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

Guest Blogger Profile: Whiteflash.com

Well, millions of Americans each year express their holiday spirit by giving their hearts to that special someone. This year many soon to be grooms are turning to the web for that ‘special engagement ring’, over a traditional jewelry store.

Amidst all this, some men also think about popping that life-changing question: ‘Will you marry me’? This is one of the most important purchases you will make, as well as one of the most expensive, and you need to keep several issues in mind when making your decision. Everyone’s checklist is different, but these basic concerns will insure that you do not leave out any major considerations.

6 Crucial Tips for Online Diamond Buying

Convenience can quickly turn to confusion if you are not adequately prepared so here are a few essential tips to help guide you through the diamond buying process.
•    Don’t Be Passive
•    Cut to the Chase- Prioritizing the Four Cs
•    Buy Shy of 1 Carat
•    Smoke in Mirrors
•    Go With Your Gut
•    The Devil is in the Details

Giving Her Your Heart In More Ways Than One

One such online e-tailer, WhiteFlash.com, might be your best bet to visit when looking for a high quality certified diamond engagement ring online at an amazing price. As a trailblazer in providing some of the best craftsmanship, selection and assurance to online diamond shoppers, WhiteFlash’s site does your homework for you thus making it a dependable destination and resources guide. For a completely unique look Whiteflash offers their own Superideal Cut Hearts and Arrows Diamond brand known as Whiteflash A Cut Above®.  With their selection of more than 30,000 diamonds and over 40 unique settings men can create a staggering array of engagement ring combinations. A Cut Above remains the only Hearts and Arrow diamond with advertised standards and a guarantee of true Hearts and Arrows patterning. Each A Cut Above is faithfully cut so that all 57 facets line up perfectly with their opposites.
The key to coming out of the process feeling completely satisfied, and secure in your purchase, is to shop around and find an online site that offers a wide selection, informative staff and, most importantly, a reputation of standing behind their product.  No matter which type of engagement ring you ultimately buy, by following certain tasks and approaching the purchase in an educated fashion, you will be pleased with an investment that will grow in value just as your love continues to grow throughout your marriage.

whiteflash.com is a sponsor of the man registry

Guest Blogger Profile: Whiteflash.com

Sure it's a great diamond engagement ring, but is that rock certified?

A groom not buying certified diamonds is like buying a car without a title make sure to always ask for a certificate.

What is a Certificate?
A diamond certificate, also called a diamond grading report or diamond quality document, is a report created by a team of gemologists. A completed certificate includes an analysis of the diamond’s dimensions, clarity, color, polish, symmetry, and other characteristics. Also many round diamonds, due to their popularity and brilliance, will also include a cut grade on the report.

A diamond certificate is an expert third party opinion. The diamond is evaluated, measured, and scrutinized using trained eyes, a jeweler’s loupe, a microscope, and other industry tools.  It states the quality of the certified diamonds. Without the certificate you are left to trust the jeweler’s estimates. This can cause a potential conflict because the jeweler is the one trying to sell you the diamond

Buying a certified diamond usually costs a little more because the stone had to go through a lab of certified gemologists that has graded every aspect of the diamond.

Whiteflash Diamonds are Certified
Every loose diamond sold by Whiteflash has been evaluated and assessed by either the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGS). These two laboratories are among the most respected laboratories in the diamond industry, and are known for their consistency and unbiased diamond grading systems. Diamonds that are accompanied by these types of grading reports and certificates are the most highly valued to consumers.

The advantages of buying a diamond with a diamond certificate are:

1.    You will know exactly what you are buying. Every important factor you need to know about the diamond is described in the certificate.

2.    The seller knows exactly what he/she is selling to you so as to avoid any misunderstandings in the future.

3.    If a diamond comes with a diamond certificate, you do not have to worry about the possibility that you might be purchasing a fracture-filled diamond. These are diamonds that have surface cracks that can be artificially filled to appear as much better diamonds than they actually are. These are in essence, very low quality diamonds that look great to naked eyes. GIA does not certificate these diamonds.

4.    If a diamond comes with a certificate, you will not become a victim of buying a synthetic diamond. Yes, there are real man-made diamonds that hit the market in 1977. Currently, average jewelers have no way of telling if a diamond is natural or man-made (These are not diamond stimulants as CZs, but real diamonds that are man made).

5.    Purchasing a GIA certified diamond will simply provide you with much more confidence and value.

Guest Blogger Profile: Whiteflash.com

If you are dreaming of purchasing a diamond engagement ring for your would-be-bride, then you may have to fork out a huge amount of money from your savings and monthly salary to realize the dream. Most of the prospective grooms do not have the right financial capability. But if they follow some tips, such costly ring jewelry is still within their buying reach.

Zack Blades Diamond Engagement Ring at Whiteflash.com

The first tip that you must follow is to ensure that you have a proper budgeting. This is to make sure that you do not buy a very expensive ring in enthusiasm. Budgeting will keep you focused on a certain price range and even makes the purchasing more easily as the jeweler will be showing you the jewelry that falls within your budget.

Make also sure that you have done lots of comparing of the diamond engagement ring prices on the internet. The internet is the easy and convenient source of buying any product. It allows you to compare as many price tags as you possibly can. A great online diamond vendor is Whiteflash.com, they have impeccable customer service and amazing product.

The online retail jewelers vie each other for a share of online business and they, thus, are compelled to cut down the prices. Hence, your chances of finding an affordable ring are more with the online sellers than the physical jewelry stores.

Prices of diamond engagement rings will fall even more if you first purchase a loose diamond at competitive prices. Many smaller loose diamonds are surely affordable as compared to a greater carat size of a single diamond. So, a pave or channel set engagement ring may be within your reach than a solitaire diamond ring.

Diamonds are the most expensive items on any ring. So, if you have somehow reduced their cost, you have successfully bought a ring of your dream at your prices. About diamonds, know that even with minor quality reductions, their brilliance and glitter is almost the same but the prices will come down substantially. So, you can safely purchase the precious stone that is a little yellowish in color, has some invisible flaws inside of it and is cut in rectangular or square shapes and not in expensive heart and pear shapes.

Prices of the ring metal should also be given a thought. Platinum is a costly metal although due to the recent economy it can almost be purchased for the same price as gold. Choose white gold for cheaper prices if yellow gold is not your choice of the ring metal for diamond engagement rings.

While purchasing the ring jewelry, especially from the online retailers, make sure that the jeweler has a return policy. You can, then, return defective piece in time to purchase the right one. Keep these tips in mind for a greater value of the diamond ring.

Guest Blogger Profile: Whiteflash.com

Engagement Rings at Whiteflash.com

The term “bling” is everywhere these days, but it’s nothing more than a new way to refer to the sparkle that comes from high-quality, well-cut diamonds. It may seem like an easy task to determine whether a stone has been cut well because it will sparkle, right? Well, yes and no. “Bling” can be manufactured, turning a not-so-great diamond into something designed to fool you into thinking it’s a winner.

When purchasing stones—either loose diamonds or ones already set into mountings—you have to be wary of low-quality stones that retailers are trying to pass off as high-quality choices. But don’t worry. Whiteflash.com is dedicated giving you a true diamond education through this and many other articles in our extensive online library. So come on, it’s time to get schooled in bling!

A diamond is just a hunk of potential until it’s been cut, and the cut can make the difference between a “so-so” diamond and one that is truly exquisite. At Whiteflash.com, our seasoned professionals know exactly how to cut a diamond to ensure maximum sparkle. Some retailers will give you a song and dance—complete with props—in an attempt to sell you a lower quality diamond. Don’t be fooled by tricks such as bringing out official-sounding “luminosity detectors” or a jeweler who cuts more facets into a stone in an effort to convince you that it reflects more light.

It’s especially important to know the cut and quality of a diamond when you’re choosing a piece of jewelry intended to spotlight a sole stone–such as a diamond solitaire ring or a diamond pendant. It’s similarly vital to choose a high-quality diamond for an engagement ring. It will be worn every day, and no matter how good the owner’s intentions are in the beginning, most women will admit that they don’t have theirs cleaned by a professional very often. But a high-quality diamond will sparkle and give off lots of light even with a layer of soap scum on it.

Among the finest choices is a “hearts & arrows” cut. The name comes from the shapes reflected from the diamond at different angles. When viewed upside down, eight symmetrical heats appear. When you turn the diamond over, you’ll see eight radiating arrows at the crown. These designs come from cutting a stone so exactly that facet reflections overlap, creating kaleidoscope patterns.
Any diamond looks pretty good in lots of sunlight. It’s in low-light situations—a candlelight dinner, in a darkened theatre—where hearts & arrows really shines. Rainbow flashes and unmistakable fire is what you’ll see, and you’ll be glad you didn’t settle for anything less.

The pros at Whiteflash.com weren’t content to simply rest on the laurels of other jewelers, however. Whiteflash ACA really is a step beyond anything you may have seen before. We’re so sure you’ll agree that it’s simply extraordinary that we include a toolkit complete with a compact magnifying viewer with every Whiteflash ACA purchase.

When it comes to selecting a top-quality diamond—whether it’s a diamond wedding ring or a diamond tennis bracelet—make sure you’re dealing with an experienced, scrupulous retailer that only sells truly outstanding diamonds. Remember that science—not deceptive marketing—is the key to great bling.

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!

BrilliantEarth.com shares their top 10 tips on saving some money while shopping ethically for your engagement ring or wedding band.

Conflict free diamonds at BrilliantEarth.com

It’s tough times out there, but you don’t need to sacrifice your ethics in order to save on your engagement and wedding rings. Here are some tips from our jewelry specialists on how to save a bit of green when shopping green.

1. Opt for one special ring in place of both an engagement ring and wedding band. Look for rings with ornate patterns, unique details, conflict free diamond accents, or a more substantial width to serve as your all-in-one symbol of love and commitment.

2. Instead of giving an engagement ring with a larger center stone, give her multiple bands – each with its own meaning – that she can stack. One for the engagement, one for the wedding, another to symbolize your families coming together….The possibilities are endless!

3. Purchase your wedding bands before purchasing the engagement ring. This way you will both have a ring to wear as a symbol of your love for one another. You will have plenty of time together to design that perfect conflict free diamond ring down the road.

4. While platinum is a beautiful choice, you may want to consider the less expensive 18K while gold option, or even alternative precious metals, such as palladium. Palladium is a naturally white precious metal from the platinum family, but costs less than both platinum and gold. All of Brilliant Earth’s rings are also available in recycled palladium- contact us for more information.

5. Select classic, recycled metal wedding bands. They are simple, understated and elegant, and are reminiscent of many of our parents’ traditions. They are also a beautiful, classic accompaniment to any diamond engagement ring.

Brilliant Earth donates 5% of profits to the support of African communities

6. Select an ethical origin sapphire center gem for your engagement ring, which is more affordable than most diamond options. Precious sapphires have been revered all over the world for centuries. They are very durable, and are therefore an excellent choice for engagement and wedding rings. Deep-blue sapphires are most well-known, but they also come in many other colors, including pink, orange, green, yellow and purple.

7. Select recycled metal rings that gleam with light-catching details, such as milgrain and engraving. These brilliant features will make your ring sparkle without the additional cost of diamond accents.

8. Take advantage of upgrade policies! You’ll want to start your life together in a strong financial position, so be realistic about what you can truly afford. Down the road you will be able to upgrade to a larger conflict free diamond – which will be an especially romantic gesture of your growing love.

9. Recycle your gold and platinum jewelry that you no longer wear for a credit towards any Brilliant Earth purchase. By selecting jewelry made of recycled metals, you will help to decrease the global demand for newly mined metals. Contact a Brilliant Earth customer service representative if you are interested in sending us your jewelry for recycled metal credit.

10. Shop online! You won’t be paying the retail store overhead for bright lights and glass display cases. Brilliant Earth will even ship your rings to you with free fully insured next day shipping.