

Set the diamond. If you purchased a loose diamond, you’re now faced with the setting. And, like diamonds, the options for diamond engagement rings are endless. Consider three stone settings, a solitaire or a custom design. We suggest allowing four to six weeks before popping the question if you go the handcrafted route. If you’re simply lost in the decision making process — propose with diamond in-hand and pick out the setting later — together!

Expert Wedding Ring Advice at TheManRegistry.com

Have you been wondering how in the hell you’re going to size your fiance’s ring finger?

How much you should pay for engagement ring insurance?

What exactly is a conflict free diamond?

Wonder no more, guys. Whiteflash.com, the web’s top diamond e-boutique, has joined The Man Registry’s groom expert panel. The panel consists of top wedding industry experts that want to help simplify this whole wedding planning thing.

So sit back, crack a beer, and we’ll show you everything you want to know (and more) about engagement and wedding rings.

Cheers!

With the economy in the dumps, companies in every industry are inventing ways to squeeze every penny they can out of their customers. The jewelry business is no different. It seems the latest popular sales pitch is trying to convince guys that the new fad is dudes wearing diamond engagement rings. Word to the wise: don’t fall for this guys!

Now, this isn’t a “promise ring” we’re talking about. Promise rings are a traditional way to state your intentions to marry before the engagement. You’ll often see these worn by high schoolers who are in love (or think they are) and are too young to be officially engaged. The rings in question in this blog are actual diamond engagement rings for men. Give me a break.

We're all for changing wedding traditions...just not this one.

About two years ago when I was personally going through the ring-buying process, my fiance and I walked into a jewelry store (that will remain un-named) to check out some of the various ring styles and learn about the 4 c’s. The fast-talking salesman immediately took us for amateurs and proceeded to go on his rant about how men’s engagement rings were the new hot trend in weddings and yada yada yada. Luckily, we had done our homework and were aware of this deceptive tactic before we ever walked in the store. One of the key things to remember is that jewelry salespeople prey on young couples that are obviously shopping for engagement rings. The younger you look, the more ideal of a target you are. For my wife and I, we probably looked like we had just stepped out of middle school band practice…(laugh it up, when I’m 60, I’ll look 40).

For you future grooms out there that may be heading to the jewelry store soon – remember to always have  a plan and never let a slick salesperson control the situation. There’s nothing wrong with saying “I’m just looking.”

Be sure to go over the groom’s guide to ring shopping before you head out into the wild. Cheers!

-Chris Easter: Co-Founder of TheManRegistry.com and definitely not wearing a diamond engagement ring.

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Groomsman gift of the day: Personalized Football Bar Sign Just in time for the Super Bowl!

Personalized Football Bar Sign

Totally awesome non-wedding link of the day: 40 current baseball players that are bound for the Hall of Fame

Grooms, check out the men’s wedding registry, groomsman gifts, and advice for grooms – all at TheManRegistry.com!

Our weekly look at groom’s issues from a bride’s perspective

J Lo’s 6.1 carat pink diamond engagement ring from Ben Affleck was worth $1.2 million dollars. It made headlines, but didn’t make her his wife. Soon thereafter, she weds Marc Anthony whom doesn’t even give her a ring. Apparently, “Love Don’t Cost a Thing.” A year later, he does get her a 14.5 carat, brilliant cut diamond ring on a platinum band, valued at more than $5 million dollars. So, I guess love does cost a

Pink diamond? Good call Ben. How'd that work out for ya?

little…bit…more.

Don’t fret though fellas…even if you can’t drop down that million or two on a ring, here are a few tips on how to shop for the perfect engagement ring.

Set a budget
According to theweddingreport.com, the average amount spent on an engagement ring is $4,322. So, throw that “three-month’s-salary-common-rule-of-thumb” out the window! Accept your limitations. Let quality and value be the basis for your decision making, not the dollar amount.

Consider the four C’s: clarity, color, carat, and cut.
The 4 C’s are either a man’s best or worst friend. The best value in clarity is a diamond with no inclusions, other minerals stuck inside the stone visible to the naked eye. A colorless or near colorless diamond also adds value to your ring, unless of course you’re going for another gemstone (like a sapphire) or a colored diamond. The third “C” is for carat weight. Although a larger stone is nice, bigger doesn’t necessarily make it better. An inclusion-free, colorless, large carat stone loses its brilliance and sparkle depending on the cut. There are several cuts to choose from: princess, emerald, round, and pear to name a few. Every woman will have their preference.

Know your diamonds (or at least your cubic zirconia)

Once you’ve chosen a rock, you’ll have to do a bit of research.
Study the current jewelry style she wears; classic, fancy, antique, modern? Does she prefer white or yellow gold or maybe platinum? She may need a cathedral or contour setting (which means the diamond is set into the band) if she’s more active with her hands. A raised setting, works well for women that don’t have to worry about snagging their clothing, etc. Ask her friends if she’s pointed out anything specific and make them promise not to spill the beans!

Or, you can also simply ask her. Today, many couples are looking for rings together, which is an enjoyable and error proof route for you! In any case, stay within your budget, use the four C’s, consider her personal style, and you will have a fabulous ring to propose with!

Let me just say, that with the candlelight low, a bottle of bubbly, gazing into each other’s eyes, as you get down on one knee – she’ll probably say “Yes” before you bring out that little box. And whether it’s a 1 carat or a 14.5-carat ring, I guarantee, she’ll wear it like it’s worth a million bucks.

MyWedding.com - The Pride of Seattle

The Man Registry is thrilled to have Gretchen Viles and Mywedding.com as a weekly guest contributor to the GroomsAdvice blog. Founded in 2002, MyWedding.com has grown into the most comprehensive easy-to-use local wedding guide on the internet. They recently launched a wedding ideas & trends content section that The Man Registry is proud to be a contributor to.

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Random cool/interesting thing we found on the internet: You guys like bacon? Let us introduce the bacon weave to you. We’re not quite sure if we should be running to the store to grab the supplies or going in for a heart exam just for having looked at it. One thing’s for sure – this must be the best drunk food known to man!

Personalized golf towel and key ring tool set

The Man Registry’s groomsmen gift of the day: If your wedding party is playing golf on or around your wedding day or bachelor party day, why not present your boys with a groomsman gift they can put to use immediately. The personalized golf towel and key ring tool set can be engraved with up to three initials per item at no extra charge. Hey, at least let them look good while you’re takin’ them to school.

Cheers!