If you are thinking about popping the question, you’ve probably also started thinking about engagement rings. Luckily for you, here is the simplest guide ever to finding the diamond engagement rings and wedding bands in the way that will work best for you. Once you decide which shopping approach is best for you and your soon-to-be fiancée, you’ll be on your way to making that purchase—with your sanity intact.
Heirloom. If you have a diamond engagement ring that’s been in your family for generations, you may have the perfect engagement ring on your hands, preloaded with sentimental family history and symbolism. Start by getting the ring professionally cleaned. If the setting still looks shabby, or the center stone is dull and poorly cut, it may be a better idea to either reset the center stone in a new setting or purchase a loose diamond to rejuvenate a classic setting.
National Chain Store. National chains, those stores at the mall with the shiny displays and perky salespeople, are convenient, and generally have a pretty wide range of setting styles. However, the salespeople may not know an awful lot about diamonds, which can be frustrating when you are trying to invest in the perfect loose diamond. Also, remember that the cost of all those sexy commercials is worked into the cost of your ring.
Independent Jeweler. Independent bricks-and-mortar jewelry shops can offer impeccable customer service, a wealth of knowledge about loose diamonds and settings, and often throw in perks like free cleanings. On the other hand, they tend to have the smallest selection of stones and settings of any engagement ring source, and their prices reflect the high cost of running an independent shop. Before you buy from an independent jeweler, make sure that he is trustworthy and sells only certified diamonds.
Online Retailers. More and more customers are turning to the Web for their engagement rings, for several reasons. First, the selection at an Internet-based store is much better than at a bricks-and-mortar. Second, without the costs of running a physical store, online retailers can offer certified loose diamonds, settings and rings online at significantly better prices. Some customers appreciate communicating with diamond experts via live chat or email instead of in a store, while others enjoy the convenience of literally being able to buy the engagement ring or wedding band wherever and whenever they feel like it.
