Many people are interested in designer diamond rings because they are associated with luxury and quality. But shopping for a branded diamond ring can feel overwhelming if you’re not quite sure where to begin. If you’re on the market for a beautiful designer ring, follow these rules:
Rule #1: Set a Budget
Know how much you want to spend before you start shopping so you don’t fall in love with a diamond ring and find out later that you can’t afford it. Many people think they have to spend two to three months’ salary on a ring, but rules like this are outdated. There are no rules, so spend as much or as little as you can afford.
Rule #2: Get Inspired
Look for inspiration by turning to Instagram or Pinterest to search for images of designer diamond rings. Save any images that catch your eye so you know what to look for once you start shopping. Looking on these social media networks can also help you discover new designers that you weren’t familiar with before.
Rule #3: Research Designers
Gather a list of your top 10 engagement ring designers and start researching them. Are their designs within your budget? Are the rings hard to find? Do they use high quality diamonds in their designs? Narrow down the list of designers based on the answers to these questions.
Rule #4: Make Sure You Shop With an Authorized Retailer
Make sure the retailer that you are buying the ring from is an authorized retailer. An authorized retailer is one that the designer has authorized to sell his products directly to the consumer. Designers choose to work with reliable retailers that they are proud to do business with, which is why it’s important to avoid retailers that have not been authorized. If a retailer is not authorized, it means he is reselling products that he did not purchase directly from the designer. Therefore, the items could be damaged or counterfeit.
Rule #5: Look at the GIA Certificate
Don’t assume that a diamond ring is high quality simply because it has a designer’s name attached to it. Before purchasing a ring, ask to see the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certificate. This document provides verified information on the cut, color, clarity, and carat of the diamond. Review this information before deciding if the ring is fairly priced and of a good quality.
Rule #6: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone when looking at diamond rings. Some of the top designer engagement rings are not solitaire diamonds, but unique settings with intricate details. Even though white gold and platinum are the most popular metal options for engagement bands, don’t rule out rose gold or yellow gold bands. Shop with an open mind and explore everything the designer has to offer before making a decision.
Rule #7: Don’t Get Hung Up on the Size of the Diamond
Finally, remember not to focus too much on the size of the diamond. There are many factors that you need to consider when shopping for a diamond; size is just one of them. You should pay attention to the physical measurements, in addition to the 4 C’s, when determining the way a diamond will look in a setting. Big diamonds are not always better, so don’t get hung up on the carat weight.
Shopping for designer diamond rings can be overwhelming since there are so many options. But as long as you follow these rules, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect ring!
