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How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring

How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring

A diamond engagement ring represents love and commitment. It is an outward sign of the inward love you have for your bride-to-be. Before purchasing your diamond engagement ring, there are a few things to consider.

The 4Cs of Diamond Quality

Diamonds are priced according to the 4 C’s: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Please read our diamond education, as well as "How to Choose the Perfect Diamond," to learn about each attribute in detail and what diamond grade offers the best value for your budget.

In addition to the 4 C’s, shape (e.g. round, pear, marquise, oval, heart, etc.), brilliance, dispersion and scintillation determine a diamond's value.

Select Your Metal First

Engagement rings are typically made from one of three metals: platinum, white gold, or yellow gold. Platinum is the most expensive metal as it resists tarnishing, but it is also the most expensive to repair if damaged.

Yellow gold rings are the most popular and are available in 14-karat or 18-karat gold. Although this type of ring can show scratches and other abrasions, repairs come easy.

White gold rings have a silver-like appearance which will eventually wear off and need to be replaced. The appeal of white gold is that it easily matches most other jewelry.

Choose Your Setting Wisely

Engagement ring styles are individual and should match the personality of the person who will be wearing it. There are endless options of standard and custom engagement ring settings from simple solitaire settings to contemporary tension settings. Prong settings are among the most popular settings as they make the center diamond appear as though it is hanging, which creates an attractive sparkle. To learn more about setting options, check out our education center.

Once you have chosen the setting and diamond, your work is done. James Allen will then prepare your perfect engagement ring and have it ready for you to present to your beloved as you ask for her hand in marriage.

Certificate of Appraisal

Upon purchasing your diamond and setting, you will receive a certificate of authenticity. This certificate will confirm the engagement ring's value and is what you will need if you choose to insure your purchase. Most certificates are issued by the American Gem Society (A.G.S.) or the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.), two of the most widely accepted certifying organizations for the diamond industry. All of James Allen’s diamonds come with certificates of appraisal. Do not purchase a diamond if it does not come with a certificate from a reputable.

A Guarantee or Warranty

Depending on the jeweler, some type of guarantee or warranty may be offered with your purchase. Many jewelers provide a limited time money back guarantee while others will give to you a lifetime warranty. Understand what you are buying and the policy before you make your purchase.

If you have any questions or need any help selecting the perfect engagement ring, feel free to call our gemologists or customer service experts, available 24/7.

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