How To Buy An Engagement Ring
The most common of engagement traditions is the groom presenting the bride to be with an engagement ring. Most commonly, the engagement ring is a diamond ring. While diamonds are the preferred precious stones, diamonds are not the only gems used in engagement rings.
The most important reason diamond rings are so popular is because they are the most expensive of gems; therefore, considered the most precious. The diamond jewelry retail market is a $30 billion market with over $5 billion of it spent on engagement rings in America.
To the untrained eye, most diamonds look equally beautiful. Most people evaluate diamonds based on its size, shape, and price. A lower price typically means lower gem quality, not necessarily a bargain.
Estimating diamond quality requires skill and experience. It requires grading a ring based on a combination of characteristics such as cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Such characteristics are called the “4 Cs”. A diamond’s weight is measured in carats. One carat is one fifth of a gram. Generally diamonds range from 0.25 up to several carats. The largest cut diamond in the world is 530.20 carats. Sorry, it is not fore sale. It is called the Cullinan and kept in the Tower of London. The Cullinan is set in the sceptre of King Edward VII.
In addition to considering weight when valuing a diamond, color is an important factor. Colorless diamonds are rarest and they are the most expensive. Diamonds with a hint of yellow are considered less pure, and they are less expensive. Diamond colors are coded from D to Z. A through D grade diamonds are the most expensive and Z are the least expensive. Diamonds graded D-F are considered colorless and they are the most expensive. Reputable jewelry stores, usually, do not sell K thru Z grade diamonds.
The most valuable color grades:
A – D: Absolutely colorless. The highest color grade, which is extremely extraordinary.
E: Colorless. An expert, still considered a rare diamond, can detect only minute traces of color.
F: Colorless. Slight color detected by an expert gemologist, but still considered a “colorless” grade and a high-quality diamond.
Another important factor determining the price of a diamond is its cut. As any of the other characteristics cut is equally difficult to judge for the untrained eye. The grading certificate that normally comes with the diamond will provide you a good idea. Independent testing institutions, such as the GIA, provide certificates with a diamond’s grading from excellent to poor. Naturally, a certified diamond means a larger price tag.
In simple terms, the clarity of a diamond refers to its purity. Most diamonds have minuscule imperfections called “inclusions”. A flawless (no inclusions) diamond is extremely rare and valuable. At the same time, diamonds riddled with inclusions are less expensive. Clarity is graded from “flawless” (FL) to “imperfect” (I1 to I2). Most diamonds fall between those with very, very small inclusions (VVS1) to rocks with slightly larger inclusions (S1). If you can compromise on clarity, you are going to be able to save. To verify a diamond’s clarity, examine the laboratory certificate.
If money is tight but you must have a diamond ring, stay away from the big name jewelry stores. Brand name more often than not comes with a larger price tag. Buying wholesale may be a viable option. As a rule, the wholesaler’s core business is selling diamonds to retailers, but they also sell to the public. Because they do not advertise in the same venues as retail jewelry stores, you have to seek them out. It is easier to find wholesalers than you think since many of them are listed as diamond merchants in the phone book.
About the Author
Wedding Favors
Wedding reception favors personalized, wedding candles, favor bags.
Regina Spektor – Soho (05-04-2002)
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Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Cookie Cutter for Bridal Shower Anniversary Party or Wedding Favors $0.95 Care: Hand wash and dry immediately. Do not soak in water. Not dishwasher safe…. |
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Kate Aspen Bottle Stopper $2.79 Capture the hearts of your guests with this elegant, contemporary and practical bottle stopper topped with the definitive symbol of love. The sleek, openwork heart expresses the moment like nothing else can. One of our most popular and beautifully crafted favors, the heart bottle stopper in its exquisite showcase gift box adds sophistication and sparkle to your table decor. Features and facts: Kat… |
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Diamond Ring Champagne Flutes (2 pcs per set, Set of 1) – by Weddingstar $44.98 These classic flutes are stunning in their simplicity. Contrasting glass tops and silver plated stems create beautiful symmetry. The glass tops are fully engraveable, allowing you to personalize your own flutes or fashion gifts for others to be cherished for years. The diamond ring integrated into the stem makes these flutes unique gifts and great conversation pieces! 10 Inches H, 6oz…. |
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Gigantic Light Up Diamond Ring $2.45 This faux diamond ring has all the bling! Give the Bride to Be this outrageous ring that lights up. Ring measures a whopping 1 1/2″ x 1 3/16″…. |
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Diamond Ring Design Keychain Wedding Favors Forever Yours Collection Diamond Ring Design Key Ring FavorsMeasures 2 .5″ x 1 .25″Oversized “diamond” ring made of silver metalMultipronged setting cradling a central rhinestoneSmaller metal rings for keysAttached heart and key charmsYour guests will be as elated as you are when you give them the key to your heart dangling from these Forever Yours Collection diamond ring design key ring favors. … |
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Oversized Diamond Candy Ring Suckers (1 dz) $6.99 Toss these diamond-shaped ring suckers in goody bags for a tasty treat for all your guests. They’ll love the diamond ring design!WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 3 years…. |
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Diamond Ring Tiara $8.99 Diamonds are a girl’s best friend! This Diamond Ring Headband is made to fit women, teens, and girls! This fun costume headpiece is a great costume accessory for your bride costume or Bachelorette party.-… |
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Diamond Ring Headband $8.99 Diamonds are a girl’s best friend! This Diamond Ring Headband is made to fit women, teens, and girls! This fun costume headpiece is a great costume accessory for your bride costume or Bachelorette party. Dimensions: 3″ Tall x 5″ Wide (diamond) Recommended Age: 3+ Years… |
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Diamond Ring Headband – One Size Diamonds are a girl’s best friend! This Diamond Ring Headband is made to fit women, teens, and girls! This fun costume headpiece is a great costume accessory for your bride costume or Bachelorette party.-… |
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Kate Aspen With This Ring Keychain $2.99 Sparkling from every facet, this beautiful crystal “diamond” is a stunning, oversize replica of the real thing, with enough expertly designed details to turn heads! As you’ve probably guessed, these exquisite engagement-ring key chains make excellent bridesmaids favors and gifts for bridal shower guests? Features and facts: Chrome ring includes several key chain hoops |
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14k White Gold Slick Bezel 1/2 Carat Men’s Diamond Ring $2875 A handsome round cut diamond is bezel set on this fashionable and smooth band of fine white gold. You are ready to party with this 14k White Gold Slick Bezel 1/2 Carat Men’s Diamond Ring. |
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14k White Gold Princess Peridot 1/6Ct Diamond Ring $558 This beautiful fashion ring features a lustrous princess cut peridot surrounded by sparkling diamonds. You’ll be the life of the party when you wear this 14k White Gold Princess Peridot 1/6Ct Diamond Ring. |
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14k White Gold Citrine 0.20Ct Diamond Statement Ring $620.5 A dazzling citrine is bezel set on white gold and surrounded with prong set round cut diamonds. You will be a stunning beauty in every party you go to with this 14k White Gold Citrine 0.20Ct Diamond Statement Ring. |
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14k White Gold Princess Blue Topaz Diamond Fashion Ring $620.5 A lovely princess cut blue topaz is surrounded by sparkling prong set diamonds. You will be the life of any party with this 14k White Gold Princess Blue Topaz Diamond Fashion Ring. |
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14k White Gold Crisscross Prong Diamond Right Hand Ring $500.4 This double band of white gold features 17 prong set round diamonds. You are always ready to party when you have this 14k White Gold Crisscross Prong Diamond Right Hand Ring. |
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With This Ring Chrome Diamond-Ring Bottle Stopper $2.85 You know that feeling you get when he’s on his knee and opens the ring box? Wedding guests will get that same rush of excitement when they open this ultra-creative gift box to find???what else? An engagement ring sitting atop a bottle stopper! A simply breathtaking favor! Features and facts: Mega-carat, multi-faceted crystal stone rests in a chrome setting above the chrome bottle stopperBottle stopper measures 4??? h x 1??? wStunning gift box opens like a ring box near the top to reveal the engagement ring on a black-velvet base; exterior of box is classic black with silver trim where the box opens, a round, silver appliqu… that says ???With This Ring,??? the words Diamond Ring Bottle Stopper at the bottom of the box, and a pure-white, satin bow with a signature Kate Aspen gift-box charm at the topGift box measures approximately 4??? h x 1 ????? w x 1 ????? d |
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14k W Gold Elegant Stylish Prong Diamond Stackable Ring $580 This elegant and stylish white gold ring features 21 prong set sparkling diamonds. You will be the most impressive woman in every party when you wear this 14k W Gold Elegant Stylish Prong Diamond Stackable Ring. |
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Personalized Winter Theme Mint Favors $1.85 Cozy up this season to our beautifully decorated winter-themed rolled mints. Your party or wedding guests will be delighted to receive these adorable favors to thank them for sharing your joy. These winter-themed mint rolls come in a variety of designs including snowcapped trees a jolly snowman warm mittens and a winter snowflake. Available in a choice of peppermint or wintergreen flavored mints. Mints are personalized with the bride’s and groom’s names and also the wedding date. |
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14k TT Gold Dual Band 1/3 Carat Diamond Right Hand Ring $920.1 This elegant band of white gold features 19 sparkling bezel diamonds. You are ready to party with style when you’re wearing this 14k TT Gold Dual Band 1/3 Carat Diamond Right Hand Ring. |
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I Do! Bridesmaid T-Shirt In Keepsake Diamond Ring Box $24.99 This elegant box is fashioned like an engagement ring and holds a black fitted t-shirt inside for your bridesmaids. Features and facts:??? 100% cotton fitted tee??? Sizes: Small, Medium and Large??? Diamond Ring Box made of acetate reads ???BRIDESMAID??? on the front??? Coordinates with ???I Do??? Bridesmaid Tote |
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I Do! Bride T-Shirt In Keepsake Diamond Ring Box $24.99 This elegant box is fashioned like an engagement ring and holds a fitted t-shirt inside for the bride-to-be. Features and facts:??? 100% cotton fitted tee??? Sizes: Small, Medium and Large??? Diamond Ring Box made of acetate reads ???BRIDE??? on the front??? Coordinates with the ???I Do??? Bride Tote |
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Holiday Ornaments Gourmet Brownie Favors $3.85 Decorate your holiday party with these delightful ornaments. Deliciously dipped in chocolate and iced to perfection, these tasty brownies are available in four fabulous designs. Features and facts:Hand-decorated brownie ball on a stick dipped in luscious chocolateChoose from four designs: green swirl, pink sugared crosshatch, snazzy snowflake and holiday dotsWrapped in clear cellophane with ribbon in your choice of colorMinimum 12 of the same design |
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Mini Connect Four Party Favors 4 Pack $8.99 Mini Connect Four Party Favors 4 Pack |
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Chocolate and Strawberry Cream Ring Pillow $35.99 With a touch of whimsy, a brilliant ring pillow is made even more delectable. Pink duchess satin is splashed with chocolate for a fashionable take on a simple, yet elegant, design. Features and facts: Pink duchess satin ring pillow with a chocolate satin ribbon band and diamond-shaped rhinestone accentMeasures 8″” squareCoordinates beautifully with the Chocolate and Strawberry Cream flower girl basket, guest book and pen set, garter set, toasting glasses and cake serving set |
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Party Favors Assorted Teeth $5.95 Assorted teeth for your next party. Very unique. |
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Crown Jewel Diamond-Shaped Tea Light Candleholder $59.98 Guaranteed to add elegance and glamour to any table setting during or after the big day, the silver-plated, diamond-ring-shaped candleholders come in a set of three assorted sizes per package. Facts and features: Three sizes per package Measurements: 7 ??”", 8 ?????”"and 10″” Silver-plated |
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With this Ring Elegant Icon Favor Box (Set of 24) $14.4 Because it all began with a ring, let these wedding rings become the sweet ending to your special day. Celebrating your never-ending circle of love, these rings also thank your guests as they proudly stand on top of this aqua wedding favor box. Popping into place as the box is folded, the sleek design is accented with a white satin bow and the words “”With this ring…”" across the bottom. Features and facts:Aqua wedge-shaped box with white die-cut “”wedding rings”" with faux diamond that pop up when folded is accented with a white satin ribbon bow and the words “”With This Ring”"Measures 2 1/2″” x 2″” x 4 3/4″”Includes favor box and ribbonSold as a set of 24Easy assembly |
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Crystal Diamond-Shaped Tea Light Holder (Set of Four) $14 The brilliance of a special event often lies in a gem of an idea. Simply scatter these sparkling diamonds on guest tables and buffet tables, light the candles and watch your party-planning artistry shine. Features and facts: Diamond-cut, glass tea light holder has many facets that glisten in the candle’s glow Beautiful accent for table d…cor Holder measures approximately 1 ????? h x 2 ????? in diameter Tea light candle not included Sold in a set of four |
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Party Favors & Hostess Gifts $8.78 It ‘ s always nice to thank your guests with a memorable take-home gift — or give your hostess a thoughtful token of appreciation. From coaster sets to personalized votives, this charming volume presents 40 quick yet creative projects that say thank you beautifully. There are ideas for baby showers (a diaper-shaped goodie cup), girl ‘ s night out (scented soap tied up with ribbons and herbs), children ‘ s birthday parties, weddings, and more. With choices that include handmade note cards packaged with a holder and pen, a goodie-filled pamper yourself basket, and a mini-vase made from a glass tube, all the hottest crafting categories are fully represented. |
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Chocolate and Strawberry Cream Cake Serving Set $39.99 Serve your cake in style with this knife and server accented with brown bows and diamond shaped buckles. Features and facts:Set includes cake knife and server with chiseled handles, chocolate brown bows and diamond-shaped crystal bucklesCan be personalized with a monogram, logo, your names and wedding date, or up to two lines of your own wedding message for an additional feeCoordinates beautifully with the Chocolate and Strawberry Cream ring pillow, guest book and pen set, flower girl basket, garter set and toasting glasses |
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Chocolate and Strawberry Cream Guest Book $35.99 Today, tomorrow, forever – you’ll want to remember the people who made your wedding so special. Treasure their well wishes in this elegant guest book topped with a chocolate satin bow and diamond-shape crystal buckle. Features and facts:Duchess satin covers this guest book and base with a hint of pink, which is accented by chocolate satin ribbon and bow with a diamond-shaped crystal buckleset includes guest book, pen and baseBeautifully coordinates with the Chocolate and Strawberry Cream ring pillow, flower girl basket, cake serving set, and toasting glasses |
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14k White Gold 3/4ct Diamond Statement Ring $2259.95 This sophisticated finely crafted white gold and diamond ring is a stunning beauty. Treat yourself with this 14k White Gold 3/4ct Diamond Statement Ring. |
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Wedding Day Survival Kit $49 Say “”I Do”" to disaster relief with the wedding day survival kit. Inside this chic, reusable train case are 30 must-have items to help brides fend off any last-minute fiasco. With these essentials by her side, a bride can be prepared for virtually any emergency on her wedding day and beyond. Topped with a white satin ribbon and “”life-size”" novelty diamond ring. This kit makes the ultimate bridal shower gift. |
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14k Yellow Gold Ring Diamond Drop Earrings $1690 .70 cwt diamond studded circle top dangling with three rope rings and the drop with a rope shaped ring and inserted with a diamond studded ring at the centre making these drop earrings unique. Unique yet stylish can be said for these 14k Yellow Gold Ring Diamond Drop Earrings. |
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Key Ring – Diamond Bling Key Chain $4.99 Surprise your girlfriend on your anniversary with this beautiful Diamond Bling Key Ring. Apart from providing functionality, this key chain also adds a lot of ?bling-bling? which is totally in. This key ring has an oversized cut glass diamond that looks stunning and is sure to turn a few heads. It has a chrome-plated band that blends well with the diamond. These Diamond Bling Key Rings are also perfect as wedding favors. Every independent woman can buy one for herself for that extra ?bling? in her life. Keep all your keys together and stylishly organized with this Diamond Bling Key Ring key chain.Features:• Chrome ring band• Cut glass “diamond”• Makes a great party or wedding favorSize: 2″tall x 1 1/2″wide |
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14k Tri Tone Diamond Triple BandFlower Ring $599.95 This beautiful ring is crafted of 14kt white gold with yellow, white and rose gold flowers, each having a diamond in the center. This 14k Tri Tone Diamond Triple BandFlower Ring will make a great addition to any jewelry collection. |
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14k Yellow Gold Aquamarine & Diamond Ring $469.95 A round cut diamond and an oval aquamarine adorn this ring of yellow gold. You are most beautiful when you wear this 14k Yellow Gold Aquamarine & Diamond Ring. |
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14k Yellow Gold Sophisticated 1/3ct Diamond Ring $1394.95 This sophisticated ring is crafted of fine 14k Yellow Gold and gorgeous Diamonds. Standout in this 14k Yellow Gold Sophisticated 1/3ct Diamond Ring. |
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14k Yellow Gold Diamond Fashion Ring $714.95 This beautiful ring is crafted of 14k Yellow Gold and gorgeous white diamonds. You will be the envy of everyone with this 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Fashion Ring. |
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14k White Gold Diamond Fashion Ring $714.95 This beautiful ring is finely crafted of 14k White Gold and gorgeous white diamonds. You will be the envy of everyone with this 14k White Gold Diamond Fashion Ring. |
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14k White Gold 1/3ct Diamond Fashion Ring $939.95 This gorgeous ring is finely crafted of 14k White Gold and sparkling white diamonds. Adorn yourself with this 14k White Gold 1/3ct Diamond Fashion Ring. |
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Easter Egg Hunt Filler (Pack of 24 Favors) $7.99 Package includes 24 assorted plastic Easter Egg Hunt party favors. |
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Diamond Flower 14K Two-Tone Tots Ring $181.9 Our elaborate Diamond Flower 14K Two-Tone Tots Ring features 4 heart-shaped cutouts along the gold band. A flower of rose gold provides the clever setting for a center diamond. Your tot will truly have it all with this multifaceted Diamond Flower 14K two-tone tots ring. |
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Open Heart Diamond 14K Gold Tots Ring $234.95 The Open Heart Diamond 14K Gold Tots Ring is elegant simplicity. The fancy rope-style band forms a heart with a round center diamond. For sophisticated fun, you can introduce your child to fine jewelry with this Open Heart Diamond 14K gold tots ring. |
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Diamond Butterfly 14K Gold Tots Ring $209.95 This exquisite Diamond Butterfly 14K Gold Tots Ring has gold wings and a body of three diamonds. The rope-style band sets off the beautiful diamond centerpiece. Your tot will be the envy of the class in our gorgeous Diamond Butterfly 14K Gold Tots Ring. |
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14k White Gold Princess Citrine Diamond Statement Ring $2084.95 A princess citrine adorns this diamond studded statement ring of white gold. You are an impressive woman with this 14k White Gold Princess Citrine Diamond Statement Ring. |
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14k Yellow Gold 1/2ct Diamond Layered Ring $1934.95 This elegant yellow gold ring has been layered and carved with great elegance and adorned with diamonds. Experience Modern Elegance with this 14k Yellow Gold 1/2ct Diamond Layered Ring. |
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14k Yellow Gold 1/3ct Diamond Fashion Ring $1359.95 This unique ring is crafted of fine 14k yellow gold and gorgeous white diamonds. You will be the talk of the town when you wear this 14k Yellow Gold 1/3ct Diamond Fashion Ring. |
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14k Yellow Gold 1CT Diamond Fashion Ring $2259.95 This finely crafted ring of 14k yellow gold and white diamonds is a must have for anyone. Make this 14k Yellow Gold Finely Layered Diamond Ring a staple in your jewelry wardrobe. |
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14k Yellow Gold Diamond Leaf Ring $574.95 Ths well crafted leaf design ring is made of 14k yellow gold with 3 gorgeous white diamonds. Artistically beautiful can be said after seeing this 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Leaf Ring. |