How to get the best engagement ring for your budget

Choosing an engagement ring is almost as important as planning for the wedding. The type of engagement ring you choose will show the value that you place in your partner and the relationship. However, the best engagement rings tend to be quite costly. This doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on the quality of the ring that you choose. Below are some tips for getting the best engagement ring for any budget:

1. Consider a Loose Diamond for the ring

A loose diamond is one that is not set on a piece of jewelry. Usually, a loose diamond is cut and polished and ready to be sold. A loose diamond can be mounted on any jewelry, including a ring, pendant, or earring. Loose diamonds are more cost-efficient and versatile than the latter.

When choosing the best loose diamond for your budget, consider the following factors;

• The 4Cs- The first C is the color of the diamond. Diamonds appear, which is light yellow. The second C is clarity. Clarity describes the small imperfections or lack of. The higher the clarity of a diamond means, the more the cost. The third and fourth Cs are carats and cut. Carat is a standard unit for measuring the weight of a diamond. One carat is equivalent to 0.20 grams. On the other hand, the cut is the shape, symmetry, and light reflection. Examples of cuts are round, princess, and oval. Round is the most common one. Each of the Cs has a great impact on the cost of a diamond hence your engagement ring.
• The type of setting- There are two main types of settings for loose diamonds. The first one is the prong setting. This is where a small metal clasp is used to grasp the diamond and keep in in place. You can choose between four and six prongs depending on the cut. The second one is the bezel. The bezel is where a metal rim surrounds the diamond for security and style.
• The metal for the setting- You can use a variety of metals for your ring, including gold, platinum, silver, and palladium. The choice of metal you decide on depends on your budget.

2. Consider the style

Below are some of the most common loose diamond engagement styles that you can choose from;

• Pave- this is where there are small diamonds closely set together
• Halo- this is where there is a big loose diamond surrounded by small ones in the form of a halo.
• Cathedral- this is where a shank raises to meet the diamond above the band hence creating an illusion of height.
• Split shank- this style involves a slip shank that appears like a bridge holding the stone in place.
• Three-stone- this is where a large stone is sandwiched between two large accent stones.

3. Consider the Vendor from Whom you are Getting the Ring

When choosing a diamond engagement rings at Whiteflash, especially one that is made of gold, or another reputable vendor like Blue Nile, James Allen or Tiffany. Some factors to consider when choosing the best vendor are the certifications of the vendor’s diamonds. Gemological labs like GIA, EGL, HRD, and AGS are responsible for the examination of diamonds and providing certification. The following article by PriceScope will help guide you on how to choose the best vendor.

Conclusion

With the tips mentioned above, you can always find the best engagement ring regardless of the nature of your budget. The vendors that we mention above are well known, have been established for many years and have hundreds of reviews which you can go through before making your final choice.