FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN BUYING AN ENGAGEMENT RING IN CHICAGO

Popping the question might be hard for a moment but choosing the engagement ring is on another level. It is because of the several factors that need to be considered in buying the ring that represents your promise and commitment to embark on a major journey with your future partner in life. You can find a lot of types and cut styles of engagement rings in Chicago jewelry shops.

Now, what are these factors?

THE 4Cs

The 4Cs stands for color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. This standard is created by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) to determine the price and quality of a diamond.

● COLOR

Knowing the meaning of colors in diamonds can help you greatly in choosing the right engagement ring for you. The grading system for diamonds starts from D-Z, D being the colorless which means a higher price value and Z having a light yellowish color, being less expensive compared to D. The less color a diamond has, the higher value it has. If you are in a tight budget, you may opt for a light yellowish color diamond. If you have the budget, then opt for D. Whatever the color it may be, diamond is still diamond!

● CUT

Diamonds are known for their hued sparkles and reflectors of light. These sparkles may differ based on their varied cuts. The round brilliant cut diamonds are the sparkliest with 58 facets, that let the light enter the diamond and reflect to each of the facets, creating an impressive sparkle.

● CLARITY

Clarity is like the clearness of a diamond. It is the absence of inclusions and blemishes that are caused by the great heat and pressure being buried within the deep part of the earth. Flawless diamonds are very rare and therefore, pricey.

● CARAT WEIGHT

Carat weight is the weight of the diamond. Bigger diamond stone means a higher price. Although, this varies since the 4Cs should be wholly taken into consideration.

DIFFERENT SHAPES AND CUT STYLE

Diamonds come in different shapes and cut styles. Understanding these features will help you save some time in choosing the right ring. The most distinguished shape so far is the round shape. Another type of shape available is the marquise, pear, oval, rectangle, square, and heart.

Cutting style is the arrangement of the facets of a diamond. Now, what is facet? Facet is the flat surface found on the geometric shape of a diamond. For example, the round diamond cut has 58 facets that make it more reflective to light, thus, it creates more sparkle compared to other shapes that have lesser facets.

METAL

Choosing the right metal is important for the overall look of your engagement ring. Metals such as platinum and gold are the most common metal use for the band. They are suited best for people that are appreciative of modern things.

SETTING

After selecting metal of your choice for the band, the next thing you should do is determine your ideal setting. This is to accentuate the brilliance and beauty of the diamond. It is also a way of protecting the diamond from any surface damages. There are three typical types of diamond settings - the prong setting, bezel setting, and the halo setting.

The prong setting is where the diamond is held with 4 to 6 prongs. This is the most popular setting on the market not only with diamonds but also with the different kinds of stones.

The bezel setting provides the best protection for the center stone and provides an optical illusion that makes the diamond look bigger than its real size. It also one of the oldest jewelry ring settings that can normally be seen on vintage rings.

The halo setting is the encircling of tiny diamonds to the center stone. This type of setting makes the ring more lavish and eye-catching. The halo setting is also a vintage type of setting dating back in the 1920s.

DETAILS

After carefully assessing the 4Cs, selecting the shape and cut style, the metal for the band, and the setting for your engagement ring, now is the time for the details!

Details are more personal. You can request to add side stones for more sophistication and elegance to your engagement ring in various Chicago jewelry shops or engrave something that is both memorable for both of you such as a heart, or the date when you two have met.

PAYMENT PLANS

Yes, the payment method is part of the factors to consider in buying an engagement ring. Why? Because you can’t just walk out the door with the ring without paying for it. Some jewelry shops offer a flexible payment plan to pay for your purchase. You can also opt for cash if you have the budget to pay the ring in full payment.

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

Consider getting insurance for the ring that you purchased. Engagement rings are pretty expensive, hence, protecting it from things and instances that are out of your control is very important to consider.

THE PROPOSAL

Finally, you are now a step away from being ready to pop that question! Plan for your proposal and make it momentous.