mythbusters happens to be one of our favorite tv shows. whiteflash.com happens to be one of favorite experts in the wedding industry. put them together and you’ve got a top-notch breakdown of five myths all grooms should be aware of when shopping for a diamond engagement ring. the only downside is we don’t get to blow anything up.

Myth: Engagement ring shopping has to be one of the most stressful, frightening shopping experience in a guy’s life. Fact: With a little information and guidance, you can pick out the perfect engagement ring without going gray. You can, in fact, be confident in your choice and know that you are buying a ring she will wear with pride for years and years.

The best way to approach buying a diamond ring is to think of it like buying a new car. When you are thinking about buying a new car, you don’t just watch a couple dramatic commercials and then swipe your credit card. You read up on fuel efficiency, performance and handling, fuel efficiency, and then weigh your options carefully, so you know you are buying the model that is right for you and your lifestyle. Personal taste plays an important role, of course, but information is key.

Let’s debunk some of those myths that are making engagement ring shopping such a daunting prospect.

Myth: The engagement ring has to be a surprise.
Although the chick flicks would have us believe that the girl is shocked when the guy whips out that little velvet box, chances are, if you are thinking about marriage, she is too, and you’ve probably even discussed it. She knows what’s coming.

Although tradition would tell you to ask her best friend for help choosing the engagement ring, you should probably do that only if you’re pretty confident in your engagement ring choosing abilities or if you know she loves surprises. These days, more couples than ever are going engagement ring shopping together, which allows the girl to finally get to have an opinion about the one piece of jewelry she will probably wear more than any other. And remember, you can always present a non-surprise engagement ring with a creative proposal that will take her by surprise.

Myth: You have to be a gemologist to know how to pick a good diamond.
It might not be as gripping as Car and Driver, but the educational section of a jewelry website that specializes in engagement rings will tell you everything you need to know about diamonds and engagement rings.

Frequent some online forums where educated consumers will be discussing everything from fluorescence to crown angles. (Don’t worry if you don’t know what those are quite yet.) Focus on the Four C’s—Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat. Try to pick up some of the important vocabulary words so you’ll be able to make an informed choice when it comes time to buy the loose diamond, and remember that it all comes down to personal preference.

L - Whiteflash Double Halo with Amphora Setting. R - The Katie Engagement Ring

Myth: Women are mysterious creatures, and their choices in jewelry and clothes will never be understood by men.
Especially if you are planning on surprising her with the engagement ring, it is now time to start paying attention to your girlfriend’s taste in everything from jewelry to makeup. Consider her lifestyle—a preschool teacher who works with her hands will probably want a ring with a low profile that won’t get caught on anything, while an interior decorator known for her sleek design concepts will probably be looking for something with modern flair. There are literally thousands of engagement ring settings available, so in order to choose the engagement rings of her dreams, put yourself in your girlfriend’s impractical high-heeled shoes for a few minutes. Would she appreciate the glittery look of a halo setting, or maybe the alternative elegance of a sapphire center stone?

Myth: Engagement rings have to cost exactly two month’s salary.
Once you see all the stunning engagement rings available, it’s pretty easy to let your imagination take hold and start bookmarking engagement rings that cost more than your house. In order to make a responsible purchase, you will want to think about budget very carefully. Yes, a diamond engagement ring is an investment, both literally and symbolically, but at the same time, you aren’t doing your fiancée any favors if you spend money you don’t have on her engagement ring. The two months salary rule is quoted often, but it isn’t set in stone—you have to decide what makes sense for you.

Think long term—reputable jewelry houses like Whiteflash often offer a lifetime upgrade policy—which means that you can trade in your current diamond for a bigger or better one and only pay the difference forever. Also, keep in mind that no two engagement rings are exactly the same—the same dollar amount is going to amount to slightly different characteristics in two different stones. When in doubt, opt for quality (i.e. cut) over quantity, or carat size.

Myth: You are in this alone.
When it comes down to it, you aren’t just going to go online and click “purchase” like an engagement ring was some 2 AM Ebay impulse buy. Before you buy an engagement ring, a qualified sales representative should review all your options with you, making sure you know exactly what you’re getting. (Anyone who guarantees eternal domestic bliss is suspect.) While some customers prefer brick-and-mortar stores for their “human element”, the fact is that online shopping can be a more practical option for many guys. But don’t let shopping online mean you wander alone through virtual aisles of merchandise—the best online boutiques offer friendly and attentive customer service that would put a mall-counter sales clerk to shame.

L - Platinum Cathedral Platinum Engagement Ring. R - 5th Avenue Engagement Ring

Brides, which of the Whiteflash.com rings featured in this post is your favorite? Grooms, did you encounter any of these myths during your engagement ring shopping experience? Let us know by posting a comment below.

No, this is not a marquee for a strip club.

“It’s like Kelley Blue Book, except for diamonds.”

This is how Max’s Diamond Price Guide was described to me when I first heard about it last week.  I have to admit, it’s pretty ingenious. Most guys, including myself pre-engagement, have no idea how to budget for an diamond ring. And why would we? We’re talking about a group of consumers whose collective jewelry buying experience revolves around those coin operated vending machines at the grocery store.

Max’s Price Guides, LLC is an independent resource meaning they’re not trying to sell you anything. They’re simply aiming to provide relevant, timely and acurate pricing that will enhance the shopping experience. What’s not to love? The team at Max’s has over 25 years of real-world diamond valuation experience. Here are just a few of the tools that they offer:

Avoid the diamond crapshoot. This isn't a grocery store. This is one of the most important purchases you'll ever make.

Pricing information that is updated weekly – Diamond prices often change based on a number of factors within the market. The weekly pricing information on Max is produced using a proprietary system that evaluates vast amounts of actual market prices and relevant, worldwide economic data. In addition to pricing data, they offer research tools, feature articles, news reports, and diamond education resources.

RealMarket Value Search Tool – A tool you’ll us to make sure the price is right. Max’s editors verify and update prices weekly to give you useful, relevant market pricing information. Enter a diamond Shape, Carat Weight, Color Grade, Clarity Grade, and Cut Grade and get a free RealMarket Value report for the diamond. Available values include Suggested Retail Price – In Store, Suggested Retail Price – Internet, Private Party Transaction Price, and the Sell to Jeweler Price. Values are updated weekly.

The “What Diamond Can I Afford?” Tool – This tool helps you figure out the best carat, color, clarity, and cut available in your budget. Through the Max’s Diamond Price Guide site, you can produce a report in minutes that will be your guide to selecting the right diamond within your spending budget.

Find a Local Jeweler – Search for an approved local jeweler in your area using Google Maps. Simple and EASY

Currency Converter – Diamond retails prices are often quoted in local currency. This powerful currency conversion tool calculates prices in a foreign currency.

To connect further with Max’s Diamond Price Guide, check them out on Twitter and Facebook. And tell them TMR sent you!

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disclosure: max’s diamond price guide is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

Three Stone Custom Trellis Engagement Ring

By Guest Blogger Whiteflash.com

There are some things in life a man should never compromise; his values, his scotch, his leading lady and the diamond he will present to her when he proposes. While we would be happy to talk to you about fine scotches, this piece isn’t about booze-it ‘s about bling- so pour yourself a glass, sit back and  read up because we’ve done the research and are going to show you how to buy a diamond that will rock her world.

MAKE A BUDGET

These tough economic times have left many men worried they simply can’t afford to get engaged but contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to sell a piece of your liver or hawk Great Edna’s china to impress your bride-to-be.  “Setting a budget is an essential first step as is being informed.  For example, many men do not know that buying just under the carat weight will save them money,” says Bob Hoskins, Master Gemologist for Whiteflash.com

SAVE THE SAPPHIRES

Women have been dreaming about diamond engagement rings since the Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring while proposing marriage in 1477.  As the centuries have passed, trends have come and gone but the now-classic diamond remains the gold standard in engagement rings. The bottom line: Save the sapphires, rubies and emeralds for the many birthdays and anniversaries you’ll be celebrating together.

STAY A CUT ABOVE THE REST

Most of us are aware of the four-C scale: Cut, which refers to how well the diamond is shaped and not the style, (i.e. cushion cut), color, clarity, which determines how many flaws are in the stone, and carat.  While the other C’s get the most press (and are the easiest for most consumers to understand) Hoskins says that paying up for a perfectly clear stone is less important than finding one that is shaped well.   “A lot of buyers focus on size and carat weight but it’s important to remember that the cut of the stone is the most important factor when purchasing a diamond since the cut is what determines its brilliance,” he says.  What this means is that  when a stone is cut with perfect precision (see Hearts & Arrows) it allows the maximum amount of light to enter and pass through it. This is what causes the sparkle your fiancée-and her girlfriends- love so much.

LEFT - Princess Cut Pave Diamond Engagement Ring RIGHT - Jennifer Diamond Engagement Ring

GET HER SOMETHING SHE WILL ACTUALLY WANT TO WEAR

Many men will try to convince themselves that a woman should like any ring given to her if she’s saying “yes” for the right reasons but the reality is that most of us aren’t that interested in wearing things that don’t vibe with our style.  Think about that reindeer sweater your grandmother gave you.  Do you want to wear that sweater every day for the rest of your life and show it off to friends just because you love your nana?  We didn’t think so.  So, how does one avoid making his fiancé force smiles as she shows off a ring she hopes to “lose”?  Find out what her preferences are before you go shopping advises Hoskins. “Wander into a jewelry store together and pay attention to her reaction to different stones.  Does she toward classic or contemporary designs? Knowing the answer will make ring shopping a lot easier and more fun,” he says.

ENLIST THE TROOPS

Yes, fella’s, the rumors are true; most women have at least one friend or relative with whom they have shared the details of their ideal engagement ring, and she did this, in part, to ensure that when this day presented itself, you’d have some help.  We know, that was very thoughtful of her.  Just be careful about who you go blabbing your plans to.  It’s hard to believe but some women can’t keep secrets.

Jennifer Diamond Engagement Ring

Many modern couples are forgoing tradition for the chance to bond by building a ring together so if one of the reasons you love your girl is that she’s so hands-on, let her have a say in the ring she’ll be wearing.   Propose with a stand-in ring, pour a couple of glasses of champagne and a spend some time designing a ring together using Whiteflash’s unique custom design option.  “Some of our happiest female clients had a hand in designing their ‘dream ring’,” says Sheerah Koloroutis, a Whiteflash Creative Designer Specialist who notes that collaboration has replaced tradition in many aspects of wedding-planning, including the ring design.   “Most couples discuss marriage possibilities and plans for the future ahead of time so it’s not uncommon for them to work together to create the symbol of their love as well,” she says.

RELAX

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but you’re the love of her life and though the ring might sparkle (and it will because you got one that was cut well), the reason she squeals is because she’s just been asked to spend the rest of her life with you.

About WhiteFlash
WhiteFlash.com is the first company in the U.S. to offer an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamond and bring the sheer beauty of “super ideal cut” to the Internet. Debi Wexler, founded WhiteFlash.com in 2000 bringing an expansive selection of loose diamonds to the Internet, including an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamonds. WhiteFlash A Cut Above ® is unmatched in its brilliance, fire and sparkle and remains the only Hearts & Arrows diamond sold online with advertised standards and a “true patterning” guarantee. Hailed as Lord of the Rings on Line, by Kiplinger’s Magazine, Whiteflash.com also offers original, handcrafted platinum and gold settings, diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, custom designs and specialty jewelry.

For more information, log on to www.WhiteFlash.com or call 877.612.6770 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 877.612.6770 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

By Guest Blogger: Whiteflash.com

You have finally discovered the woman that fills your heart’s desires and you are planning your romantic proposal. A man often has various questions, concerns and insecurities when it comes to presenting his girlfriend with her engagement ring.

Does your girlfriend have a crush on a supermodel/ actress/ social divas engagement ring? Will what you pick be up to snuff? We all know that celebrities may have a lot of faults but they do set the standards for style and what is cool Here is a list of engagement rings that will make her bling like the stars without breaking the bank.

Here are a few celeb’s rings and our suggestions:

Mariah Carey's Engagement Ring

We know you don’t have millions to spend but here is a great alternative like a Three Stone Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. She might not be Mariah Cary but she will defiantly shine like a star with this ring bling.

Here are a few more famous starlets and their engagement rings:

Ashlee Simpson's Engagement Ring

Ashlee Simpon’s engagement ring is over 4 carats and costs more than an $100K (Yikes) but if you like the halo look I suggest the Halo Bezel Engagement Ring for a fraction of the price.

Scarlett Johansson's Engagement Ring

If your girl wants to bling like Scarlet Johansson you will need to spend about $30k! We have a alternative for this classic channel set eternity ring to fit your budget.

Does your girlfriend love Desperate Housewives and Eva Longoria! Not to worry we have some ring bling that will impress even the best of them!

Eva Longoria's Engagement Ring

Does your girlfriend love Fergie and The Black Eyed Peas? Here is an option for those who do not have $75K to spend.

Fergie's Engagement Ring

Here is something called the X Prong which is almost the exact same style setting for those who do not have a rock stars budget!

X Prong by Whiteflash.com

With bling being the in thing one has to stop and wonder how the heck normal average working guys plan to pay for these rings. What if you’re the Average Joe living from pay day to pay day? What should you do…move into the bush and give up your home, perhaps take up walking and sell your car?

Our answer is NO, NO, NO! Here is a way to impress not only your girlfriend but her sister, her mother and all of her friends (and even people she may not know)! Any of these rings are sure to cause ring envy so proceed with caution and head to Whiteflash.com to find your best alternatives to shine like the stars!

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