4 Things to Look for in an Engagement Ring

When you’re planning to pop the question, there is often only one thing on your mind: the ring. Engagement rings are a symbol of love and commitment, as well as a reflection of someone’s personal style so finding the perfect ring is essential. With so many different choice out there, and so many different Salt Lake jewelry stores to shop at, how do you know where to start? Here is a guide to the four things you should look for when buying an engagement ring.

The Perfect Shape

There are so many different shapes to choose from, and the ideal one is often a matter of personal style preference. Talk to your significant other about what she likes, or if you prefer to keep it a surprise, try to pay attention to the other jewelry she wears or talk to her closest friends and family (after swearing them to secrecy, of course). Shopping for engagement rings generally means choosing from:

• Round (a traditional look)
• Princess (square)
• Oval
• Emerald
• Pear
• Heart
• Marquise
• Radiant

Quality Diamond and Setting

After choosing what type of shape you want, the next step is to look at diamond quality and setting. Diamond quality is measured in the “4 C’s”, which stand for cut, color, clarity, and carat. The “color” of a diamond is actually a measure of how color-less it is, measured in a D to Z scale, when the stone is viewed under controlled lighting and viewing conditions. Clarity refers to the absence of blemishes (external characteristics) or inclusions (internal characteristics). Diamonds are naturally formed from heat and pressure, which means they can have a variety of characteristics, but the closer a diamond is to being free of these things, the higher its value.

The cut of the diamond is the critical factor in releasing the sparkle from inside. Different from the shape, a cut is a measure of how well the diamond reflects and interacts with light and is determined by the precise workmanship of the jeweler in getting the right proportions, symmetry, and polish. Finally, carat weight is the size of the diamond. One carat is divided into 100 points so you can get measurements to the hundredth decimal place.

Also make sure the diamond is in a quality setting with strong metal that will not break. Settings also impact the overall appearance of the ring, so it’s important to choose the right one.

Style and Color

Next is the decision on style and color. This includes the color of the diamond—today you can get them in a wide variety of hues—and the color of the metal that goes along with it. Common metals that come with engagement rings include platinum, white gold, and traditional yellow gold.

Affordable Costs

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend a fortune on an engagement ring to get one that she will love. The traditional approach of spending two months’ salary is not necessarily the right choice; the best way to shop is to set a budget that won’t put you into too much debt, then find a Salt Lake engagement ring store that will allow you to stretch that budget as far as possible with affordable prices on quality rings. Shop end-of-year or end-of-season sales for even more savings, but make sure you’re shopping with a reputable retailer. Diamonds are a big investment so you want to make the most of the money you do spend.