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.

Guest Blogger Profile: Whiteflash.com

Here are some ideas for giving jewelry essentials–items that are classic and could be part of any woman’s jewelry wardrobe. I have tried to select items that represent the best details within that style genre, the best value, or both.

Diamond Jewelry
When in doubt, go with diamonds. Trust me on this. You’re welcome.

Whiteflash offers some great diamond earring options. Guys, these make GREAT gifts.

Diamond studs are the second-most coveted jewelry item for most women, after an engagement ring. It’s important to buy the right quality. I recommend G-I color, SI1 or SI2 clarity (no eye-visible inclusions), with the best cut you can afford. We recommend the ‘A Cut Above’ ®  Hearts & Arrows Diamond if you are shopping based on cut because these are the most visually balanced diamond cut you can buy! Size should be determined by your budget.

Whiteflash Shared Prong Hoop Diamond Earrings

Diamond hoops are a great idea; very versatile and fashionable at the same time. I also generally prefer smaller stones, with a medium to large diameter, and diamonds set on the outside of the front and the inside of the back so you see a lot of sparkle.

These hoops made by Whiteflash.com fit the bill perfectly and provide nice sparkle for the money.

Whiteflash Tiffany Style Platinum By The Yard Necklace Set

If you would like to give a diamond necklace, this necklace is a nice variation of the Tiffany style Platinum By The Yard Necklace set with Diamonds. Wearable, and more interesting than a single diamond dangling from a chain

Whiteflash.com CEO Debi Wexler recently sat down with The Washington Post to talk Dreams of Africa, responsible diamond giving, the history of wedding rings and much much more….

re-published with permission by Whiteflash.com

A Unique Gift from Nature
Diamonds are both the most magical and versatile of Nature’s creations, and have fascinated mankind for over four thousand years. They reflect powerful values of love and commitment, and have contributed significantly to scientific and economic progress—from their use in industrial manufacturing and construction, to the development of intricate surgical instruments. Today, an estimated 10 million people globally are directly or indirectly supported by the diamond industry, many in developing economies such as Botswana and India. An estimated 5 million people globally have access to appropriate healthcare thanks to revenues from diamonds. Debswana, a mining company in Botswana, recently became the first mining company in the world to extend free anti-retroviral treatment to HIV positive employees, their life partners, their children, and former employees for life.

Diamond revenues enable every child in Botswana to receive free education up to age 13. In Namibia, the diamond mining industry is the largest employer after the government. In spite of the contribution diamonds continue to make to the wellbeing of millions, their high value makes them vulnerable to theft and abuse. This was highlighted in the 1990s when rebel organizations in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone expropriated diamonds and used the revenues to perpetrate civil war and carry out atrocities against innocent civilians. Having been made aware of the urgency to act by two non-governmental organizations, (Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada), the diamond industry acted swiftly to co-operate with NGOs, governments and the United Nations. It established the World Diamond Council, representing the entire industry from mining to retail. The World Diamond Council contributed significantly to the development of the UN mandated Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which ensures that today more than 99 percent of diamonds are from conflict-free sources. Still, one diamond traded for conflict is one too many and that is why we continue to work, together with NGOs, governments and the UN, to eradicate this illegal trade entirely. There are now 74 governments that are members of the Kimberley Process.

The World Diamond Council encourages readers to challenge their jeweler to provide assurance that the diamonds in their jewelry have been purchased from reliable sources.

…10 million people globally are directly or indirectly supported by the diamond industry…

Dreams of Africa
One American jeweler determined to address Africa’s continued suffering has introduced a conflict-free diamond pendant. Debi Wexler, CEO of one of the largest online diamond retailers, Whiteflash.com, is dedicating all proceeds from her $4,400 conflict-free Diamonds of Africa diamond pendant to supporting children who have suffered under blood diamond conflicts and to creating awareness to combat illicit diamond trade. “Africa is earth’s most vivid mosaic of cultural and natural beauty. But for all her richness and life, this beautiful portrait is stained where unrest brings hunger and suffering to her children,” says Wexler, who holds these issues close to her heart.

“The Dreams of Africa pendant’s sparkling conflict-free diamonds symbolize innocence and its bold sapphires symbolize truth. The beautiful center stone represents Mother Africa and is Whiteflash’s branded diamond ‘A Cut Above’ ™. This is the most visually balanced diamond in the world ™. World Centers of Compassion for Children International, WCCCI, works to establish an initial learning center, headquartered in Italy, which will provide scholarships for children from Sierra Leone and other locations across Africa, and to instill values of peace and understanding during these children’s early education. Italy’s government donated the land where the center is located.

Green Love: Order any Whiteflash conflict-free diamond and be entered to win a Mini Dreams-of-Africa Pendant or a air of Dreams of Africa earrings.

Responsible Giving
Against the backdrop of a faltering economy, the diamond industry’s corporate social responsibility credentials are timelier than ever.

Diamond companies are talking about more than just carats and colors these days. As consumers demand more added value than ever, the industry is drawing attention to its commitment to improving the lives of the people who create diamonds and its broader philanthropic initiatives. In Botswana, approximately 25 percent of the labor force is linked to diamonds, according to the World Diamond Council. Many African countries do not have sufficient tax revenues to pay for public education. Botswana, with the help of diamond revenues, is one of the exceptions. In 2006, the Botswanan President said this: “Revenue from diamonds has enabled the government to fund virtually 100 percent of basic education, provide virtually free health care, build the infrastructure that
has supported our economic activity, and to fund 80 percent of the anti-retroviral drugs that have given hope to our fellow citizens living with HIV/AIDS.”

Wedding Ring History: Questions Answered
It all started in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria handed Mary of Burgundy a diamond set gold ring and asked her to marry him. Soon royalty and all who could afford to adopted the tradition of offering a diamond as a symbol of everlasting love and commitment. The tradition of putting the ring on the left-hand ring finger is thought to have been popularized by the Egyptians who believed this finger contains the blood vessels directly connected to the heart. For over five centuries, men have given women diamonds in an effort to take their relationship to a whole new level. Despite the economy, jewelers report the engagement and bridal markets are still proving to be laden with gold.

Raise your hand if you knew the tradition of wedding and diamond engagement rings started way back in 1477. And don't lie.

Jewelers on the Web
Luxury jewelry brands have moved online with caution. Now an increasing number are leveraging the internet for ecommerce. Many fine jewelers have long believed that jewelry needed to be touched and felt before it was bought. Whiteflash.com now one of America’s largest online diamond retailers, has simplified the buying process of an engagement ring online and has helped change that outlook somewhat.

Diamonds for the Holidays
While caution sums up the mood of the moment, imaginative diamond jewelry design at the highest levels this holiday shopping season shows no signs of slowing down. High jewelers are introducing elaborate new pieces this winter designed to inspire and impress. Despite much talk of doom of gloom this year, the show is still very much on in the world of high jewelry. Whiteflash.com has reported and increased demand for its classic and clean lined designs, especially for engagement rings.

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More great diamond & engagement ring content from Whiteflash.com

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

When it comes to engagement rings, there are a multitude of style and shapes to choose from. Some affect the hand in different ways. Others have the advantage of making the rock appear to be larger than it actually is. Here is a very brief overview of several engagement ring styles, but be sure to do your research on your own to select the style that is right for you and your bride.

Browse Whiteflash.com's selection of engagement rings (like this one by Marc Vann Jr.)

Keep in mind that in addition to the shape of the cut, the depth of the cut is also important in determining the quality of the stone. Make sure that you select a ring that has very nice symmetry and balance, rather than one that is too deep or too shallow.

Round
The round cut is the most popular. Basically, the top of the diamond is drilled in a circle so that it can be round. The benefit of the round cut is that six prongs usually hold it, which decreases the probability of it falling out of the setting.

Princess
The princess cut is the square-top cut that was made popular by Tiffany’s. The major benefit of the square cut is that it is trendy, attractive and full of color. However, because it is held in place using only four prongs, it can be easily lost if any of the prongs come loose.

Oval
The Oval ring is one of the less popular options, as most brides prefer the round cut. However, the benefit of the oval ring is that the length helps to elongate the hand while the softness helps to add a degree of character.

Pear
The pear shaped engagement ring is one of the least-popular options. In fact, it is so frequently not chosen, that many jewelry stores do not even carry it in stock. If you would like a pear-shaped ring, chances are high that you will have to either go online or special order your ring.

Marquis
The marquis shape is an oval with tips. It not only helps to make the hand appear longer and slimmer, but it also makes the diamond appear larger than it actually is. Marquis are a very popular cut, but are not liked by all brides.

When determining which cut is right for your bride, it is probably important to take a good look around at available options. There are plenty of options with engagement rings even if you go the ‘I’ll design my own engagement ring’ route.